As the weather starts to get cooler, many of us start thinking about heating our sheds. There are a number of best ways to heat a shed but some methods are better than others and it is important that you choose a solution that is right for you. Here we will look at all the options available and give pros and cons for each method.
There are many reasons that a person would decide to heat a shed, from keeping machinery and tools dry in winter to using the shed as a workshop during the colder months. Sheds can be very vulnerable structures and they need protecting from whatever weather you have thrown at them through the year. Whatever your reason for wanting to keep your shed warm.
Best Ways to Heat A Shed
There are a number of ways to heat your shed in the winter months. Whatever you decide will depend on personal preference, size, and configuration of the shed as well as budget. Below we have taken some common and not so common heating solutions and discussed their benefits and drawbacks.
How To Heat A Shed Without Electricity?
Electricity is becoming more and more popular as a heat source in sheds. These systems, electric heaters use electrical elements such as metal tubing or rod, ceramic heaters, and even light bulbs. Here are the best ways to heat a shed without electricity:
- Solar Panels
- Oil-Fired Storage Heaters
- By Propane
- Wood Or Coal Heaters
- Fired Heaters
- Air Source Heat Pump
Solar Panels
Solar panels are very popular for heating the workshop sheds. they are relatively easy to install and the parts required are readily available. The underfloor cable can easily be run alongside or underneath solar panels, especially if roof-mounted. When purchasing solar panels, it’s best to go for high-efficiency mono-crystalline panels as they generate more power and less heat per square meter. The solar heating solution is the renewable heating solution along with green energy that is the benefit for this. Or you can use the backyard revolution solar energy learning program that teaches you how to build DIY 3D Solar Panels to generate electricity from free solar energy for your shed.
The downside of solar panels is that they require a large initial outlay, they are susceptible to damage from falling objects and they can be difficult to install, especially for DIY enthusiasts. The initial cost also pays back very little if you’re not running the sun’s energy on a daily basis as most systems will only store power for up to a few days.
Or alternatively, you can use the solar-powered heater for your shed to keep it warm.
Oil-Fired Storage Heaters
Oil-fired storage heaters can be a very effective way to keep your shed warm during the winter months without power, especially if you don’t have a power source close by. They are very easy to maintain and only need the oil replaced every few months, which is far cheaper than wood or coal options. They provide a steady, even heat and the traditional design means that they are easy to install.
The benefit of this type of heater is that they are easy to install, very efficient and the running costs are low.
Another downside of these types of oil-fired storage heaters is that they can be expensive to buy and run. They also make a lot of noise and need regular maintenance in order to keep running for years.
Use Propane
The next heating solution for a shed without power, on my list, is propane space heaters. If you are looking for something quick and easy to install, this is the perfect solution. Propane heaters can be used in most types of buildings and come with a variety of safety features such as child-proof controls and even tip-over protection. They can be easily transferred from one building to another if required.
They have many benefits that make them hard to beat when it comes to heating your shed. They are cost-effective and efficient, there is no installation required and they can be installed in most types of buildings.
The only downside is that if you don’t have electricity nearby, propane heaters will need to be refilled and cleaned regularly. But this could be seen as an advantage as well that if power is lost they can be easily refilled.
Wood or Coal Heaters
Wood or coal heaters are perhaps the most popular way of heating sheds. They are relatively cheap to buy and run, wood stoves look nice and traditional, and can produce a lot of heat. The downside with these types of heaters is that they need regular maintenance, but this doesn’t have to be done too often if you only use them occasionally.
Another downside is that if you have the option of using propane, electricity, or solar power if these are not options for heating your shed then it would be best to avoid this. Woodstove heaters also generate carbon monoxide which is causing some health problems if not properly vented.
Fired Heaters
They are very cheap to run and the heaters themselves are easy to maintain by simply cleaning out the ashes occasionally. Fired heaters draw air from outside and supply it through ducting into the shed; this means you get fresh oxygen circulating within your building, not stale recycled air like other systems such as underfloor heating.
