Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Brookfield. It can be a workshop, provide added 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 required for common heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective option. The wisest approach to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s review the difference between the two to help you find the best style for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it moves heat instead of creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms 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 is higher priced, most have achieved ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s climate.

Many mini-splits allow you to join more than one indoor unit to one outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your residence, you could be able to install extra indoor units in rooms 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 placed 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 complete a lot of dusty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to last through added grime.

Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve assembled a handy guide to help you pick the best system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly style. The average cost differs based on 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 nearer to a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll enjoy even lower energy expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may have access to added rebates because of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its designation says, a garage heater will only be delivering heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you are looking for the most exact comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

As garage heaters are typically placed on the ceiling, they can consume premium overhead storage area. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are usually installed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of room.

If you’re still waffling Central Air LLC can help. Reach us at 203-357-5913 today to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it installed fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much faster.