When the temperature drops in British Columbia, your garage doesn’t have to turn into a frozen, forgotten room. Whether you're wrenching on a project car, building furniture, or just trying to keep the pipes from freezing, a gas furnace for your garage could be the upgrade that transforms the space into something usable year-round.
But is it the right move for your home?
Let’s break down the real pros and cons—no fluff, just facts—so you can decide if investing in a gas furnace for your garage is worth it.
Get expert advice tailored to your garage setup
A gas furnace isn’t just “warm”—it’s powerful. Unlike electric space heaters that take time to ramp up, gas units kick in quickly and heat even large, uninsulated garages with ease.
For a two-car garage (about 400–500 sq ft), you’ll need around 30,000–50,000 BTU—a range where gas models outperform almost everything else on the market.
In cold regions like Vancouver, Burnaby, or Coquitlam, this high output is essential if you use your garage for:
If comfort matters and time is money, a gas furnace gives you both.
Find out if your garage qualifies for energy-efficiency rebates
Here’s what most blogs won’t tell you: venting a gas furnace isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Gas combustion produces carbon monoxide—a deadly gas that you absolutely don’t want accumulating indoors. That’s why even “vent-free” gas heaters require a space with excellent airflow.
This isn’t a DIY plug-and-play job. It usually involves:
Trying to cut corners here is dangerous—and unnecessary when professionals like Eco Pro handle the entire process.
Book a free consultation with our licensed technicians
Think of a gas furnace for your garage like an upfront investment with long-term savings.
Natural gas in BC is cheaper per unit of heat than electricity. So while installation may cost more initially, the monthly cost to run a gas heater—especially during a long, damp winter—can be significantly lower than using electric space heaters around the clock.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Over a few winters, that efficiency starts to pay for itself.
Learn more about how Eco Pro helps BC homeowners save on heating
If you only pop into your garage once a week to grab tools or store seasonal gear, a gas furnace might be overkill. The upfront costs and installation effort don’t always make sense unless you’re planning to use the space regularly.
Ask yourself:
If you answered “no” to all three, you might be better off with a smaller electric unit or radiant heater.
Not sure which heating solution is right? Speak to an expert
A heated garage isn’t just a luxury—it’s a value booster.
When done properly, adding a gas furnace for your garage creates livable square footage that can double as:
This kind of upgrade signals to future buyers that your home has been thoughtfully maintained and weatherproofed—a key selling point, especially in BC’s colder months.
And if you're already making seasonal improvements—like repairing stucco before winter hits or improving insulation—this is the ideal time to bundle in a garage heating upgrade while contractors are already on-site.
It also makes the space more versatile year-round—especially important in BC where rain and cold weather linger.
Check current rebate programs that could reduce your install cost
If you use your garage like an extension of your home—and want serious, reliable heat even in the depths of winter—a gas furnace for your garage is a smart choice. It offers unbeatable power, energy savings, and all-season usability.
But it’s not for everyone. For occasional use or uninsulated garages, it might be more heat than you need.
Eco Pro can help you evaluate your setup and budget, explore rebate options, and install the perfect solution safely and efficiently.
Q: Do I need a permit to install a gas furnace in my garage?
Yes. In most BC municipalities, a permit is required for gas appliance installation. Eco Pro handles this process for you to ensure safety and compliance.
Q: Can a gas furnace heat an uninsulated garage?
Yes, but it may need to work harder and use more fuel. For best results, pair your heater with basic insulation upgrades.
Q: What size gas furnace do I need for my garage?
It depends on square footage and insulation. A 2-car garage usually needs 30,000–50,000 BTU. Our team can help you size it correctly.
Q: Are there rebates available for garage gas furnaces?
Potentially—especially if paired with an energy-efficient HVAC system or if part of a larger upgrade. See available BC rebates.
Q: How often does a garage gas furnace need maintenance?
Annual inspections are recommended. Cleaning filters, checking venting, and testing safety features keep your unit running efficiently and safely.
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