Your garage can be more than just an area to put your vehicles in Wausau. It can be a workshop, offer additional 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 install ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous solution. The smartest approach to heat your garage is by adding a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s discuss the difference between the two to help you find the best option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump since it shifts heat instead of generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are usually installed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, most have earned ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and provide zoned comfort, which offers accurate control over your garage’s temp.
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 may be able to have additional indoor units in areas that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is better than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good solution if you reside in a northern climate and complete a lot of dusty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to stand up to extra grime.
Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a useful guide to help you choose the ideal system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly style. The average expense differs because of fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll have reduced energy bills if you select an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be entitled to additional rebates due to 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 name indicates, a garage heater only provides providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are seeking the most exact temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution as it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are often placed on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage room. On the other hand, low-profile mini-split systems are usually put 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 Gilray Heating and Cooling can help. Call us at 715-301-0727 today to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, recommend a solution and get it installed fast, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.