Comfortable isn’t usually a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners maximize this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes such as woodworking. Mulling changing your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the space throughout the year.
Standard systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually cost-prohibitive since there’s ductwork that’s required. Plus, garages are sometimes separate.
The two most frequently installed options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t require ductwork. But which system should you select? It’s essential to know the benefits of each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs special consideration since these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you choose the right option for your shop.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, as they move heat instead of making it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and join to an outdoor unit with 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 needing a relaxing, cozy location to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated no matter the season.
Because wood shrinks with changes in temperature, full control over heating and cooling is extremely useful. Many carpenters and woodworkers advise finishing work in temperatures very close to where the final product will live.
Changing your filter often is a crucial piece of service. Cutting generates 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 needs regular service from a certified HVAC tech, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help reduce the probability of breakdowns and could even help it work for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Great for Northern Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They create hot air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re fixed on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you turn to your garage for extra storage, know that these heaters will take up some of the overhead area.
A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they need, because mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical types, but there are electric garage heaters too if you don’t want to worry about fuel connections.
Garage heaters include 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 sealed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from getting into those internal parts.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are many things to consider, including the climate in Cleveland. These include:
- Whether you need 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 tune-ups.
Ductless mini-split systems cost more to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t need your shop all the time, this may not be the most budget-friendly option. But woodshops in areas with wide adjustments in temperature may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly choice. Different models utilize differing fuel sources to create heat only, making them bad for warmer weather. 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 bills. But the great heat generation is recommended in cooler areas.
For skilled advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a useful area for many years to come. Contact us at 440-252-1375 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.