Cozy isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners maximize this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes such as woodworking. Considering using your garage for a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll be able to use the area all year.
Standard systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are usually pricey since there’s ductwork that’s required. Not to mention, garages are often detached.
The two most popular options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, since they don’t require ductwork. But which kind should you select? It’s important to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs special planning as these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you select the best option for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, since they transfer heat instead of generating it. This makes them extremely energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and connect to an outdoor unit by a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is loved for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it good for craftsmen needing a tranquil, comfortable location to work. Since they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be operated no matter the season.
Because wood expands with shifts in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely advantageous. Many carpenters and woodworkers suggest finishing work in temperatures much like where the final product will live.
Inspecting your filter frequently is an essential piece of upkeep. Sanding generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also needs routine upkeep from a certified HVAC technician, like one from All American Air Service Experts. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help reduce the chance of interruptions in comfort and could even help it run for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Best for Cold Climates
Garage heaters operate a little differently. They generate warmth, so it’s ideal to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you rely on your garage for added storage, keep in mind that these heaters will require a part the overhead room.
A key difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the kind of fuel they use, since mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both standard types, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to add fuel hookups.
Garage heaters have a feature 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 keeps sawdust from infiltrating those internal components.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are many things to think over, like the climate in Daytona Beach. These involve:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or only heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall space you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to devote to tune-ups.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t use your garage often, this may not be the smartest plan. But woodshops in locations with large changes in weather may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly choice. Different models utilize 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 smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may result in higher utility bills. But the great heat generation is desired in northern locations.
For skilled advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at All American Air Service Experts. We’ll help you make the right choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your garage will be a productive location for years. Contact us at 386-310-2061 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.