Your garage can be more than just an area to store your vehicles in Alice. It can be a work space, offer extra storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a cozy temperature.

Garages don’t usually have the ductwork required for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can get ductwork, it’s not the most advantageous remedy. The best method to heat your garage is by getting a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s go through the difference between the two to help you discover the ideal style for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump since it transfers heat rather than creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.

Even though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which provides exact control over your garage’s temperature.

The majority of mini-splits allow you to connect multiple indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is adjacent to your residence, you might be able to have additional indoor units in rooms that are difficult to heat and cool.

What Is a Garage Heater?

A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-encompassing heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent solution if you are situated in a chilly climate and do a lot of dusty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to last through additional grime.

Comparing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve made a valuable guide to help you choose the best system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the lowest-priced style. The estimated expense is different due to fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are much like a furnace, using fuel to make warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is closer to a heat pump, which transfers warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll have even lower utility expenses if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to extra rebates because of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

Garage heaters have the broadest options for fuel kinds—electricity, gas or propane. Mini-splits are electric.

Heating and Cooling

As its designation indicates, a garage heater is limited to only providing heat. A ductless mini-split delivers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you are after the most accurate comfort control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest option since it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

As garage heaters are usually mounted on the ceiling, they can take up valuable overhead storage area. In contrast, space-saving mini-split systems are typically installed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of space.

If you’re still deciding Rescue Heating & Air can help. Contact us at 361-265-4371 now to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, recommend a solution and get it working quickly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.