Mini Splits vs. Garage Heaters: Whats Right for My Garage?

November 24, 2020

Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Pflugerville. It can be an area to work, offer added storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

Garages don’t often have the ductwork necessary for common heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most economical option. The best approach 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 as it transfers heat as opposed to generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas without ductwork. These electric systems are typically put on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.

Though a ductless mini-split costs more, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s temperature.

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 might be able to install extra indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.

What is a Garage Heater?

A garage heater is better than a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good choice if you reside in a cold climate and do a lot of dirty dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand added grime.

Evaluating Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve put together a handy guide to help you pick the ideal system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the most economical solution. The average expense is different based on fuel type, but they’re frequently about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are much like a furnace, using fuel to make warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which transfers heat. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll have decreased utility bills if you get an ENERGY STAR® certified model. And you might be entitled to extra rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

Garage heaters have the most options for fuel types—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.

Heating and Cooling

As its title indicates, a garage heater only provides offering heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you are seeking the most exact temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest solution because it provides zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

Since garage heaters are often mounted on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage area. In contrast, slim 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 waffling between a garage heater and mini-split, the specialists Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Reach us at 512-355-1482 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it working quickly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.