Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Oxford. It can be a work space, give additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for common heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective remedy. The smartest method to heat your garage is by having 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 discover the right style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it moves heat as opposed to generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are typically placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Even though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, most have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers exact control over your garage’s temperature.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your home, you could be able to have added indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the higher corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent solution if you reside in a chilly climate and do a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to withstand additional grime.
Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a valuable guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced style. The estimated expense is different because of fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, consuming fuel to create hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll get reduced energy costs if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be entitled to added rebates because of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the widest options for fuel sources—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation indicates, a garage heater only provides providing heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most precise temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution since it delivers 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 eat up premium overhead storage room. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are often placed 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 Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can help. Reach us at 662-281-1231 right away to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it installed fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.