Comfortable isn’t often a word used to describe a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies including woodworking. Thinking about using your garage for a home woodshop? By adding heating and cooling, you’ll have the option use the area all year.
Standard systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically pricey since there’s ductwork that’s required. Not to mention, garages are sometimes separate.
The two most frequently installed solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t require ductwork. But which kind should you choose? It’s important to know the benefits of each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust requires additional planning since these particles can fill up filters and lower your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you choose the right option for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are similar to a heat pump, since they shift heat in place of making it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and connect to an outdoor unit via a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it good for craftsmen needing a calm, comfortable area to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run no matter the season.
Since wood contracts with adjustments in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is highly useful. Many carpenters and woodworkers advise completing projects in temperatures similar to where the finished item will end up.
Changing your filter often is a critical part of service. Sanding generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t keep up with your mini-split’s filter, you risk reducing your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also needs frequent tune-ups from a certified HVAC tech, like one from Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of interruptions in comfort and might even help it run longer.
Garage Heaters: Best for Northern Climates
Garage heaters run a bit differently. They make hot air, so it’s ideal to compare one to a little furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you turn to your garage for added storage, know that these heaters will take up a part the overhead space.
The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they run on, because mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common types, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to worry about fuel hookups.
Garage heaters have a perk that gives them a leg up on a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have closed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from infiltrating those internal pieces.
Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are a lot of things to think over, like the climate in London. These encompass:
- Whether you are looking for 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 service.
Ductless mini-split systems run more up front than garage heaters. If you don’t plan on using your shop all the time, this may not be the most cost-effective solution. But woodshops in climates with big adjustments in weather may benefit from enhanced control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly solution. Different models use different fuel sources to generate heat only, making them bad for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are best if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may create more expensive utility bills. But the excellent heat generation is preferable in cooler locations.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at Roy Inch & Sons 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 location for many years to come. Contact us at 226-270-1164 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.