Your garage can be more than just a place to park your vehicles in Fort Lauderdale. It can be a workshop, offer added storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous remedy. The smartest way to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s review the difference between the two to help you choose the ideal solution for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump because it transfers heat as opposed to generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms 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.
Though a ductless mini-split costs more, many have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers precise control over your garage’s climate.
Most mini-splits allow you to join more than one indoor unit to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you could be able to install additional indoor units in spaces 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 mounted on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good solution if you reside in a cold climate and perform a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to last through additional grime.
Evaluating Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve made a useful guide to help you choose the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced style. The typical cost is different due to fuel type, but they’re usually 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 like a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll get reduced utility bills if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be eligible for added 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 indicates, a garage heater only provides offering heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are looking for the most precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best answer because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are usually placed on the ceiling, they can eat up valued overhead storage space. In comparison, space-saving mini-split systems are often installed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of space.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros Solar Air Inc. can help. Call us at 954-320-7398 right away to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, advise you on a solution and get it installed rapidly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much faster.