Comfy isn’t often a word used to describe a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes like woodworking. Thinking about changing your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll be able to utilize the area all year.
Traditional systems, like a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically cost-prohibitive because of the ductwork that’s necessary. Also, garages are often detached.
The two most frequently installed styles are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as 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 woodshop. Sawdust needs extra thought since these particles can bog down filters and lower your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you select the best option for your shop.
Mini-Splits: Best for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, as they shift heat instead of generating it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and connect to an outdoor unit with a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and nearly noiseless operation. This makes it good for craftsmen looking for a calm, comfy area to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated no matter the season.
As wood contracts with adjustments in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is highly useful. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend doing projects in temperatures very close to where the completed item will end up.
Inspecting your filter frequently is an essential component of service. Sanding creates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also requires regular service from a experienced HVAC specialist, like one from Comfort Masters Service Experts. Keeping its internal pieces clean and lubricated will help decrease the probability of malfunctions and could even help it run for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Ideal for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters operate slightly differently. They create heat, so it’s best to compare one to a little furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you need your garage for added storage, consider the fact that these heaters will require some of the overhead space.
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 hookups.
Garage heaters include a feature that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from reaching those internal components.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the end there are a lot of things to keep in mind, like the climate in Wheeling. These involve:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or only heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling space you have in your garage.
- How much time and money you want to devote to tune-ups.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t need your woodshop often, this may not be the most budget-friendly plan. But woodshops in climates with big shifts in temperature may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models utilize varying fuel sources to generate 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 lead to bigger utility bills. But the superior heat generation is recommended in northern climates.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Comfort Masters Service Experts. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful area for many years to come. Give us a call at 847-250-6729 to book a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.