Your garage can be more than just a place to put your vehicles in Florissant and St. Charles. It can be an area to work, offer added storage and more. But when you’re spending more time out there, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

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

Let’s go through the difference between the two to help you choose the right style for your needs.

What Is a Mini-Split?

A mini-split is much like a heat pump as it transfers heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it a very energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms that lack ductwork. These electric systems are often placed on a wall and linked to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Although a ductless mini-split is higher priced, a lot have received ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and deliver zoned comfort, which gives accurate control over your garage’s temp.

The majority of mini-splits allow you to link multiple indoor units to an individual outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your house, you could be able to install additional indoor units in spaces that are tricky to heat and cool.

What Is the Difference Between Mini-Splits and Garage Heaters?

A garage heater isn’t a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is mounted on the ceiling or the upper corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good option if you reside in a cold climate and perform a lot of dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and made to keep working through added grime.

Reviewing Key Features of Mini Split Systems and Garage Heaters

We’ve created a handy guide to help you choose the right system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the most economical option. The estimated expense differs based on fuel type, but they’re typically about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, needing fuel to create heat. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts hot air. This makes a mini-split more efficient to use. You’ll get reduced utility costs if you select an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to additional rebates because of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its designation says, a garage heater will only be offering heat. A ductless mini-split offers both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

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

Space Considerations

As garage heaters are typically mounted on the ceiling, they can take up valued overhead storage area. In comparison, space-saving mini-split systems are often placed higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of room.

If you’re still waffling B&B Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help. Call us at 314-668-8530 right away to request a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, advise you on a solution and get it put in quickly, so you can start enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.