Whether your shed is used as a workshop or a garage, if you spend time there in winter, you’ll need a source of heat. Cold joints and numb fingers make it difficult (and unpleasant) to work on your car, DIY job or other projects. If your shed has electricity, it’s easier to find a reliable and safe source of heat. However, many sheds aren’t wired for power, so we’ve included some heating ideas for those that don’t have electricity.
Heating A shed Safely
If you don’t have heating in your shed, you’re far more likely to put off those jobs you’ve been meaning to get around to. When it’s warm and cosy inside the house, who wants to go out and freeze in the cold winter air?
A heated shed is much more of a motivator, but which type is best?
If you have electricity in your shed, you have more options. There are a range of specially designed outdoor heating options that are both attractive and affordable.
These include:
- Heatstrips
- Outdoor stand heaters
- Oscillating outdoor heaters
- Outdoor heaters with speaker
- Radiant outdoor heaters
No electricity? Keep reading.
Heating A Shed Without Electricity
If your shed doesn’t have electricity, your best bet is an indoor-safe propane heater. Never use an outdoor propane heater indoors as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Indoor propane heaters have been specially designed for indoor use and are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to heat your shed. If you have the time and money, another option to explore is an off grid solar power kit for sheds.
Insulation
If your shed doesn’t have electricity, investing in some high-quality insulation is a smart move, particularly if you are planning on spending a large amount of time in your shed. This applies to both the hot summer months and the cold winter months. While it’s easier and much more cost-effective to install insulation during the initial construction of your shed, it is still possible to retrofit insulation. It may take a bit more time (and cutting, taping and fixing) to get a good result, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
Without insulation, any heating or cooling system will struggle to cope. There are different types of insulation, so it’s worth speaking to a shed insulation specialist like Bradfords.
General safety tips
While safety standards for heaters have improved over time, it is still important to make regular checks and avoid complacency. General safety tips include:
- Never leave a heater unattended.
- Keep flammable substances away from heating.
- Make sure your heater is running properly and is well-maintained.
- Don’t be tempted to bring outdoor heating (like patio heaters) into enclosed spaces no matter how cold you are. They pose a serious fire risk when used incorrectly.
- Keep young children away from any heating source.
- Invest in a fire extinguisher. You never know when you will need it!
Looking for a new shed? Aussie Made Sheds offers a range of sheds Australia wide including garages, rural sheds, barns, industrial sheds and carports. Get in touch with us for a free shed quote.