Proper insulation is essential whether you use your shed for storage, protecting your vehicle from the elements, or as a workshop. However, even without insulation, you can keep your shed warm using a mushroom heater, a space heater, a portable electric heater, an infrared bulb, or even a solar-powered heater. But those aren’t your only options – you could try to adapt your shed’s roofing to keep it warmer in the winter.
Now, whether you’re just stopping by for a quick visit, spending long hours in your shed, or perhaps you need to maintain equipment that can’t withstand freezing temperatures, it’s vital to learn how to keep the shed warm. This is when battery warmers and do-it-yourself solar heaters come in useful.
In this article, I’ll go through all of the details and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various options for heating a shed. So saddle on, and let’s explore the wonderful shed heating possibilities!
Adapt the roofing for natural solar heating.
Let’s have a look at several alternatives to traditional heaters and energy. One fantastic idea is to harness the sun’s power. This works exceptionally well in areas with sunny days and chilly nights. It’s also a better choice for the environment!
You can adjust your shed’s roofing to capture natural solar warming. Instead of purchasing a Screwfix shed heater or using electricity, you may allow the sun to do its thing. Replace your old roof with transparent sheeting that allows sunlight to filter through during the day.
Consider installing a battery-powered heater in your shed. While this is an option, solar heating is more ecologically friendly and cost-effective over time.
Space heaters
Space heaters might be a great option for a large workshop shed. These are battery-powered heaters for sheds, designed to generate a large volume of hot air, allowing them to warm up large areas effectively.
Keep in mind that space heaters should be used with caution, especially when it comes to safety. Space heaters cause around 1,700 fires and 80 fatalities each year, so never leave a space heater turned on unattended. They tend to overheat if the air from them is obstructed, which could lead to sparking and, eventually, fire.
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There are several kinds of space heaters. Some are powered by electricity, while combustible fuels like natural gas, wood pellets, fuel oil, or propane power others. For smaller outbuildings, I prefer electrically powered heaters. They are more portable and safer to use in general.
The National Fire Protection Association reminds users that any flammable objects should be kept 3′ (0.3 meters) away from a space heater and that these heaters should not be left unattended when they are on. This reminder is informed by 2018 research showing that local fire departments responded to an average of 52,050 fires between 2012 and 2016 involving heaters. Space heaters accounted for 44% of those cases.
Portable electric heaters
Electric heaters are helpful in small spaces such as sheds. Plug it in and adjust the heat setting to your liking. The Brightown 1500W Space Heater is easy to operate, with two buttons for increasing or reducing heat.
Brightown 350W Space HeaterPortable electric heaters are helpful because you can transport them to areas where warmth is most needed. Ensure that there is a power outlet nearby. However, be cautious about where you put the heater in your shed. Uneven surfaces might cause it to fall, resulting in the heater scorching the cable or things it collides with.
Over time, your electric heater can get hot or start making noises. Always stay safe by keeping it away from the walls of your shed and any other surfaces where the hot air may cause damage.
Mushroom heater
Mushroom heaters are so-called because the shape of the top metal mimics a mushroom head. These heaters are also called umbrellas or patio heaters because they are commonly used outdoors.
The mushroom heater is powered by petroleum gas, butane, or propane dispensed from an inbuilt or separate tank. The heater has a burner on a pole that directs heat toward a perforated cylindrical metal screen. The top mushroom screen is silvered, reflecting heat outwards and warming the surrounding space.
These heaters are readily portable, with most of them fitted with a security stand and, in some cases, tiny wheels for easy portability. See this AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater for those features.
As with other heaters, mushroom heaters are best placed at least 3 feet (0.3 meters) from you and any surfaces in your shed.
Infrared heat bulbs
You might be interested in this concept if you’ve seen how poultry farmers use bulbs to warm their freshly hatched chicks. One option for heating your shed is to use infrared heat lamps. It’s like building a small sauna! Simply swap out the ordinary light bulb for an infrared heat bulb.
It is essential to note that infrared heat bulbs are better suited for cold, mild weather than harsh winter. However, this may be a great option if you only need to heat the shed when you’re there.
