Your garage can be more than just a place to put your vehicles in Muskogee. It can be a work space, provide additional storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t usually have the ductwork needed for common heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective option. The wisest approach to heat your garage is by getting 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 find the best option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump because it moves heat instead of generating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are typically installed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, most have received ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which offers exact control over your garage’s temperature.
Most mini-splits allow you to link more than one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your residence, you may be able to have 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 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 great option if you live in a chilly climate and do a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to keep working through additional grime.
Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a handy guide to help you choose the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly solution. The typical expense differs due to fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are much like a furnace, consuming fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which moves heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll get decreased heating and cooling expenses if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be eligible for additional rebates due to 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 precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest option because it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Because garage heaters are usually installed on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage space. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are typically placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of room.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the professionals Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. can help. Reach us at 918-682-8238 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 sooner.