Your garage can be more than just a place to park your vehicles in Troy. It can be an area to work, offer extra storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork needed for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most economical solution. The smartest method to heat your garage is by installing a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s review the difference between the two to help you discover the ideal solution for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump since it transfers heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces without ductwork. These electric systems are usually installed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Even though a ductless mini-split costs more, many have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which provides accurate control over your garage’s temp.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to link more than one indoor unit to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you might be able to have extra indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is better than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is installed on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good option if you reside in a chilly climate and complete a lot of grubby dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to keep working through added grime.
Comparing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a valuable guide to help you choose the ideal system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical solution. The estimated cost 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 generate warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which moves heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll have reduced heating and cooling bills if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you might have access to additional rebates due to that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the most options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its title indicates, a garage heater only provides delivering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you want the most exact temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest solution because it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are typically installed on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage area. In comparison, slim mini-split systems are often installed higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of real estate.
If you’re still debating between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help. Call us at 937-558-9478 right away to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it working rapidly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.