Cozy isn’t usually a word used to reference a garage. But many homeowners maximize this area as a workshop for home improvement projects or pastimes including woodworking. Thinking about transforming your garage into a home woodshop? By having heating and cooling, you’ll have the ability to enjoy the area throughout the year.
Common systems, including a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, are often expensive due to the ductwork that’s required. Also, garages are often not connected to your home.
The two most frequently installed options are garage heaters or mini-split systems, as they don’t have to have ductwork. But which type should you choose? It’s critical to be informed about each to find the most energy-efficient solution for your woodshop. Sawdust needs additional planning as these particles can bog down filters and reduce your system’s efficiency.
We review the differences to help you select the ideal solution for your needs.
Mini-Splits: Top Marks for Heating and Cooling
Ductless mini-splits are like a heat pump, since they transfer heat in place of making it. This makes them highly energy efficient. They’re placed on your wall and connect to an outdoor unit with a small hole in the wall.
A mini-split air conditioner is popular for its energy efficiency and nearly silent operation. This makes it ideal for craftsmen looking for a calm, comfy area to work. Since they deliver both heating and cooling, mini-splits can be used all year round.
Because wood shrinks with adjustments in temperature, full control over heating and cooling is very advantageous. Many carpenters and woodworkers advise completing woodworking in temperatures much like where the finished item will be used.
Checking your filter often is a critical piece of upkeep. Using a saw kicks up a lot of sawdust. If you don’t change your mini-split’s filter, you might lower your system’s efficiency and life span.
A mini-split also has to have routine tune-ups from a professional HVAC specialist, like one from Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Keeping its internal parts clean and lubricated will help decrease the probability of breakdowns and could even help it last for a greater period of time.
Garage Heaters: Best for Cold Climates
Garage heaters operate a little differently. They make warmth, so it’s better to compare one to a mini furnace. They’re installed on the ceiling, often in a corner. If you turn to your garage for added storage, know that these heaters will require a part the overhead area.
The biggest difference between garage heaters and mini-split systems is the kind of fuel they use, because mini-splits are electric. Propane or natural gas garage heaters are both common models, but there are electric garage heaters also if you don’t want to worry about fuel connections.
Garage heaters have a feature that makes them slightly better than a mini-split system. They don’t require a filter and some models have separate combustion chambers, which keeps sawdust from infiltrating those internal parts.
Key Differences Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters
In the long run there are lots of things to keep in mind, such as the weather in Edmonton. These include:
- Whether you need both heating and cooling, or only heating.
- Your budget.
- How much wall room you have in your shop.
- How much time and money you want to devote to upkeep.
Ductless mini-split systems are more expensive up front than garage heaters. If you don’t plan on using your woodshop all the time, this may not be the smartest option. But woodshops in locations with major changes in temps may benefit from better control.
Garage heaters are a simpler, more affordable solution. Different models consume different fuel sources to generate heat only, making them ill-suited for hotter climates. Gas or propane garage heaters are great if fuel costs are low. They’re not as energy efficient, so routine use may lead to higher utility costs. But the excellent heat generation is preferable in colder areas.
For knowledgeable advice and installation, call the HVAC Experts at Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We’ll help you make the best choice. And with excellent repair and maintenance services, your garage will be a productive location for a long time. Give us a call at 780-800-9047 to book a free home comfort assessment or appointment right away.