The advantage of these infrared heat bulbs is that they generate more heat than standard light bulbs, making them a great heating source. An example of these types of bulbs is the Broan-Nutone 2-Bulb Infrared Heater. It’s a 250W heater that’s easy to install in a robust steel structure.
Broan-Nutone 163 Bulb Heater, Energy-Saving 2-Bulb Infrared Type IC Ceiling Heater, White, 250-WattSolar-Powered Heaters
A solar heater is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and can keep your shed warm using power from the sun. Allow me to lead you through some practical suggestions and ideas regarding solar heating for the shed.
A DIY solar heater for a shed is a popular option. You can harness the sun’s power to warm up your home with a bit of imagination and some basic materials. Several online instructions and manuals are available to assist you in building your solar heater according to the size and demands of your shed.
The clever idea is to install the heater in an area with lots of sunlight throughout the day. This will improve its function and offer enough warmth. Consider insulating your shed to keep the heat in, especially during winter.
Pros and Cons Of Different Heating Methods
Here’s a table outlining the pros and cons of each method for heating a shed:
| Heating Method | Pros | Cons |
| Transparent roofing | Cost-effective, utilizes natural light | Relies on sunlight availability, less effective at night |
| Infrared bulb | Cost-effective, provides targeted heat | Relies on electricity and have a limited range |
| Space heater | Provides consistent warmth | Requires electricity, may pose a fire hazard |
| Mushroom heater | Provides powerful heat | Requires electricity, limited portability |
| Electric heater | Provide adjustable heat levels | Requires electricity, may increase energy costs |
| Battery-powered heater | Portable, doesn’t require electricity | Limited heating capacity, requires frequent battery changes |
| DIY solar heater | Environmentally friendly | Requires DIY skills, effectiveness depends on sunlight |
Staying Safe While Heating Your Shed
When heating your shed, taking precautions is important to avoid fires. The United States Department of Energy’s Energy Saver initiative has valuable tips for ensuring safety while heating your shed.
When using any electric, battery-powered, or solar heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. They provide vital information on proper installation, usage, and maintenance. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label, which indicates that the heater meets safety standards.
Ensure your shed has proper ventilation. Adequate ventilation helps to reduce the buildup of carbon monoxide, a potentially dangerous gas emitted by fuel-burning heaters. Check that your shed has a clean passageway for fresh air to enter and stale air to exit.
Maximizing Efficiency While Heating Your Shed
Here are some important factors to consider while heating your shed:
- Choose a thermostat-controlled heater: This function conserves energy and money while maintaining a steady temperature in your shed.
- Consider the size of your shed when choosing a heater: Finding the right power and capacity ensures that the heater works without being too weak or too powerful for the space.
- Place portable heaters on level ground: This reduces the risk of accidents and keeps everything stable for safe operation.
- Keep flammable goods away from heaters: Keep a safe distance between your heaters and any flammable materials to avoid potential fire hazards.
By following these suggestions, you’ll be well-equipped to successfully heat your shed, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment for all shed-related duties!
Conclusion
The best heater for a shed depends on your circumstances and preferences. Consider the temperature, the insulation of your shed, and how you want to use the space. When you consider the whole picture, you can make an informed decision and pick the best heater for your shed.
If you want specific recommendations, the shed heaters from Screwfix are some of the most popular. They provide a variety of options that may be appropriate for your needs. Look for heaters that are energy-efficient, safe, and suitable for the size of your shed.
I hope these suggestions and advice help you create a warm and comfy sanctuary in your shed. Throughout your shed excursions, remain safe, stay warm, and keep those fingers toasty!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I heat a shed?
A: You can use transparent roofs or infrared lamps for natural warming, space heaters, mushroom heaters, or electric heaters in colder areas.
Q: What are the different ways to heat a shed?
To heat a shed, you can use transparent roofing, infrared lights, space heaters, mushroom heaters, electric heaters, battery-powered heaters, and DIY solar heaters.
Q: What are the pros and cons of each method?
A: Transparent roofs and infrared bulbs are affordable, but they are reliant on the availability of sunlight. In colder climates, space heaters, mushroom heaters, and electric heaters provide additional warmth but require electricity. Although battery-powered heaters are portable, their heating capacity may be limited.
Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.