Your garage can be more than just an area to park your vehicles in Warminster. It can be a workshop, give extra storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

Garages don’t typically have the ductwork required for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous solution. 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 discuss the difference between the two to help you discover the ideal solution for your needs.

What Do Mini-Splits Offer?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it transfers heat as opposed to generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often installed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, many have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and offer zoned comfort, which offers precise control over your garage’s temperature.

The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your residence, you might be able to use added indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.

What Is the Difference Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters?

A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great solution if you reside in a northern climate and perform a lot of dusty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand additional grime.

Comparing Notable Features of Mini Split Systems and Garage Heaters

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

Price

Garage heaters are the most economical style. The estimated cost differs due to fuel type, but they’re usually about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are much like a furnace, needing fuel to create warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more similar to a heat pump, which transfers warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll enjoy even lower utility costs if you select an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you might have access to additional rebates due to that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its designation suggests, a garage heater is restricted to just offering heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most exact temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest answer as it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be just the temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

As garage heaters are often installed on the ceiling, they can take up premium overhead storage room. In comparison, space-saving mini-split systems are usually put higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of space.

If you’re still waffling Retro HVAC Service & Installation can help. Reach us at 267-485-6219 today to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, suggest a solution and get it put in fast, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much faster.