2Comfortable isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners make the most of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies including woodworking. Mulling changing your garage into a home woodshop? By installing heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the area all year.
Standard systems, like a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are often expensive due to the ductwork that’s needed. Plus, garages are frequently detached.
The two most frequently used solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t have to have ductwork. But which system should you choose? It’s critical to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust demands special consideration as these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you select the right option for your needs.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are similar to a heat pump, as they shift heat rather than generating it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re installed on your wall and link to an exterior unit with 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 needing a calm, comfy space to work. As they provide both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used no matter the season.
Since wood contracts with shifts in temperature, total control over heating and cooling is extremely advantageous. Many carpenters and woodworkers recommend doing projects in temperatures much like where the completed creation will end up.
Inspecting your filter consistently is an important piece of upkeep. Using a saw kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t clean your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and lifetime.
A mini-split also requires regular tune-ups from a experienced HVAC technician, like one from Teays Valley Service Experts. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help decrease the likelihood of malfunctions and may even help it run for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Best for Cold Climates
Garage heaters run a little differently. They make heat, so it’s ideal to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, typically in a corner. If you rely on your garage for additional storage, keep in mind that these heaters will take up some of the overhead room.
The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the fuel type, since mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common types, but there are electric garage heaters too if you don’t want to bother with fuel sources.
Garage heaters include a perk that makes them advantageous over a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which stops sawdust from infiltrating those internal parts.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are lots of things to consider, like the climate in Hurricane. These include:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much overhead space you have in your garage.
- How much time and money you want to devote to tune-ups.
Ductless mini-split systems run more at the start than garage heaters. If you won’t use your shop all the time, this may not be the most budget-friendly option. But woodshops in climates with large shifts in weather may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more reasonably priced choice. Different models utilize different fuel sources to make heat only, making them ill-suited for warmer areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are best if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may result in more expensive utility bills. But the excellent heat generation is preferable in colder climates.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Teays Valley Service Experts. We’ll help you make the right choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a useful location for a long time. Reach us at 304-760-5088 to request a free home comfort assessment or appointment today.