Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Murrieta. It can be a work space, give additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective solution. The wisest approach to heat your garage is by using 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 choose the ideal option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it moves heat rather than creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces without ductwork. These electric systems are typically put on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which provides accurate control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to link more than one indoor unit to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your home, you may be able to have added indoor units in areas that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This comprehensive heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the higher corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use 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 keep working through additional grime.
Evaluating Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you select the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical style. The average cost varies due to fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, needing fuel to create warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more similar to a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll have even lower heating and cooling bills if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be eligible for additional rebates because of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the most options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its name suggests, a garage heater only provides providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most precise temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest solution since it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are usually mounted on the ceiling, they can take up premium overhead storage space. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are usually installed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of space.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the professionals Cool Air Solutions can help. Reach us at 951-299-9853 today to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it installed fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.