Your garage can be more than just a space to park your vehicles in Beckley and Mount Hope. It can be a work space, give added storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most economical solution. The wisest method 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 right option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it transfers heat instead of generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms without ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which provides exact control over your garage’s temperature.
Many mini-splits allow you to join several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you may be able to install extra 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-in-one 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 a great option if you are situated in a cold climate and do 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 assembled a valuable guide to help you pick the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical option. The average price is different based on fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are much like a furnace, using fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll get reduced heating and cooling costs if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you might be eligible for additional rebates because of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the most options for fuel sources—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its title indicates, a garage heater is limited to only offering heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution as it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Due to the fact garage heaters are often placed on the ceiling, they can consume valued overhead storage area. In contrast, space-saving 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 pros Appalachian Heating can help. Call us at 304-707-0600 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, advise you on a solution and get it working rapidly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.