Your garage can be more than just an area to park your vehicles in Chadron. It can be a work space, give added storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

Garages don’t typically have the ductwork needed for regular heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most economical solution. The smartest method to heat your garage is by having a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s review the difference between the two to help you discover the best option for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is much like a heat pump as it transfers heat rather than generating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for spaces that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often installed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a tiny hole in the wall.

Even though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, most have earned ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which offers precise control over your garage’s temperature.

Most mini-splits allow you to link several indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your residence, you could be able to use additional indoor units in areas 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 placed on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a great solution if you live in a chilly climate and complete a lot of dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and designed to stand up to added grime.

Reviewing Notable Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

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

Price

Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The typical expense 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, needing fuel to generate hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more similar to a heat pump, which transfers hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll get even lower utility costs if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to extra rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

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

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most precise temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the smartest solution since it offers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the exact temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

Since garage heaters are usually placed on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage room. In contrast, slim mini-split systems are often placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of room.

If you’re still deciding MPC Heating & Cooling can help. Call us at 308-832-4321 right away to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll discuss your needs, recommend a solution and get it installed fast, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much faster.