Mini-Splits vs. Garage Heaters: What’s Right for My Shop?

Comfortable isn’t often a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners maximize this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies like woodworking. Thinking about using your garage for a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the option use the space year-round. 

Traditional systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are often expensive because of the ductwork that’s necessary. Plus, garages are frequently detached. 

The two most popular solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t need ductwork. But which system should you go with? It’s essential to be informed about each to choose the most energy-efficient solution for your needs. Sawdust demands special consideration because these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency. 

We go over the differences to help you pick the right option for your needs. 

Mini-Splits: Best for Heating and Cooling 

Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, because they move heat in place of making it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and link to an exterior unit via a small hole in the wall. 

A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it good for craftsmen needing a calm, comfortable location to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used all year round. 

Since wood expands with adjustments in temperature, full control over heating and cooling is extremely useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers suggest doing work in temperatures much like where the finished item will live. 

Checking your filter consistently is a crucial component of upkeep. Cutting creates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and life span. 

A mini-split also requires frequent service from a certified HVAC tech, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of interruptions in comfort and might even help it work longer. 

Garage Heaters: Best for Cold Climates 

Garage heaters work slightly differently. They create heated air, so it’s better to compare one to a small furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, often in a corner. If you rely on your garage for added storage, consider the fact that these heaters will eat up some of the overhead area. 

A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the fuel type, because 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 bother with fuel hookups. 

Garage heaters come with a plus that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have closed combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from reaching those internal pieces. 

Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters 

In the long run there are many things to keep in mind, such as the climate in Fort Lauderdale. These involve: 

• Whether you want both heating and cooling, or just heating. 
• Your budget. 
• How much overhead room you have in your garage. 
• How much time and money you want to spend on maintenance. 

Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive up front than garage heaters. If you won’t need your garage often, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in climates with large shifts in temperature may benefit from better control. 

Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced option. Different models consume different fuel sources to generate heat only, making them bad for warmer climates. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may create more expensive utility costs. But the great heat generation is desired in northern climates. 

For professional advice and installation, turn to the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful area for a long time. Give us a call at 954-736-4314 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.