Comfortable isn’t typically a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners take full advantage of this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or tinkering like woodworking. Thinking about changing your garage into a home woodshop? By installing heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to use the garage year-round.
Common systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically expensive because of the ductwork that’s required. Plus, garages are sometimes separate.
The two most popular solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t have to have ductwork. But which system should you select? It’s critical to be aware of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your needs. Sawdust requires additional consideration as these particles can fill up filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you pick the ideal system for your shop.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are similar to a heat pump, since they shift heat instead of creating it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re installed 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 nearly silent operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen looking for a calm, cozy space to work. Since they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run no matter the season.
Because wood contracts with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is extremely beneficial. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend finishing projects in temperatures similar to where the final item will live.
Inspecting your filter often is a crucial piece of maintenance. Sanding kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also requires regular service from a certified HVAC tech, like one from Climate Control Service Experts. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of interruptions in comfort and might even help it work longer.
Garage Heaters: Great for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters operate slightly differently. They generate heated air, so it’s better to compare one to a miniature furnace. They’re fixed on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you need your garage for extra storage, consider the fact that these heaters will require a part the overhead area.
A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they run on, as mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common types, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to bother with fuel connections.
Garage heaters come with a feature that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have closed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from getting into those internal pieces.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the end there are many things to think over, such as the climate in Mobile. These encompass:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or just heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling space you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to spend on tune-ups.
Ductless mini-split systems run more to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t need your woodshop all the time, this may not be the smartest solution. But woodshops in locations with large shifts in temperature may benefit from enhanced control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced solution. Different models consume different fuel sources to generate heat only, making them bad for warmer areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may create higher utility expenses. But the excellent heat generation is preferable in cooler climates.
For professional advice and installation, turn to the HVAC Experts at Climate Control Service Experts. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful area for a long time. Reach us at 251-202-7503 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.