Should You Use a Heater Inside a Portable Garage?

Many decide to turn their portable shelters into tool sheds and work areas. For most of the year, the structure creates a comfortable, dry environment for storing your belongings, doing repairs, and starting DIY projects. Yet, come winter, the interior becomes cold, and while you have work to do, you’re left wondering, "Couldn’t this be a bit warmer?"

So, you consider adding a portable heater or generator to the portable garage, and while it’s an option, safety is a major concern. There remains a carbon monoxide risk, as well as potential for fires if the device isn’t used correctly. Keep these tips in mind:

1. Watch Where You Place It

A heater should never be placed on carpeting or by fabric of any kind, as these are combustibles: Too much heat, and these materials start to burn, resulting in a fire inside your portable garage.

As well, if you have wood, tile, or linoleum inside your shelter, never place a portable heater directly on top of these materials. Instead, make sure you have a metal barrier in between.

2. Keep Your Eye on It

Also along the lines of avoiding a fire, always keep your eye on the heater. Never leave it unattended, and especially don’t keep it running when you’ve left the shelter for the day. Instead, only set it up when you plan to use the space, and once you’re done, turn it off and remove it from the area.

3. Keep the Area Ventilated

With generators and portable heaters, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning remains when you don’t ventilate the shelter. Make sure that air continues to circulate inside – but not enough to result in moisture buildup.

4. Keep the Heater Clean

It goes without saying that any portable heater or generator needs to be maintained. Part of this involves ensuring it continues to operate optimally. As the other aspect, the heater needs to be cleaned regularly – free of dust and other accumulated particles, as these, too, may create a fire hazard.

5. Does Your Garage Have a Separate Power Source?

In setting up a portable shelter, some homeowners make sure a power source is nearby. Should you decide to use a heater, this aspect is especially integral. Portable heating devices are known to consume as many as 3,000 watts, so, if you don’t have a nearby power source, be prepared to run an extension cord from your home to the garage.

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