Your garage can be more than just a place to store your vehicles in Odessa. It can be a workshop, provide added storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.

Garages don’t typically have the ductwork needed for common heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous solution. The smartest method 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 best style for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it transfers heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually placed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have earned ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and offer zoned comfort, which offers accurate control over your garage’s temp.

Many mini-splits allow you to link multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you could be able to have added indoor units in rooms that are difficult 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 high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great solution if you are situated in a chilly climate and do a lot of grubby work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to keep working through additional grime.

Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

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

Price

Garage heaters are the lowest-priced option. The estimated cost varies because of fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are much like a furnace, using fuel to create hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll enjoy reduced energy expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you might have access to additional rebates as a result of 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 title indicates, a garage heater will only be providing heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest option since it offers 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 mounted on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage area. In contrast, slim mini-split systems are usually placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of room.

If you’re still waffling Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Contact us at 432-237-0168 right away to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it installed rapidly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much faster.