Your garage can be more than just an area to park your vehicles in Naples. It can be a workshop, give additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most economical remedy. The smartest method to heat your garage is by getting a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s review the difference between the two to help you find the right style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it shifts heat instead of generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, most have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and offer zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s temp.
Many mini-splits allow you to link multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your house, you could be able to use added 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 an excellent option if you reside in a chilly climate and do a lot of grubby dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand additional grime.
Comparing Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve made a valuable guide to help you pick the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly option. The typical expense differs based on fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, using fuel to create warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll have reduced utility bills if you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you may be eligible for additional rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the widest options for fuel sources—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation says, a garage heater only provides providing heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you want the most precise comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best option as it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Due to the fact garage heaters are often installed on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage space. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are usually installed 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 CNR Air Conditioning Inc can help. Contact us at 239-241-5318 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.