Your garage can be more than just a place to store your vehicles in West Valley City. It can be an area to work, give additional storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.
Garages don’t usually have the ductwork necessary for common heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective 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 review the difference between the two to help you choose the right style for your needs.
What is a Mini-Split?
A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it transfers heat rather than generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.
Though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, many have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives accurate control over your garage’s climate.
Most mini-splits allow you to link multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your residence, you may be able to use extra indoor units in rooms 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 installed 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 choice if you reside in a northern climate and do a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to stand up to extra grime.
Comparing Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits
We’ve put together a valuable guide to help you pick the ideal system for your garage.
Price
Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The typical cost differs based on fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.
Operating Costs
Garage heaters work similarly to a furnace, needing fuel to generate hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll have reduced energy 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 broadest options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.
Heating and Cooling
As its designation says, a garage heater is restricted to just providing heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.
Precise Temperature Control
When you are after the most exact temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the best option since it provides 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 mounted on the ceiling, they can consume valued overhead storage space. On the other hand, slim mini-split systems are usually placed higher up on a wall and don’t need a lot of real estate.
If you’re still waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the pros Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Reach us at 801-305-4777 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in fast, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.