Comfy isn’t typically a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this space as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes like woodworking. Thinking about transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By adding heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the space year-round.
Common systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually expensive due to the ductwork that’s needed. Not to mention, garages are often detached.
The two most popular solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, because they don’t require ductwork. But which kind should you go with? It’s important to be aware of each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs additional thought as these particles can bog down filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you pick the ideal solution for your needs.
Mini-Splits: Best for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, because they move heat in place of creating it. This makes them extremely energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and join to an exterior unit via a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it great for craftsmen looking for a calm, cozy location to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run no matter the season.
As wood contracts with changes in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely advantageous. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers advise completing projects in temperatures very close to where the completed product will live.
Inspecting your filter frequently is a critical part of maintenance. Sanding creates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also has to have frequent service from a professional HVAC tech, like one from D&K Home Services by Enercare. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help lower the likelihood of repairs and might even help it last for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Great for Cold Climates
Garage heaters work a little differently. They generate warmth, so it’s ideal to compare one to a little furnace. They’re fixed on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you need your garage for extra storage, know that these heaters will eat up a part the overhead space.
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 common kinds, but there are electric garage heaters too if you don’t want to bother with fuel hookups.
Garage heaters include 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 halts sawdust from infiltrating those internal components.
Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are lots of things to consider, including the weather in Belleville. These encompass:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall area you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to spend on service.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive at the start than garage heaters. If you don’t plan on using your woodshop all the time, this may not be the smartest solution. But woodshops in climates with major adjustments in weather may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly option. Different models use different fuel sources to create heat only, making them ill-suited for warm weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are more reasonable. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may create bigger utility costs. But the excellent heat generation is preferable in northern locations.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, trust the HVAC Experts at D&K Home Services by Enercare. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with quality repair and maintenance services, your garage will be a useful area for years. Reach us at 613-707-2421 to book a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.