Comfy isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners take full advantage of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies including woodworking. Considering using your garage for a home woodshop? By adding heating and cooling, you’ll have the option use the garage all year.
Common systems, like a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically cost-prohibitive since there’s ductwork that’s needed. Also, garages are sometimes not connected to your home.
The two most popular solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t have to have ductwork. But which kind should you go with? It’s critical to be informed about each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your needs. Sawdust demands extra planning as these particles can bog down filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you choose the right option for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, because they shift heat in place of making it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and link to an exterior unit with a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is prized for its energy efficiency and nearly noiseless operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen looking for a calm, cozy space to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated all year round.
Because wood shrinks with changes in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is highly advantageous. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend finishing woodworking in temperatures much like where the final creation will be used.
Changing your filter frequently is a crucial component of service. Cutting kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also needs regular service from a certified HVAC specialist, like one from Broad Ripple Service Experts. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help lower the chance of malfunctions and may even help it work for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Ideal for Northern Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They make heated air, so it’s best to compare one to a miniature furnace. They’re fixed on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you rely on your garage for extra storage, consider the fact that these heaters will eat up some of the overhead area.
The main difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the fuel type, as mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical kinds, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to bother with fuel connections.
Garage heaters come with a bonus that gives them a leg up on a mini-split system. They don’t have to have a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from getting into those internal pieces.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are lots of things to think over, such as the climate in Indianapolis. These involve:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or only heating.
- Your budget.
- How much overhead room you have in your garage.
- How much time and money you want to dedicate to service.
Ductless mini-split systems run more to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t need your garage all the time, this may not be the most cost-effective plan. But woodshops in locations with major adjustments in temperature may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced choice. Different models use varying fuel sources to generate heat only, making them ill-suited for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may lead to higher utility bills. But the superior heat generation is recommended in colder climates.
For experienced advice and installation, turn to the HVAC Experts at Broad Ripple Service Experts. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a productive location for a long time. Contact us at 317-527-0271 to book a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.