Your garage can be more than just a space to store your vehicles in Norton. It can be a workshop, offer extra storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.

Garages don’t typically have the ductwork required for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous option. The smartest method to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s go over the difference between the two to help you find the right solution for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is similar to a heat pump because it transfers heat as opposed to generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are usually placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.

Even though a ductless mini-split is higher priced, many have earned ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers accurate control over your garage’s temp.

The majority of mini-splits allow you to join multiple indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your residence, you could be able to install added indoor units in spaces that are difficult to heat and cool.

What Is a Garage Heater?

A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is installed on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great option if you live in a cold climate and do a lot of dusty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to keep working through additional grime.

Evaluating Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

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

Price

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

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to create hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is nearer to a heat pump, which moves hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to operate. You’ll enjoy even lower utility expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you could be entitled to extra rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its name says, a garage heater is restricted to just offering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most accurate temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the best solution because it provides 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 mounted on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage area. In contrast, low-profile mini-split systems are typically put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of room.

If you’re still waffling HCE Systems can help. Reach us at 276-302-0076 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.