The best Garden Room heating options – compare and choose the perfect fit

The garden room is increasingly being used as a home office, workshop, yoga studio or recreational space. To use it comfortably even in winter, it is necessary to heat it properly. In this guide, we will present the best methods of heating a garden room, compare costs and suggest which solution to choose depending on our needs and budget. 

Why is heating a garden room more important than it seems?

A garden room is a functional space all year round. Therefore, we have to do everything we can to make it comfortable both in autumn and winter, and this requires adequate heating. Lack of heat not only means discomfort, but it is also a real threat to the very structure of our house.

Humidity, frost and temperature fluctuations can lead to:

• cracking and warping of wooden elements,
• the formation of mould and fungus, 
• corrosion of fittings and metal details,
• damage to furniture, electronics or documents stored inside the shed.

A well-chosen heating system can therefore extend the season of use of the garden room to 12 months and also protect your investment from degradation.

Heating types – an overview of the most popular options

Choosing the right heating system for the garden rooms depends on many factors: the size of the house, its insulation, frequency of use and available energy sources. There are many solutions available on the market – from classic electric radiators, through infrared heating, to fireplaces or modern heat pumps.

Each option has its advantages and limitations, so it is worth taking a closer look at them and choosing the system that best suits your needs. Below, we present the most popular methods of heating a garden room along with their characteristics.

Electric radiator – a quick and affordable way to heat

The most popular solution for heating small spaces. Easy to install – all you need is a plug socket.

Advantages:

• mobile, easy to move,
• works immediately after switching on,
• available in different variants (convector, halogen, ceramic).

Disadvantages:

• can generate high bills with frequent use,
• does not store heat. 

Expert advice: For small houses, we recommend ceramic radiators with a thermostat – they are fast, safe and cheap to run.

According to the Statista 2023 report, in the UK more than 60% of garden-house owners opt for electric heating due to its easy installation and low installation cost, despite higher operating costs compared to alternative heat sources.

Air conditioner with heating function – a modern and efficient solution

This is a 2-in-1 device – it cools in summer and heats in winter. It is increasingly common in year-round garden offices.

Advantages:

• very fast heating,
• energy-saving inverter models,
• filters and dehumidifies the air.

Disadvantages:

• higher purchase and installation costs,
• requires a constant power supply.

Wood-burning stove – natural warmth and a cosy atmosphere

A traditional solution for those who love natural materials. Ideal for rustic houses or Scandinavian style.

Advantages:

• independent of the mains,
• cosy atmosphere and the smell of wood,
• possibility to use the stove top for cooking.

Disadvantages:

• Requires a chimney or flue pipe.
• Need to store fuel and clean regularly.

Advantages:

• thermal comfort ‘from the feet up’,
• invisible, does not take up space,
• ideal for saunas, relaxation cabins, yoga.

Disadvantages:

• difficult to install after finishing the floor,
• slower heating. 

Oil heating – emergency, but not environmentally friendly

They work mainly as a temporary or emergency heat source. They work on the principle of heating oil inside the radiator, which then maintains the temperature for a long time, even after the device is switched off.

Advantages:

• easy to install and mobile,
• long-lasting heat,
• no fan (noiseless operation)
  

Disadvantages:

• high power consumption,
• low efficiency in large and uninsulated houses,
• not environmentally friendly.

Although less and less common, oil heaters are often used by DIYers who only need heat on weekends or in the evenings.

Infrared heater – fast and targeted heat

Infrared heaters emit heat waves that directly warm objects and people within range, rather than the air itself. As a result, the heat is felt just a few seconds after switching on, making it the ideal solution for quickly heating small spaces.


Advantages:

• express heating,
• no waste from heating the air,
• silent operation and no exhaust emissions.

Disadvantages:

• heats in specific areas,
• no heat storage effect (immediately cold again after switching off). 

Air-to-air heat pump – a modern and energy-efficient solution

Although the heating-up time can be between 15 and 45 minutes, the system is very energy-efficient and can also be used as an air conditioner in summer.

Advantages:

• very low operating costs,
• can be used as a cooling system in summer,
• environmentally friendly.

Disadvantages:

• high initial cost,
• needs power supply and proper installation. 

