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Six Benefits of Installing a Unit Heater in Your Garage

September 8, 2025

With colder temperatures on the way, you may be dreading getting into a cold car every day. Or you might be lamenting that you can’t work on your projects in the garage for too much longer. But a unit heater can solve both of those problems and more! These self-contained heating elements use blowers to spread warm air throughout an enclosed space, making them ideal for garages. They are more powerful than traditional space heaters and boast high energy efficiency.


Keep reading to learn about the benefits of installing a unit heater in your garage.


1. Keeps You Warm on Drives


Getting into a cold car is one of the downsides of our harsh Minnesota winters. Some drivers remedy this with a remote starter or by manually starting their car ahead of time. But it’s easy to forget to start your car in advance, and sometimes you simply won’t have time. But if your garage is maintained at a warm temperature by a unit heater, there’s no need! You can hop in your car at any time and enjoy a warm, comfortable drive.


2. Protects Your Car


Cold temperatures can wear out your car in several ways. For one thing, repeated cold starts can cause wear and tear on your engine. Cold temperatures can also shorten your car battery’s life. Cold car oil won’t protect your engine as effectively as warm oil, either. A garage warmed by a unit heater will alleviate these problems. Plus, without the need to start your car ahead of time, you’ll save on fuel costs.


3. Provides a Safe Heating Solution


Some homeowners use space heaters to warm up their garages during the winter. But space heaters can cause burns if touched, which makes them particularly dangerous for households with small children. Space heaters can even start fires if they’re used irresponsibly. A unit heater is mounted from the ceiling, keeping it out of reach of children and fire hazards.


We also mentioned earlier that some homeowners start their cars in advance to warm them up during the winter months. But doing so in your garage can trap dangerous carbon monoxide fumes inside. With a unit heater, you can enjoy a warm car without risk to your family’s health or yours.


4. Expands Living and Working Space


Midwesterners like to hang out in the garage, but less so when it’s freezing cold outside. A unit heater keeps your garage livable and comfortable all winter long! Whether you like to play foosball or watch football in the garage, a unit heater is an effective heating solution. And if you enjoy working on hobbies or other projects, you can continue doing so during the winter months without worrying about the cold.


5. Expands Storage Space


Garages double as storage space for many homeowners, but Minnesota winters limit what you can safely store in them. Some items are sensitive to the cold and might be ruined if exposed to freezing temperatures. With a unit heater, it’s easy to keep your garage at a safe temperature for items such as paint and other chemicals. Store whatever you wish without fear of it freezing!


6. Protects Pets and Plants


If you have outdoor pets or plants, you might wonder about the best way to protect them during the cold winter months. You could always bring them into your home, but many animals and plants are kept outdoors for a reason. As much as we love them, they can cause a mess inside! A unit heater allows you to keep your pets and plants warm and cozy in the garage during even the harshest winter storms.


Get Your Unit Heater from WestAIR


Ready to enjoy a warm, comfortable garage this fall and winter? Contact WestAIR Heating & Cooling to inquire about a unit heater. We proudly install Modine unit heaters, which are known for their effectiveness and high energy efficiency.

Contact us today to learn more about the models we offer and which one may be right for your garage!