On the downside, fired heaters do require a power supply, and factoring this into your ongoing costs can be difficult not to mention there is more risk of fire with this type of heating system.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are becoming very popular as more people switch to renewable energy sources. They are particularly good if you already have solar panels, wind turbines or a micro-hydro system installed as this type of heating system can extract heat from the surrounding air and even from water. They require an outdoor unit that usually consists of a large fan that circulates outside air into your home.
The indoor part is attached to the wall of your building and usually consists of a pipe with tubes containing refrigerant fluid. This refrigerant heats up when it is compressed which causes the surrounding air to heat up; this can be used instead of an open fire or stove.
However, you will need some form of renewable source in order for this heating method to work so if you don’t have any form of renewable energy, this type of heater is not for you.
If you do have a large supply of renewable power from solar panels or wind turbines, it could be worthwhile installing an air source heat pump. They are pretty cheap to run and they cost a lot less to maintain than other systems such as wood-burning stoves or solar panels. The initial cost might be expensive but it pays for itself quickly as the system only needs a refrigerant recharge every few years.
How To Heat An Uninsulated Shed
In order to heat an uninsulated shed, you should be looking for a heating solution that offers lightweight and easy installation. In other words, electric heating is the best choice. You can either use under-floor electric heating mats or strip heater units that are installed on the walls of your shed.
Installing Transparent Sheet
This is one of the most popular and efficient ways to fix the problem that you have when it comes to how to heat an uninsulated shed. You can use regular transparent sheeting such as PVC, polycarbonate, or even fiberglass. It’s important that the sheeting is sturdy and made from a material resistant to hail damage and high winds.
To find out which sheeting is right for your shed, it’s best to consult with a professional who specializes in this kind of work. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and advice that you need before purchasing the right sort of material.
Space Heater
Another great way to heat your shed is by installing a space heater. These are the most efficient option if you want to install heating in an uninsulated shed, but they require quite a bit of work. They are basically just like room heaters that can be installed anywhere you have access to an electric connection or even propane supply.
The space heater is very easy to install and can be put in almost any type of building, but they require a lot of work as you need to run electric cables throughout the shed. If you don’t want to go through this trouble then this is probably not the right solution for your problem.
Read Also: Electric Vs Propane Patio Heater: Which Is More Efficient?
Installing Under-Floor Heating Mat Strips
Heating mats are a great solution when it comes to heating an uninsulated shed. They can be installed under the floor of your building or even on its ceiling, heating all the air inside the shed. This is one of the best options if you have a large space that needs heating and don’t want to spend money on powering up several heating solutions.
Portable Electric Heater
Electric portable heaters are one of the best options if you need to quickly warm your garage or workshop shed. After all, they are the most commonly used heating solution in many homes and businesses around the world.
They offer good value for money, look nice, and can be easily moved from one place to another without too much hassle. However, it’s important that you purchase a reliable and safe heater that will last for several years.
Install Infrared Heat Bulbs
To heat an uninsulated shed installing infrared heat bulbs can do the job for you. There are many different types of infrared heater bulbs available in the market, but they all work in a similar way. They produce electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the human eye and help increase the temperature inside the room it’s placed in.
The main advantage of using infrared heating is that it doesn’t require much energy, so you can save on your monthly utility bills. This makes it one of the best options to heat an uninsulated shed as you don’t need to spend too much money on installing and powering up the system.
Under Floor Heating
Underfloor heating is by far the simplest way for uninsulated sheds, it involves installing an electric cable that is wired to an electric heater in your house or garage. The wire is laid between the joists under the floor of your shed and covered with insulation material so no wires are visible once installed.
The electric cable is then plugged into a standard plug socket and the heater is often mounted on legs that sit just above floor level.
The benefit of this system is that it requires no maintenance and you don’t have to think about it. The heaters require very little electricity meaning they are very economical to run and you can switch them on as soon as possible.