According to Haus & Garten Marktanalyse, as many as 42% of new all-year garden houses in Germany were equipped with air-to-air heat pumps in 2023, making them the fastest growing segment of garden heating.

Hybrid heating – the perfect mix?

Hybrid heating for garden sheds is becoming increasingly popular, especially among overnight users who are looking for solutions that combine comfort with economy and reliability.

What is hybrid heating? It is a combination of two (or more) heat sources that complement each other – for example, a fast convection heater for initial heating and a slower-acting but long-lasting heating mat or firebox with fireclay bricks.


How does it work in practice?

In the morning, when you enter your cold house, you turn on the electric heater, which heats up the room in a few minutes. In the meantime, you turn on, for example, a stove that heats up slowly, but after an hour it keeps the heat for many hours – even after it is turned off. 

Advantages:

• flexibility – you can adjust the heat source to the current needs and temperature,
• energy saving – shorter operating time of high-power radiators,
• constant temperature throughout the day,
• better energy consumption management.

Disadvantages:

• higher initial costs,
• good planning and installation required. 

Tip: Hybrid heating is ideal for holiday homes that are used as offices, studios or guest rooms – in other words, where fast action and long-term efficiency are important.

How do I prepare a garden room for heating?

Before you decide on a specific heating system, you need to take care of the basics, i.e. preparing the structure of the shed itself to keep warm. Even the most efficient heating source will be ineffective if heat escapes through leaky walls or the roof, for example. This is especially important for garden houses, which are often not factory-adapted for year-round use.

What should you keep in mind?

1. Insulation of walls, floor and roof – this is the first and most important step. Mineral wool, PIR boards or sandwich wood panels are the most commonly used materials. With proper insulation, heat does not escape to the outside, and the house heats up faster and maintains its temperature longer.


2. Sealing windows and doors – leaks around windows and doors are one of the main ways heat escapes. It is worth investing in rubber seals, and if possible, choose double glazing and solid doors with thermal insulation.

3. Controlled ventilation – heating without ventilation is a direct route to damp and mould. Ideally, you should have passive ventilation that can be closed off, allowing air to be exchanged without heat loss.



Good to know: A well-insulated garden room uses up to 50% less energy than an uninsulated one, which means lower bills and more comfort all year round – especially in winter. 

Do you want a year-round garden room that is easy to heat?

At Bertsch Holzbau, we specialise in the production of the garden rooms and garden houses that are perfect for use all year round – even in a winter climate. We offer both ready-made, prefabricated models and the option of ordering a custom-made structure tailored to your plot, lifestyle and planned heating method.

Thanks to the use of high-quality wood (e.g. certified Scandinavian spruce), our cabins are not only durable, but also easy to insulate and equip with various heating systems – from electric to wood-burning fireplaces.

Tip from BHB expert: If you plan to use the cabin in winter, consider insulation when choosing the design. We at BHB will advise you on the most effective solutions for your needs.

See the full range of our garden rooms – https://bertsch-holzbau.eu/en/garden-rooms/ 

Summary

Heating a garden room is an investment in the comfort, functionality and longevity of the entire structure. To choose the optimal solution, several key factors must be taken into account:

Type of house – is it a holiday home used seasonally, or a year-round space for work or leisure?

Frequency of use – heating should be adjusted to whether you stay in the cottage every day or only on weekends.

Budget – the cost of installation and operation can vary greatly depending on the heating system chosen.

Lifestyle – do you want to heat up quickly, are you environmentally conscious, or do you prefer the natural warmth of wood?

Recommended approaches:

For a cottage that serves as an office or studio:

Choose an air conditioner with a heating function that will quickly provide a comfortable temperature and allow you to precisely control the working conditions.

For a relaxation area or home spa:

An infrared heating mat is a good choice, as it provides cosy warmth from the floor. Combine it with a wood-burning stove or decorative fireplace for a cosy atmosphere.

For a low-budget solution:

An electric radiator with a thermostat is sufficient – easy to use and sufficient for occasional use, e.g. on weekends.

Joachim Bertsch

Company owner, expert in carpentry. He oversees the company’s development in both the Polish and German markets. With over 40 years of experience in carpentry, he possesses unique knowledge that allows the execution of even the most demanding projects.