Comfortable isn’t typically a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners maximize this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies including woodworking. Considering changing your garage into a home woodshop? By adding 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 often cost-prohibitive due to the ductwork that’s required. Plus, garages are often detached.
The two most frequently used solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t have to have ductwork. But which system should you choose? It’s essential to know the benefits of each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust demands special planning because these particles can fill up filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you choose the ideal solution for your shop.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, as they transfer heat in place of creating it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and connect to an outside unit by a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen searching for a tranquil, comfy location to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated all year round.
Because wood shrinks with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is highly beneficial. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend doing projects in temperatures very close to where the finished product will be used.
Inspecting your filter consistently is a critical piece of service. Cutting generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also needs regular service from a certified HVAC technician, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal pieces clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of malfunctions and may even help it last longer.
Garage Heaters: Great for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They create hot air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a small furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you need your garage for additional storage, consider the fact that these heaters will eat up a part the overhead space.
The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the fuel type, because mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical kinds, but there are electric garage heaters too if you don’t want to bother with fuel connections.
Garage heaters come with a plus that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from infiltrating those internal components.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the end there are lots of things to keep in mind, such as the weather in Melbourne. These involve:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling space you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to devote to maintenance.
Ductless mini-split systems run more to begin with than garage heaters. If you don’t plan on using your woodshop frequently, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in areas with major shifts in temperature may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable option. Different models consume different fuel sources to create heat only, making them bad for warm weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are best if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so regular use may create more expensive utility expenses. But the excellent heat generation is recommended in colder climates.
For skilled advice and installation, trust the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your garage will be a useful space for many years to come. Give us a call at 321-428-7635 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.