Finding the right electric barn heater means balancing power, installation type, safety, and durability. The five heaters below represent common electric options for barn and garage heating: infrared patio units, plug-in space heaters, hardwired commercial heaters, ceiling-mounted fan-forced units, and portable garage heaters.
| Product | Type | Power/Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| DR Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater | Infrared, Indoor/Outdoor | 120V, 900/1200/1500W, IP55 Rated |
| Comfort Zone Milkhouse Style Utility Heater CZ798GR3 | Portable Fan-Forced Space Heater | 120V, 1500W, Adjustable Thermostat |
| Dr. Infrared DR-966 240V Shop Garage Heater | Hardwired Commercial Heater | 240V, 3000/6000W, Wall/Ceiling Mountable |
| Comfort Zone Hard-Wired Ceiling Mount Heater CZ220BK | Ceiling-Mount Fan-Forced | 240V, 5000W, Louvers & Adjustable Angle |
| NewAir NGH160GA00 Portable Garage Heater | Portable Ceramic Garage Heater | 120V, Adjustable Temp, 200 CFM Fan |
DR Infrared DR-238 Outdoor Heater
This infrared carbon heater is rated IP55 for indoor and outdoor use, making it suitable for partially open barns, covered porches, and outdoor work areas. It operates on standard 120V with three power settings: 900W, 1200W, and 1500W, providing instant, odorless radiant heat that warms objects and people rather than air. The unit includes remote control and a plug-and-go setup for easy placement.
Key listed features: Indoor And Outdoor Heater (IP55), Clean And Instant Infrared Heat, 120V Plug-In With Remote. Infrared units are effective in drafty or partially open barns because they don’t rely on heating and recirculating cold air.
Comfort Zone Milkhouse Space Heater
The Comfort Zone Milkhouse-style utility heater is a portable, plug-in unit designed for garages and workshops. It runs at 1500W and offers three modes — low, high, and fan-only — plus an adjustable rotary thermostat for personalized comfort control. Built-in safety includes overheat protection and a tip-over switch that cuts power if the unit falls.
Key listed features: Cost-Effective Heating, Versatile Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat. This style works well as a supplemental heater for sectionalized barn areas or for quickly warming a single workspace.
Dr Infrared DR-966 240V Shop Heater
The DR-966 is a heavy-duty, hardwired 240V single-phase shop heater with selectable 3000W or 6000W output. It installs on wall or ceiling and includes mounting brackets. Designed for commercial and larger barn spaces, the unit is UL/CUL listed and intended for continuous duty where higher sustained output is needed.
Key listed features: Heavy Duty 240V, 3000/6000W Hardwired, Wall/Ceiling Mount. Hardwired 240V heaters are common when floor outlets or high wattage are required and when a permanent installation is preferred.
Comfort Zone Ceiling Mount 5000W
This Comfort Zone unit is a hardwired, ceiling-mounted fan-forced heater delivering 5000W at 240V. Its heavy-gauge steel construction, louvers, and adjustable mounting angle enable directed airflow and durable performance in storage and work areas. ETL compliance and thermal cut-out protection are listed for safety.
Key listed features: Efficient Ceiling Mount, Robust Steel Construction, Precise Heat Distribution. Ceiling units maximize floor space and are useful for taller barns or multi-bay workshops where centralized distribution is preferred.
NewAir NGH160 Garage Heater
The NewAir NGH160GA00 is a portable ceramic garage heater designed to heat up to approximately 160 square feet. It features a cool-to-the-touch design, internal thermostat, automatic shut-off, adjustable temperature control, two heat modes, tilt adjustment, and a carry handle for mobility. A 200 CFM fan helps distribute warm air quickly.
Key listed features: Safety First (auto shut-off), Portable Warmth, Fast Heat With Ceramic Plate. These portable ceramic units are a practical choice for spot heating workstations or smaller barn stalls.
Buying Guide: Choosing An Electric Heater For A Barn
This guide covers the main factors to consider when selecting an electric barn heater, including technical sizing, installation types, safety, and performance trade-offs. Use the sections below to match heater characteristics to your barn’s layout and use.
Power And Coverage
Estimate the wattage needed by multiplying square footage by a wattage factor. A common rule of thumb is 10–20 watts per square foot depending on insulation: use ~10 W/ft² for well-insulated spaces and up to 20 W/ft² for poorly insulated or drafty barns. For example, a 1,000 ft² poorly insulated barn may require roughly 10,000–20,000 watts (spread across multiple units or a higher-capacity hardwired heater).
