Types of Residential Unit Heaters
When considering heating for a residential space, workspace, garage, barn, or greenhouse, Modine offers several options. We have the right unit heater to fit your space.
Unit Heater Types
First, check which fuel source is available in your space.
Knowing your fuel source will help determine what type of heater you will need. If you don’t currently have a fuel source, you will need to decide what works best for your situation.
There are three main types of heaters on the market to choose from:
- Natural gas or propane
- Hot water
- Electric
The selection of one of these types depends on what’s available at your location, but most properties will have the ability to operate one of these three unit types.
Unit Heater Location
Next, think about where the heater will be located.
Are you looking for a garage heater or a workshop heater?
Is the space attached to your home?
Is the area separate, like a barn or outbuilding?
Before the heater can be installed, the space may require additional pipe or wiring. Make sure you discuss this with your contractor during the quoting process.
Size of the Space
How large is the space you are looking to heat?
Having basic size information about the space will help during the initial conversations with your qualified, licensed contractor. However, it is essential to have your licensed heating contractor measure the space and perform a heat loss calculation.
Use of the Space
What is the primary purpose of the space?
Will the garage heater be used to keep your car warm during the harsh winter months?
Is it a workshop or home gym you only need to keep warm when you are using the space?
Maybe it is your separate garage where you rebuild old cars year-round.
Understanding the needs of your space will help you walk through available unit heater options and make the best choice for your needs.
Now that you have thought about the items above, let’s walk through the different unit heater options
Electric Unit Heaters
Lastly, electric unit heaters use electricity from your service panel but require no venting, making them a good solution for those who want heat in their garage but don’t want to run gas lines or vent pipe. The Modine electric unit heaters are ideal for commercial applications.
Gas-Fired Unit Heaters
Gas unit heaters require either natural or propane fuel for combustion and must be vented to the outside to remove flue contaminants. These heaters can be mounted relatively quickly and provide a lot of heat in a small box. There are many options that will allow you to use them in most spaces, including workshops that require separated combustion.
Hot Water Unit Heaters
Hot water unit heaters require a heat source, such as a home boiler, for operation. Once integrated with your existing boiler system, these units provide quiet, efficient heating for your garage or workspace.
