Mini-Splits vs. Garage Heaters: What’s Best for My Shop?

Comfortable isn’t usually a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners take full advantage of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes including woodworking. Considering transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By adding heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to utilize the space year-round. 

Common systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically expensive because of the ductwork that’s required. Also, garages are often not connected to your home. 

The two most frequently installed solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t have to have ductwork. But which type should you select? It’s critical to be informed about each to choose the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust demands extra planning because these particles can clog filters and lower your system’s efficiency. 

We break down the differences to help you pick the ideal system for your budget. 

Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling 

Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, as they move heat instead of generating it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and link to an exterior unit with a small hole in the wall. 

A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it good for craftsmen looking for a tranquil, cozy area to work. Because they offer both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run throughout the year. 

Since wood expands with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is very useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers recommend doing work in temperatures similar to where the final creation will be used. 

Checking your filter often is a critical part of maintenance. Sanding kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and life span. 

A mini-split also requires routine tune-ups from a certified HVAC technician, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help lower the chance of breakdowns and could even help it run for a greater period of time. 

Garage Heaters: Ideal for Northern Climates 

Garage heaters work slightly differently. They make heat, so it’s better to compare one to a miniature furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you need your garage for added storage, keep in mind that these heaters will eat up some of the overhead area. 

The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they run on, since 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 sources. 

Garage heaters come with a perk that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from getting into those internal pieces. 

Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters 

In the end there are many things to consider, like the climate in Fort Lauderdale. These involve: 

• Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating. 
• Your budget. 
• How much ceiling room you have in your shop. 
• How much time and money you want to devote to upkeep. 

Ductless mini-split systems run more to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t use your garage often, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in areas with wide changes in weather may benefit from more precise control. 

Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models utilize varying fuel sources to generate heat only, making them ill-suited for warmer areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may result in bigger utility expenses. But the great heat generation is recommended in cooler locations. 

For dependable advice and installation, go with 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 woodshop will be a useful area for many years to come. Give us a call at 954-736-4314 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.