Comfortable isn’t usually a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners maximize this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or tinkering like woodworking. Considering transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the option enjoy the area all year.
Common systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually expensive since there’s ductwork that’s required. Not to mention, garages are frequently detached.
The two most frequently installed solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t need ductwork. But which system should you go with? It’s essential to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your situation. Sawdust needs extra planning as these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We break down the differences to help you choose the best solution for your shop.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, since they move heat instead of making it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and connect to an outside unit via a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is prized for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it good for craftsmen looking for a tranquil, comfy space to work. Because they offer both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated no matter the season.
Because wood contracts with changes in temperature, full control over heating and cooling is highly beneficial. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers suggest doing woodworking in temperatures similar to where the final item will live.
Checking your filter frequently is a critical component of service. Using a saw kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and longevity.
A mini-split also needs regular upkeep from a certified HVAC tech, like one from BW/Cook Service Experts. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help reduce the probability of repairs and might even help it work for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Ideal for Northern Climates
Garage heaters run slightly differently. They make heat, so it’s ideal to compare one to a small furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you turn to your garage for additional storage, consider the fact that these heaters will take up a portion the overhead area.
A key 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 standard types, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to add fuel hookups.
Garage heaters include a plus that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t have to have a filter and some models have closed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from getting into those internal components.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are a lot of things to think over, including the climate in Elkhart. These include:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much overhead space you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to spend on maintenance.
Ductless mini-split systems cost more to begin with than garage heaters. If you don’t plan on using your shop all the time, this may not be the most cost-effective plan. But woodshops in areas with big adjustments in temps may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable choice. Different models use varying fuel sources to create heat only, making them ill-suited for hotter weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may result in higher utility expenses. But the great heat generation is preferable in colder locations.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at BW/Cook Service Experts. We’ll help you make the right choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a productive area for years. Contact us at 574-218-6404 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.