2Cozy isn’t often a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners take full advantage of this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes like woodworking. Mulling transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By installing heating and cooling, you’ll be able to utilize the area year-round.
Standard systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically pricey since there’s ductwork that’s necessary. Not to mention, garages are frequently not connected to your home.
The two most popular solutions are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t need ductwork. But which kind should you go with? It’s important to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs extra planning since these particles can fill up filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We go over the differences to help you choose the right option for your needs.
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 installed on your wall and join to an outside unit through a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen looking for a tranquil, comfy location to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be run throughout the year.
Since wood contracts with changes in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is very useful. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers recommend finishing woodworking in temperatures similar to where the finished creation will live.
Inspecting your filter consistently is a critical piece of maintenance. Sanding generates a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and longevity.
A mini-split also has to have routine service from a professional HVAC specialist, like one from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Keeping its internal components clean and lubricated will help reduce the probability of breakdowns and might even help it last for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Best for Northern Climates
Garage heaters work slightly differently. They generate hot air, so it’s best to compare one to a small furnace. They’re mounted on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you rely on your garage for additional storage, consider the fact that these heaters will take up a portion the overhead room.
The main difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they need, since mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both standard models, but there are electric garage heaters as well if you don’t want to add fuel hookups.
Garage heaters come with a perk that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t have to have a filter and some models have closed combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from reaching those internal pieces.
Key Distinctions Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the end there are lots of things to consider, including the climate in Memphis. These involve:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or merely heating.
- Your budget.
- How much ceiling area you have in your woodshop.
- How much time and money you want to devote to service.
Ductless mini-split systems cost more up front than garage heaters. If you won’t need your shop all the time, this may not be the smartest solution. But woodshops in areas with wide shifts in weather may benefit from enhanced control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, budget-friendly choice. Different models utilize differing fuel sources to create heat only, making them not a good choice for hotter areas. Gas or propane garage heaters are ideal if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so frequent use may lead to bigger utility costs. But the superior heat generation is preferable in colder climates.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with excellent repair and maintenance services, your shop will be a productive space for years. Reach us at 901-235-1196 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment now.