Your garage can be more than just an area to store your vehicles in Haines City. It can be a workshop, offer additional storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t usually have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective remedy. The wisest method to heat your garage is by adding 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 since it shifts heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually installed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split costs more, most have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and offer zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to link several indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you could be able to have extra indoor units in spaces that are tricky to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good solution if you live in a northern climate and do a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to last through added grime.
Reviewing Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly option. The estimated expense is different 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, using fuel to make warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll enjoy reduced energy costs if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could have access to additional rebates due to that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the widest options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its name says, a garage heater is restricted to just providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you want the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best option because it offers 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 usually placed on the ceiling, they can consume premium overhead storage space. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are often put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of space.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the professionals Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can help. Contact us at 863-216-2923 right away to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in rapidly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.