Cozy isn’t usually a word used to describe a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this space as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies such as woodworking. Mulling changing your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to utilize the garage all year.
Traditional systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually cost-prohibitive due to the ductwork that’s needed. Not to mention, garages are frequently detached.
The two most frequently used options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t have to have ductwork. But which kind should you select? It’s essential to be informed about each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your situation. Sawdust requires extra planning since these particles can fill up filters and decrease your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you pick the best option for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Best for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are similar to a heat pump, since they transfer heat instead of making it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re installed on your wall and link to an outside unit through a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it good for craftsmen looking for a calm, comfortable location to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used all year round.
Because wood expands with adjustments in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is highly beneficial. Most carpenters and woodworkers advise completing woodworking in temperatures much like where the finished product will live.
Changing your filter often is an essential component of upkeep. Using a saw generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you might lower your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also needs routine service from a experienced HVAC specialist, like one from Barlow Service Experts. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of repairs and may even help it work for an extended period of time.
Garage Heaters: Great for Cold Climates
Garage heaters work a little differently. They create warmth, so it’s ideal to compare one to a little furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you rely on your garage for additional storage, keep in mind that these heaters will require some of the overhead area.
The main difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the fuel type, since mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common kinds, but there are electric garage heaters too if you don’t want to worry about fuel hookups.
Garage heaters have a bonus that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from infiltrating those internal components.
Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are many things to think over, such as the climate in the Wasatch Front region. These include:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling room you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to dedicate to service.
Ductless mini-split systems cost more to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t use your shop frequently, this may not be the most cost-effective option. But woodshops in climates with big changes in weather may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models use differing fuel sources to generate heat only, making them not a good choice for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so regular use may create more expensive utility costs. But the superior heat generation is preferable in cooler areas.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Barlow Service Experts. We’ll help you make the right choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful space for many years to come. Give us a call at 801-436-8985 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.