Optimizing your garage comfort without compromising your wallet
When winter temperatures settle in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore, it becomes essential to think about heating your garage or workshop. Too often overlooked, this space can become unusable for several months of the year if it’s not properly heated. At AirGreen, we know it’s possible to heat a garage effectively, sustainably, and affordably — as long as you make the right choices from the start.
In this article, we’ll share our best tips, drawn from our real-world HVAC interventions, to help you transform your garage into a comfortable space year-round, without blowing up your energy bill.
Why heat a garage or workshop?
The garage is no longer just a place to park your car. It can serve as a workshop, home gym, DIY space, or even a multipurpose room. However, a poorly heated space can lead to:
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Heat loss toward the house if the walls are shared.
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Damage to tools, equipment, or vehicles that are sensitive to cold.
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An inability to use the space comfortably during winter.
We’ve seen with our clients in Longueuil and Sainte-Thérèse, for example, that installing a proper heating system allowed them to completely transform how they use their garage — without high energy costs.
Key criteria for choosing the right heating system for a garage
Before picking a solution, there are several crucial factors to consider:
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How well the space is insulated: a well-insulated garage is easier to heat.
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The size and ceiling height: these affect the power needed.
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How often you use the space: occasionally or every day?
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Whether or not the garage shares walls with the house.
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Whether you have access to electric or gas connections.
Our recommended HVAC solutions to heat a garage efficiently
1. High-efficiency wall-mounted heat pump (mini split)
This is our most popular option in Montréal and Laval. A wall-mounted heat pump provides both heating in winter and cooling in summer. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and eligible for government grants in many cases.
Real example:
In Repentigny, we installed a 12,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump in a 25 m² garage. Thanks to its variable-speed compressor, it maintains constant heat even at -30°C. The client now uses the garage as a woodworking shop, and his energy bill dropped by 40% compared to his old electric heater.
2. Electric radiant heating (baseboards or infrared panels)
A simple solution for occasional use or as a supplement to another system. Infrared panels are great for heating specific zones.
AirGreen tip: install a programmable thermostat to control operating hours and avoid overconsumption.
3. Electric fan-forced unit heaters
Often used in uninsulated or very cold garages. They produce quick heat but can be energy-intensive. Best for occasional use or very large garages.
4. Gas heating units (propane or natural gas shop heaters)
Powerful and capable of quickly heating large spaces. However, they require proper ventilation and a safe gas connection.
Tips to reduce your garage heating costs
Here are a few strategies we always apply during our HVAC installations in Longueuil or on the South Shore:
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Insulate the walls, ceiling, and garage door: a smart, long-term investment.
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Use thermal curtains to separate little-used zones.
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Set heating schedules based on your real usage.
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Choose high-efficiency units certified Energy Star.
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Compare electricity vs gas costs, based on your local supplier.
Eligibility for grants: lower the cost of your heating system
Certain installations — especially high-efficiency wall-mounted heat pumps — are eligible under Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program. This allows you to receive up to $2,172 in grants depending on the unit’s capacity and efficiency.
Noteworthy installation:
In Boucherville, we installed a 15,000 BTU Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump in an insulated garage. Thanks to its high SEER rating and excellent low-temperature performance, the client received $1,900 in grants, significantly lowering the initial investment.
Our concrete recommendations based on your needs
| Primary Need | Recommended AirGreen Solution | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Daily use and optimal comfort | Wall-mounted heat pump from Gree or Fujitsu | Energy-efficient, grant-eligible |
| Occasional heating | Infrared panels or baseboard heaters | Affordable, simple installation |
| Very large space | Gas heater or fan-forced unit heater | High power, fast heating |
Why trust AirGreen?
For over 10 years, we’ve been serving Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, offering custom HVAC solutions tailored to each building type. Every project is unique, and we take pride in:
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Assessing your specific needs in detail.
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Choosing durable, high-performance equipment.
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Optimizing installation to reduce heat loss.
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Offering responsive, local after-sales service.
In summary
Heating your garage or workshop isn’t a waste — it’s an investment in your comfort, productivity, and safety. With modern, efficient, and customized HVAC solutions, AirGreen helps you make the most of every square meter of your home, year-round, without breaking the bank on energy bills.
Contact us today for a free, personalized evaluation. We serve the entire Greater Montréal area, with turnkey solutions for all types of garages.