Your garage can be more than just a place to put your vehicles in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. It can be a work space, offer added storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a cozy temperature.
Garages don’t typically have the ductwork required for common heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most economical remedy. The smartest 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 discover the best solution for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump as it shifts heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces without ductwork. These electric systems are usually placed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is more expensive, most have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which provides precise control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to connect more than one indoor unit to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you could be able to have extra indoor units in areas that are hard to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is installed 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 great option if you live in a cold climate and complete a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to stand up to additional grime.
Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a handy guide to help you pick the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly option. The average expense is different because of fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, using fuel to make heat. A mini-split air conditioner is nearer to a heat pump, which transfers hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll enjoy even lower heating and cooling expenses if you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be eligible for 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 title indicates, 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 accurate temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest answer because it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are typically installed on the ceiling, they can take up valued overhead storage space. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are often installed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of real estate.
If you’re still debating between a garage heater and mini-split, the specialists Halverson Brothers Inc can help. Reach us at 715-352-4052 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.