Your garage can be more than just a place to store your vehicles in Wharton. It can be an area to work, provide additional storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for common heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective remedy. 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 review the difference between the two to help you choose the best option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it transfers heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, most have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers accurate control over your garage’s temperature.
Most mini-splits allow you to link several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your house, you might be able to have additional indoor units in spaces that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is better than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is installed on the ceiling or the higher corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good solution if you live in a chilly climate and perform a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to stand up to added grime.
Evaluating Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly style. The typical expense 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, using fuel to make hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which transfers hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll get reduced heating and cooling bills if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you might be eligible for added rebates because of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation suggests, a garage heater is restricted to just providing heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most exact temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest solution as 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 usually mounted on the ceiling, they can eat up valued overhead storage space. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are usually put higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of space.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the specialists Faust Air Conditioning and Heating can help. Contact us at 979-323-6130 right away to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.