Your garage can be more than just a place to put your vehicles in Temple/Belton. It can be a workshop, provide additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a cozy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most economical option. The best method to heat your garage is by installing 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 best style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump as it shifts heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Even though a ductless mini-split costs more, most have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives precise control over your garage’s temp.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you could be able to install additional indoor units in spaces that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t 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 consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent solution if you live in a northern climate and perform a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand added grime.
Comparing Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a valuable guide to help you select the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly solution. The typical cost is different because of fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll have reduced utility costs if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be entitled to added rebates due to that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the widest options for fuel kinds—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation indicates, a garage heater is limited to only providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are looking for the most accurate temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest 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 often placed on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage room. On the other hand, low-profile mini-split systems are typically 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 specialists Bell Air Conditioning Inc can help. Call us at 254-307-9572 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, suggest a solution and get it working rapidly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.