Your garage can be more than just a place to park your vehicles in Safford. It can be an area to work, give extra storage and more. But when you’re 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 install ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous solution. The best way to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s go through the difference between the two to help you find the best style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is much like a heat pump since it shifts heat instead of creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are usually installed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split costs more, most have earned ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which offers accurate control over your garage’s temp.
Many mini-splits allow you to connect more than one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your residence, you might be able to install extra indoor units in areas that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t 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 run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good option if you are situated in a cold climate and complete a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to keep working through added grime.
Reviewing Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve made a useful guide to help you pick the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The average expense varies based on fuel type, but they’re frequently about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, needing fuel to generate warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more similar to a heat pump, which moves warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll enjoy decreased heating and cooling bills if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be entitled to extra 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 name indicates, a garage heater is restricted to just delivering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you want the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest answer as it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
As garage heaters are often installed on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage area. On the other hand, low-profile mini-split systems are typically put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of room.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the specialists B&D Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 928-432-6018 today to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it installed quickly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.