Mini-Splits vs. Garage Heaters: What’s Ideal for My Woodshop?

Comfy isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or tinkering including woodworking. Thinking about using your garage for a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to use the area year-round.

Traditional systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically cost-prohibitive since there’s ductwork that’s required. Not to mention, garages are frequently detached.

The two most popular options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t require ductwork. But which kind should you choose? It’s important to be informed about each to choose the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs additional planning because these particles can clog filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.

We go over the differences to help you choose the right option for your budget.

Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling

Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, as they shift heat instead of making it. This makes them extremely energy efficient. They’re installed on your wall and connect to an outside unit with a small hole in the wall.

A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it great for craftsmen searching for a calm, comfortable space to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used no matter the season.

Because wood contracts with adjustments in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely advantageous. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers suggest doing work in temperatures very close to where the completed creation will be used.

Checking your filter consistently is a crucial component of upkeep. 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 requires routine service from a experienced HVAC tech, like one from Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help decrease the probability of interruptions in comfort and might even help it last for a greater period of time.

Garage Heaters: Ideal for Cold Climates

Garage heaters work a bit differently. They generate heated air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a small furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, often in a corner. If you need your garage for extra storage, consider the fact that these heaters will require a portion the overhead area.

A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they need, as mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical kinds, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to worry about fuel sources.

Garage heaters include a feature that gives them a leg up on a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which stops sawdust from infiltrating those internal parts.

Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters

In the long run there are lots of things to consider, like the weather in the U.S.. These involve:

• • Whether you need both heating and cooling, or just heating.

• • Your budget.

• • How much wall room you have in your shop.

• • How much time and money you want to devote to tune-ups.

Ductless mini-split systems run more at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t need your woodshop often, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in locations with large changes in temperature may benefit from enhanced control.

Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly option. Different models utilize different fuel sources to create heat only, making them bad for warm weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may create bigger utility costs. But the superior heat generation is preferable in colder climates.

For dependable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ll help you make the right choice. And with excellent repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a relaxing area for many years to come. Reach us at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.