Your garage can be more than just a place to park your vehicles in Columbia. It can be a workshop, give added storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a comfy temperature.

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

Let’s discuss the difference between the two to help you choose the right style for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is much like a heat pump because it moves heat rather than generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are often installed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also highly quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives accurate control over your garage’s climate.

Many mini-splits allow you to join several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your house, you may be able to install added indoor units in areas that are hard to heat and cool.

What Is a Garage Heater?

A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is installed on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great choice if you are situated in a northern climate and do a lot of dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to keep working through extra grime.

Reviewing Top Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve made a valuable guide to help you select the ideal system for your garage.

Price

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

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to generate warmth. 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 get even lower utility bills if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to extra rebates due to that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its name indicates, a garage heater is limited to only providing heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you are seeking the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest solution because it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

Since garage heaters are often mounted on the ceiling, they can eat up valuable overhead storage room. On the other hand, slim mini-split systems are typically put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of real estate.

If you’re still deciding Watts Electric & AC can help. Call us at 601-736-7362 right away to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, advise you on a solution and get it installed rapidly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.