Your garage can be more than just a place to store your vehicles in McAllen. It can be a work space, give added storage and more. But when you’re working out there more often, it needs to be a comfortable temperature.

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

Let’s discuss the difference between the two to help you choose the ideal solution for your needs.

What Do Mini-Splits Offer?

A mini-split is close to a heat pump because it moves heat rather than generating it. This makes it a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system for areas that don’t have ductwork. These electric systems are often installed on a wall and connected to the outdoor unit through a little hole in the wall.

Even though a ductless mini-split is more expensive, a lot have achieved ENERGY STAR® designation for their energy efficiency. They’re also very quiet and provide zoned comfort, which provides precise control over your garage’s temperature.

Many mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit. If your garage is part of your house, you might be able to install added indoor units in areas that are tricky to heat and cool.

What Are Garage Heaters?

A garage heater is more than a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the high corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can consume electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good option if you are situated in a chilly climate and do a lot of grubby work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to stand up to extra grime.

Comparing Key Features of Mini Split Systems and Garage Heaters

We’ve assembled a useful guide to help you choose the ideal system for your garage.

Price

Garage heaters are the lowest-priced solution. The average cost varies because of fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are much like a furnace, consuming fuel to create hot air. A mini-split air conditioner is more like a heat pump, which shifts warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll get even lower utility costs if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you could be entitled to extra rebates as a result of that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its designation indicates, a garage heater will only be delivering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

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

Space Considerations

Because garage heaters are typically installed on the ceiling, they can eat up premium overhead storage area. On the other hand, space-saving mini-split systems are usually placed higher up on a wall and don’t have to have a lot of real estate.

If you’re still deciding Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can help. Reach us at 956-553-3265 now to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll go over your needs, recommend a solution and get it put in rapidly, so you can get started enjoying your garage workspace much quicker.