Heating Technology: Infrared Vs Fan-Forced Vs Ceramic
Infrared (Radiant) heats objects and people directly, which is efficient in drafty or open stalls where heating the entire air volume is inefficient. Infrared is often used for outdoor-covered areas or targeted zones.
Fan-Forced (Convection) moves heated air to raise ambient temperature. These work well in enclosed barns with lower ceilings and where even air distribution is desired.
Ceramic/Portable heaters are portable and good for spot heating or short-term tasks. They usually include fans and rapid warm-up capability but are best for smaller spaces.
Hardwired vs Plug-In
Hardwired 240V units provide higher sustained power for large barns and permanent installations. They typically require professional electrical work and may offer better efficiency for continuous use.
Plug-in 120V units are simpler to move and install but are limited to lower wattages (commonly up to 1500W on standard circuits). Use plug-in heaters for portable needs or isolated zones.
Mounting And Installation
Choose floor, wall, or ceiling mounting based on available space and barn layout. Ceiling-mountedheaters maximize floor area and provide centralized distribution. Wall-mountedor portableoptions allow targeted placement. Ensure mounts, clearances, and wiring meet local electrical codes and manufacturer installation guidelines.
Safety Features And Certifications
Look for safety features such as overheat protection, tip-over switches, cool-to-touch housing, automatic shut-off, thermal cut-outs, and UL/ETL/CSA listings. For outdoor or partially sheltered barns, check for an IP rating) or explicit indoor/outdoor approval to ensure resistance to moisture and particulates.
Durability, Materials, And Weather Resistance
Commercial-grade heaters often use heavy-gauge steel or metal housings for durability. Outdoor-rated or IP55 devices are suitable for covered barns and patios. Consider corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance if the unit will face dust, moisture, or animal bedding.
Controls And Thermostat Options
Built-in thermostats, remote control, digital displays, and programmable settings improve comfort and energy management. Zoned thermostats or multiple smaller units allow finer control in compartmentalized barns, reducing wasted energy.
Noise And Airflow
Fan-forced heaters produce noise and moving airflow; this can impact animals or workshop work. Infrared units are generally quieter since they rely less on fans. Consider noise tolerances for livestock and workspace activities when selecting a fan-equipped model.
Energy Use And Operating Costs
Electric heaters convert nearly all input power to heat, but operating cost depends on wattage and local electricity rates. Use timers, thermostats, zoned heating, and insulation improvements to control run time and reduce energy costs. Higher initial wattage means faster heat-up but may increase meter usage if run continuously.
Sizing And Placement Tips
Place radiant heaters where people or animals spend time; position fan-forced units centrally or mount high with louvers aimed at target zones. Avoid obstructing airflow and observe manufacturer minimum clearances from combustible materials. For multi-stall barns, consider multiple smaller units rather than one oversized heater to improve distribution and redundancy.
Installation And Code Considerations
Hardwired 240V units often require a licensed electrician and permit to meet local codes. Verify circuit capacity, breaker size, and conduit/wiring requirements before purchase. For outdoor or damp locations, follow NEC and local farm building codes regarding wiring and protection.
Comparison Perspectives: Use-Case Examples
- Small Hobby Barn Or Single Stall: Portable 120V ceramic or 1500W plug-in milkhouse-style units provide spot heat and mobility.
- Large Multi-Stall Barn: A mix of ceiling-mounted fan-forced 240V heaters and targeted infrared units balances ambient and spot heating across stalls.
- Partially Open Or Covered Areas: Infrared radiant heaters with outdoor ratings are most effective because they heat surfaces and occupants directly despite airflow.
- Workshops Attached To Barns: Hardwired 3000–6000W wall or ceiling units offer continuous duty and better ambient control for mechanical workspaces.
Maintenance And Longevity
Regularly clean louvers, fans, and grilles from dust and debris to maintain airflow and efficiency. Inspect wiring, mounting hardware, and seals for corrosion. Replace worn thermostats or controllers to maintain safe operation and responsive control.
Final Selection Checklist
- Determine required wattage using insulation level and square footage.
- Choose heating technology best suited to draft conditions and target zones.
- Decide between portable plug-in or hardwired permanent installation.
- Verify safety certifications, IP rating, and listed safety features.
- Plan installation location for optimal distribution and clearance.