Your garage can be more than just an area to park your vehicles in Mechanicsburg. It can be a work space, offer extra storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a cozy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most economical option. The best method to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s discuss the difference between the two to help you discover the ideal option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump since it transfers heat rather than making it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often put on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, many have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and provide zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s temperature.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your residence, you may be able to use extra indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great choice if you reside in a northern climate and perform a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to last through added grime.
Evaluating Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you select the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical option. The average expense differs because of fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are much like a furnace, using fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll have even lower energy expenses if you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be entitled to 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 indicates, a garage heater is limited to only offering heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution as it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
As garage heaters are often installed on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage area. On the other hand, slim mini-split systems are typically placed 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 specialists H & H Service Company can help. Reach us at 717-220-4502 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in fast, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.