Your garage can be more than just an area to store your vehicles in Columbus. It can be a workshop, offer added 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 common heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective option. 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 discover the ideal solution for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is much like a heat pump because it shifts heat instead of creating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces without ductwork. These electric systems are usually put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split costs more, most have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which provides exact control over your garage’s climate.
Most mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you could be able to have additional indoor units in rooms that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is better than a space heater. This comprehensive heating solution is placed 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 choice if you reside in a chilly climate and complete a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to last through additional grime.
Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you pick the ideal system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The average price varies due to fuel type, but they’re frequently about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are much like a furnace, consuming fuel to make heat. A mini-split air conditioner is nearer to a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll get reduced utility expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be eligible for extra rebates due to 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 designation suggests, a garage heater is restricted to just offering 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 wisest answer because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
As garage heaters are usually mounted on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage space. In contrast, slim mini-split systems are typically placed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of room.
If you’re still debating between a garage heater and mini-split, the professionals Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help. Contact us at 614-451-0846 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in rapidly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.