Comfortable isn’t typically 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 pastimes including woodworking. Thinking about changing your garage into a home woodshop? By installing heating and cooling, you’ll be able to utilize the area all year.
Common systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically expensive because of the ductwork that’s necessary. Not to mention, garages are frequently detached.
The two most frequently installed styles are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t have to have ductwork. But which kind should you select? It’s critical to be aware of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your situation. Sawdust requires extra planning as these particles can clog filters and lower your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you select the right solution for your needs.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, since they move heat in place of making it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re mounted on your wall and join to an outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is prized for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it great for craftsmen looking for a calm, comfy location to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used no matter the season.
Because wood shrinks with changes in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers advise doing work in temperatures much like where the completed item will end up.
Checking your filter consistently is an important piece of service. Cutting kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also requires regular service from a professional HVAC tech, like one from Orangutan Home Services. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help decrease the probability of interruptions in comfort and could even help it work for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Ideal for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They create heated air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you turn to your garage for additional storage, know that these heaters will require a portion the overhead space.
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 typical types, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to bother with fuel hookups.
Garage heaters include a bonus that gives them a leg up on a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from getting into those internal components.
Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are lots of things to consider, including the climate in Tempe. These encompass:
- Whether you want both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall area you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to dedicate to maintenance.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t use your woodshop frequently, this may not be the most budget-friendly option. But woodshops in locations with wide adjustments in temps may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models consume differing fuel sources to create heat only, making them ill-suited for warmer weather. Gas or propane garage heaters are best if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so regular use may create higher utility costs. But the superior heat generation is preferable in cooler locations.
For dependable advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at Orangutan Home Services. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with excellent repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a relaxing area for a long time. Reach us at 602-906-0111 to book a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.