Cozy isn’t usually a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners take full advantage of this location as a workshop for home improvement projects or hobbies like woodworking. Thinking about transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the garage all year.
Standard systems, such as a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are typically cost-prohibitive since there’s ductwork that’s required. Plus, garages are sometimes detached.
The two most frequently installed options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t need ductwork. But which system should you choose? It’s essential to know the benefits of each to select the most energy-efficient solution for your situation. Sawdust demands extra planning since these particles can clog filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you choose the right solution for your budget.
Mini-Splits: Ideal for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits much like a heat pump, as they move heat in place of making it. This makes them very energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and join to an outside unit via a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it great for craftsmen searching for a tranquil, cozy area to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used no matter the season.
As wood shrinks with adjustments in temperature, complete control over heating and cooling is extremely beneficial. A lot of carpenters and woodworkers advise finishing work in temperatures similar to where the finished creation will be used.
Checking your filter frequently is a critical piece of service. Using a saw kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you may decrease your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also needs routine tune-ups from a experienced HVAC specialist, like one from Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help reduce the probability of malfunctions and could even help it run for an extended period of time.
Garage Heaters: Great for Chilly Climates
Garage heaters operate a bit differently. They make warmth, so it’s best to compare one to a miniature furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, usually in a corner. If you rely on your garage for added storage, keep in mind that these heaters will take up some of the overhead area.
The main difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the type of fuel they run on, as mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both typical types, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to add fuel hookups.
Garage heaters have a feature that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t need a filter and some models have sealed combustion chambers, which halts sawdust from infiltrating those internal parts.
Key Variations Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
Ultimately there are lots of things to keep in mind, including the temperatures in Kingwood. These encompass:
- Whether you are looking for both heating and cooling, or only heating.
- Your budget.
- How much overhead room you have in your garage.
- How much time and money you want to devote to service.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive to begin with than garage heaters. If you won’t use your woodshop all the time, this may not be the most cost-effective plan. But woodshops in climates with wide adjustments in temps may benefit from more precise control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models consume differing fuel sources to generate heat only, making them not a good choice for hotter climates. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are smaller. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may result in more expensive utility expenses. But the great heat generation is desired in colder areas.
For skilled advice and installation, go with the HVAC Experts at Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ll help you make the ideal choice. And with outstanding repair and maintenance services, your woodshop will be a useful location for years. Give us a call at 281-407-9478 to schedule a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.