Your garage can be more than just an area to store your vehicles in Wisconsin Rapids. It can be a work space, give additional storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a cozy temperature.
Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most economical remedy. The wisest way to heat your garage is by adding a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.
Let’s go over the difference between the two to help you find the right option for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is much like a heat pump since it moves heat instead of creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that lack ductwork. These electric systems are usually put on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, most have earned ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and provide zoned comfort, which offers exact control over your garage’s temp.
Most mini-splits allow you to link more than one indoor unit to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your house, you may be able to use added indoor units in rooms that are tricky to heat and cool.
What is a Garage Heater?
A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great solution if you are situated in a chilly climate and perform a lot of grubby dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand additional grime.
Comparing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve created a handy guide to help you select the right system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the most economical solution. The average cost varies because of fuel type, but they’re often 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 moves heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll enjoy decreased heating and cooling expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you could be entitled to added rebates because of 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 says, a garage heater is limited to only providing heat. A ductless mini-split offers 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 offers 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 take up premium overhead storage space. In comparison, low-profile mini-split systems are usually placed 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 professionals Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc can help. Contact us at 715-301-0256 now to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, advise you on a solution and get it working fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.