Your garage can be more than just a space to park your vehicles in Warrenton. It can be an area to work, provide additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

Garages don’t usually have the ductwork necessary for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective solution. The smartest approach to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s go through the difference between the two to help you find the ideal option for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it moves heat instead of creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are typically put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and provide zoned comfort, which offers precise control over your garage’s climate.

Many mini-splits allow you to link several indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your house, you may be able to install additional indoor units in rooms that are tricky to heat and cool.

What Is a Garage Heater?

A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted 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 option if you live in a northern climate and perform a lot of dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to withstand additional grime.

Evaluating Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you pick the ideal system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly style. The typical price is different because of fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, needing fuel to make hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll enjoy even lower utility expenses if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to additional rebates as a result of 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 limited to only providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you are after the most precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest answer as it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

Due to the fact garage heaters are typically placed on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage space. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are typically put higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of real estate.

If you’re still deciding Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call us at 636-456-5041 today to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it working rapidly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.