2Comfy isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners maximize this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies such as woodworking. Mulling transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the garage year-round.
Standard systems, like a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually cost-prohibitive because of the ductwork that’s needed. Not to mention, garages are sometimes separate.
The two most frequently installed options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t have to have ductwork. But which system should you select? It’s essential to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your needs. Sawdust needs extra planning because these particles can clog filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you choose the best system for your needs.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, because they shift heat instead of generating it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and link to an exterior unit through a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen needing a tranquil, cozy area to work. Because they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run no matter the season.
As wood expands with adjustments in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is highly useful. Most carpenters and woodworkers advise doing woodworking in temperatures much like where the final creation will live.
Changing your filter frequently is a critical part of upkeep. Cutting generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you might lower your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also requires routine tune-ups from a certified HVAC specialist, like one from Midland Air Service Experts. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help decrease the chance of malfunctions and may even help it work for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Great for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They create hot air, so it’s best to compare one to a miniature furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you turn to your garage for extra storage, keep in mind that these heaters will eat up a portion the overhead area.
A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they run on, because mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical types, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to bother with fuel connections.
Garage heaters come with a feature that gives them a leg up on a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which stops sawdust from reaching those internal pieces.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the end there are lots of things to keep in mind, like the climate in Columbia. These involve:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling space you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to spend on upkeep.
Ductless mini-split systems run more at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t need your garage frequently, this may not be the most budget-friendly option. But woodshops in areas with big adjustments in temperature may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced solution. Different models use varying fuel sources to make heat only, making them not a good choice for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may lead to more expensive utility bills. But the superior heat generation is recommended in cooler climates.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Midland Air Service Experts. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a productive space for a long time. Contact us at 803-399-7208 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.