Your garage can be more than just an area to put your vehicles in Lake Forest. It can be a work space, provide extra storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t typically have the ductwork necessary for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous option. The smartest 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 choose the ideal style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is much like a heat pump since it moves heat instead of making it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which provides precise control over your garage’s temp.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you could be able to install additional indoor units in areas that are tricky to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the higher corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good choice if you reside in a northern climate and perform a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to last through added grime.
Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a useful guide to help you pick the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical solution. The average price differs due to fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, needing fuel to make heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which transfers warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll get even lower utility costs if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may have access to additional 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 name says, a garage heater is restricted to just providing heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are looking for the most exact comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest solution because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Because garage heaters are typically placed on the ceiling, they can consume premium overhead storage space. On the other hand, space-saving mini-split systems are usually installed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of room.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the professionals 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help. Reach us at 949-204-0859 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, advise you on a solution and get it put in rapidly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much faster.