Your garage can be more than just a place to store your vehicles in South Beloit and Belvidere. It can be a workshop, provide added storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t typically have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most economical solution. The smartest 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 ideal style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it moves heat instead of generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that lack ductwork. These electric systems are usually placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives accurate control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to join multiple indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you might be able to install additional indoor units in rooms that are tricky to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent option if you reside in a cold climate and perform a lot of grubby dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to keep working through added grime.
Evaluating Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a valuable guide to help you select the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly style. The average cost varies due to fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, needing fuel to generate heat. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which moves heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll have reduced utility bills if you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be entitled to additional rebates due to that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel sources—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation suggests, 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 best solution because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
As garage heaters are often installed on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage room. On the other hand, slim mini-split systems are typically placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of real estate.
If you’re still deciding between a garage heater and mini-split, the specialists Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help. Contact us at 877-389-2465 today to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.