Your garage can be more than just a space to park 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 comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t typically have the ductwork necessary for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most economical option. The smartest method to heat your garage is by installing 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 option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it shifts heat instead of making it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces without ductwork. These electric systems are often put on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split costs more, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers precise control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to join more than one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you might be able to install added indoor units in rooms that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is placed 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 good solution if you live in a chilly climate and perform a lot of grubby dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to withstand extra grime.
Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a handy guide to help you select the best system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The average price varies based on 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 generate hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll get reduced energy costs if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may have access to additional rebates due to that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel kinds—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation suggests, a garage heater only provides providing heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most accurate temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the best answer as it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
As garage heaters are usually mounted on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage space. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are often put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of room.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Reach us at 432-237-0168 right away to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, advise you on a solution and get it put in rapidly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.