What does garage heater install typically cost in New Brunswick?

Installing a garage heater in New Brunswick typically runs $800–$3,500+ depending on the fuel type, heater size, and how much new infrastructure is needed. Here's how the numbers break down across the three most common options.

Natural gas or propane unit heaters are the most popular choice for NB garages — they heat fast, run cheaply, and handle our -25°C winters without breaking a sweat. The heater unit itself costs $400–$1,200, and a licensed gas fitter's installation adds $600–$1,800 depending on whether a new gas line needs to be run. If you're in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John where natural gas is available, you'll pay less to operate than propane. Propane is the go-to in rural NB — budget an extra $300–$600 for a new tank if you don't already have one. All gas work in New Brunswick must be done by a licensed gas fitter through NB Dept. of Justice and Public Safety — Technical Inspection Services (TIS), and a gas installation permit is required before the work begins. Call TIS at 1-888-659-3222 or email TISFTN@gnb.ca.

Electric heaters (ceiling-mounted or baseboard) are simpler to install — typically $400–$1,500 all-in — but operating costs in a poorly insulated NB garage can be painful. If you're adding a 240V circuit for a larger unit (anything over 5 kW), a licensed electrical contractor must pull a wiring permit through NB Power (1-800-615-0522) before starting. TIS then does the final inspection. This isn't optional — unpermitted electrical work creates serious insurance and resale headaches.

Mini-split heat pumps are growing in popularity for attached garages, especially with NB Power rebates available through their Total Home Energy Savings Program. Installed cost runs $2,500–$4,500, but the operating efficiency is excellent and you get cooling in summer as a bonus. Cold-climate units rated to -25°C or below are essential for NB winters — make sure any unit you spec is rated for our temperatures.

A few factors that move the needle on price significantly: whether your garage is insulated (uninsulated garages cost far more to heat and may require a larger unit), the distance from your existing gas or electrical panel, ceiling height (high ceilings need more BTUs), and whether you're in a rural area where contractor travel time adds to the bill. Northern NB trades — Campbellton, Edmundston, Bathurst — sometimes carry a premium due to tighter labour availability.

One thing worth doing before you commit to a heater type: insulate first if the garage isn't already insulated. A $1,500 insulation job can cut your heating costs in half and let you install a smaller, cheaper unit. For an attached garage, the wall between the house and garage also needs to meet fire separation requirements under the National Building Code.

Browse licensed heating contractors in our directory at New Brunswick Construction Network to get a few quotes — prices vary enough in this province that it's worth comparing two or three.