Your garage can be more than just a space to park your vehicles in Tuscaloosa. It can be an area to work, offer additional storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.
Garages don’t typically have the ductwork needed for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective remedy. The smartest approach to heat your garage is by having 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 discover the right option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it moves heat rather than creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are often put on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.
Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers exact control over your garage’s temp.
Many mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your residence, you could be able to install additional indoor units in areas that are difficult to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is placed 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 choice if you reside in a northern climate and perform a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to last through extra grime.
Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced option. The average price is different based on fuel type, but they’re often 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 nearer to a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll enjoy reduced heating and cooling costs if you choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be entitled to extra 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 designation suggests, a garage heater is restricted to just providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest option as it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Since garage heaters are typically mounted on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage space. In contrast, space-saving mini-split systems are typically placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of real estate.
If you’re still debating between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros KDM Service Corporation can help. Call us at 205-208-8090 today to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.