The downside of this is that the heaters are usually not as effective as other heating methods and it can take some time to bring a cold room up to temperature. It is also the most expensive option, however, if you already have an outdoor power supply then it is certainly worth considering
What Are Best Cheapest Way To Heat A Shed?
Now, I am going to reveal all the best and cheap ways to heat an insulated or uninsulated shed with electricity or without electricity. In addition, I will throw some light on how to run a power cable from the house.
First of all, we will discuss an uninsulated shed with no electric supply. This method is for those who want to build a small unheated greenhouse or shed and don’t mind working in cold conditions during winter with freezing fingers and toes.
The cheapest way to get this done is to run a water pipe from the house, put it in an insulated tube which should be placed inside the shed. This tube should be filled with hot water or anti-freeze fluid. Then connect that tube to a box which has an electric radiator heating element fitted inside it. The length of the wire of the heating element should be equal to twice the length of the water pipe. If you are using the 40-watt heater, then make sure that there are 80 watts of power supply in the house.
The next cheap way for heating a shed with electricity is to run a wire from the house and fit an electric radiator heating element in it. The length of the wire should be equal to twice the length of the shed plus some extra feet which are required for heat loss through electricity. If you are using the 40-watt heater, then make sure that there are 100 watts of power supply in the room where this heater is to be kept.
If these methods don’t work, then you can use an electric heater with a fan for cooling and heating purpose. But make sure that the heater should be 1500 watts or more amount of heat. This heater should have a thermostatic control so as to switch on/off automatically according to the temperature inside the shed.
Shed Heaters – Important Safety Aspects
According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. Most Of the accidents happen because of not applying important safety aspects in the home.
One of the most important aspects of heating your workshop or garage shed is safety. Heating with wood or coal can be very dangerous as you are reliant on the correct fuel being burned before you start, so it’s always best to have a secondary heating solution in case anything goes wrong. Another thing to remember is that your heater might malfunction and you should always keep a bucket of sand and a box of baking soda inside your shed.
If you want to be sure that everything is safe then we recommend hiring someone who specializes in heating uninsulated sheds as they will know exactly what needs to be done and can offer additional tips regarding safety.
What Is The Most Efficient Way To Heat A Shed?
The most efficient way to heat a shed is by installing under-floor heating mat strips. They can be installed below your floor and work by warming the air inside your building. This is a good solution for large sheds as you only need one power source to keep them warm, but it’s also possible to install more than one system if necessary.
The most common way for heating a shed is by installing electric portable heaters. They are easy to use, look nice, and can be easily moved from one place to another without too much hassle. However, it’s important that you purchase a reliable heater that will last for several years so you don’t have to spend more money on heating your shed it can be used along with under-floor heating mat strips.
If you also need to get some warm water in your shed then you need a good then you can use a tankless water heater in your shed.
Can You Heat A Shed Without Insulation?
The best heating solution for an uninsulated shed is Installing under-floor heating mat strips.
Heating mats are a great solution when it comes to heating an uninsulated shed. They can be installed under the floor of your building or even on its ceiling, heating all the air inside the shed. This is one of the best options if you have a large space that needs heating and don’t want to spend money on powering up several heating solutions.
However, it’s important that you purchase a reliable and safe heater that will last for several years so you don’t have to keep spending money on heating your shed.
Installing infrared heat bulbs is another great option when it comes to heating a shed without any insulation.
How To Heat a Shed Garage Workshop?
In wintertime, it is always necessary to keep a workshop warm. Heating a shed workshop is the same as heating a shed. You can follow anyone methods that are shared above in this article.
Conclusion
What is the best way to heat a shed? Well, that depends on what you’re trying to do. If you want something low-maintenance and easy then an electric heater or heating mat strips would be your choice of heating device. But if you need some serious power for bigger jobs like drying lumber or melting snow, propane may be better suited for your needs. These are just two options out there when it comes to choosing how to keep things warm in your backyard space; make sure you research which one will work best with your unique situation before making any investment decisions.