Cozy isn’t often a word used to talk about a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this space as a workshop for home improvement projects or tinkering including woodworking. Considering transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By adding 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 expensive since there’s ductwork that’s required. Plus, garages are frequently separate.
The two most frequently installed options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t require ductwork. But which system should you choose? It’s important to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your needs. Sawdust requires special thought since these particles can fill up filters and lower your system’s efficiency.
We break down the differences to help you select the ideal system for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, because they transfer heat instead of creating it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and link 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 ideal for craftsmen looking for a tranquil, comfy location to work. Since they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run no matter the season.
As wood contracts with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is extremely beneficial. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend completing woodworking in temperatures very close to where the final item will live.
Changing your filter frequently is an important part of maintenance. Cutting creates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you might lower your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also has to have regular service from a professional HVAC tech, like one from Chief/Bauer Service Experts. Keeping its internal pieces clean and lubricated will help decrease the probability of interruptions in comfort and could even help it work longer.
Garage Heaters: Great for Cold Climates
Garage heaters operate slightly differently. They make hot air, so it’s better to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, often in a corner. If you turn to your garage for extra storage, know that these heaters will take up some of the overhead room.
The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the kind of fuel they use, as mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical types, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to bother with fuel connections.
Garage heaters include a feature 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 getting into those internal pieces.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are many things to think over, like the temperatures in Champaign. These encompass:
- Whether you want both heating and cooling, or just heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall room you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to spend on service.
Ductless mini-split systems cost more at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t use your shop frequently, this may not be the most budget-friendly plan. But woodshops in locations with wide changes in temps may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced option. Different models use different fuel sources to make heat only, making them not a good choice for hotter weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may lead to bigger utility bills. But the superior heat generation is desired in cooler areas.
For trustworthy advice and installation, turn to the HVAC Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a relaxing area for many years to come. Reach us at 217-689-2469 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.