Your garage can be more than just a place to put your vehicles in Northridge. It can be an area to work, offer additional storage and more. But when you’re out there more often, it needs to be a cozy temperature.

Garages don’t often have the ductwork needed for common heating and cooling systems. While you can add ductwork, it’s not the most cost-effective option. The smartest approach to heat your garage is by having a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s go over the difference between the two to help you find the best solution for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump as it shifts heat rather than creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas without ductwork. These electric systems are often put on a wall and joined to the outdoor unit through a small hole in the wall.

Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, most have earned ENERGY STAR® certification for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and offer zoned comfort, which gives precise control over your garage’s climate.

Most mini-splits allow you to join multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your home, you might be able to have added indoor units in spaces that are hard 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 run on electricity, gas or propane. They’re an excellent option if you reside in a chilly climate and do a lot of grubby work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to withstand additional grime.

Evaluating Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

We’ve created a useful guide to help you pick the best system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the most budget-friendly option. The average cost varies because of fuel type, but they’re frequently about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to generate warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is more similar to a heat pump, which moves warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll have even lower utility costs if you select an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you might be eligible for added rebates due to that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its name says, a garage heater will only be delivering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most exact temp control, a mini-split heat pump is the wisest solution as it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

As garage heaters are typically mounted on the ceiling, they can take up premium overhead storage room. On the other hand, low-profile mini-split systems are usually installed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of space.

If you’re still waffling Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can help. Contact us at (818) 727-9993 now to get a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much sooner.