Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Huffman. It can be a workshop, offer extra storage, and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a cozy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most economical option. The best approach to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s go over the difference between the two to help you choose the right style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini split is close to a heat pump as it shifts heat instead of generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Even though ductless mini-split costs more, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which provides precise control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini splits allow you to join more than one indoor unit to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you may be able to have extra indoor units in areas that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is better than a space heater. This comprehensive heating solution is installed on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can run on electricity, gas, or propane. They’re a good option if you are situated in a cold climate and complete a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to withstand extra grime.
Reviewing Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve made a useful guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly option. The typical price differs based on fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, using fuel to make heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll get decreased heating and cooling costs if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be eligible for extra rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel kinds—electricity, gas, or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its name indicates, a garage heater is limited to only offering heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most accurate temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest solution since it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Because garage heaters are typically installed on the ceiling, they can take up valued overhead storage rooms. On the other hand, low-profile mini-split systems are often placed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of room.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and a mini-split, the professionals at Air Houston Mechanical LLC can help. Contact us at (832) 501-3419 today to receive a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, advise you on a solution and get it working quickly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.
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