Your garage can be more than just an area to park your vehicles in Laguna Niguel. It can be a workshop, provide extra storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork required for common heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective solution. 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 discuss the difference between the two to help you choose the ideal option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is similar to a heat pump since it transfers heat instead of making it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that lack ductwork. These electric systems are often put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Even though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, many have received ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and provide zoned comfort, which provides accurate control over your garage’s temp.
The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect more than one indoor unit to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your residence, you could be able to have additional indoor units in rooms that are hard 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 upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent option if you are situated in a northern climate and complete a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to keep working through extra grime.
Comparing Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a useful guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical option. The typical cost differs because of fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to generate hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which shifts heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll have decreased utility expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you might have access to extra rebates because of that energy efficiency.
Fuel Source
Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its name indicates, a garage heater is limited to only delivering heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are looking for the most accurate temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution because it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.
Space Considerations
Because garage heaters are typically installed on the ceiling, they can take up premium overhead storage area. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are typically placed higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of real estate.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating can help. Contact us at 949-317-4175 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it working quickly, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.