Should I Have a Mini-Split or Garage Heater in My Woodworking Area?

2Comfy isn’t often a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners maximize this space as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes like woodworking. Considering changing your garage into a home woodshop? By installing heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to utilize the area year-round.

Traditional systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically expensive because of the ductwork that’s required. Not to mention, garages are often detached.

The two most frequently installed styles are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t have to have ductwork. But which kind should you choose? It’s critical to be informed about each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust demands special thought as these particles can bog down filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.

We review the differences to help you choose the right option for your needs.

Mini-Splits: Best for Heating and Cooling

Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, since they transfer heat instead of making it. This makes them extremely energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and join to an exterior unit through a small hole in the wall.

A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it good for craftsmen searching for a relaxing, comfortable location to work. As they offer both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used no matter the season.

As wood expands with shifts in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers suggest completing woodworking in temperatures similar to where the finished creation will be used.

Changing your filter often is an important component of upkeep. Cutting creates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you might lower your system’s efficiency and lifetime.

A mini-split also needs regular upkeep from a certified HVAC technician, like one from Wesley Wood Service Experts. Keeping its internal pieces clean and lubricated will help reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and may even help it last for a greater period of time.

Garage Heaters: Best for Northern Climates

Garage heaters run a little differently. They make warmth, so it’s best to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you turn to your garage for extra storage, know that these heaters will eat up a part the overhead area.

The biggest 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 typical types, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to bother with fuel hookups.

Garage heaters include a feature that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t have to have a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which stops sawdust from infiltrating those internal parts.

Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters

In the end there are many things to keep in mind, such as the climate in West Chester. These involve:

• Whether you need both heating and cooling, or only heating.
• Your budget.
• How much wall area you have in your shop.
• How much time and money you want to devote to maintenance.

Ductless mini-split systems run more at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t need your shop often, this may not be the smartest solution. But woodshops in climates with big changes in temperature may benefit from more precise control.

Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly option. Different models use differing fuel sources to generate heat only, making them bad for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are best if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may lead to more expensive utility bills. But the great heat generation is preferable in cooler locations.

For experienced advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at Wesley Wood Service Experts. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with excellent repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful location for many years to come. Give us a call at 484-401-7577 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.