Your garage can be more than just a space to put your vehicles in Kankakee. It can be an area to work, provide additional 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 required for standard heating and cooling systems. While you can install ductwork, it’s not the most economical remedy. The smartest approach to heat your garage is by using a ductless comfort system, like a mini-split system or a garage heater.

Let’s discuss the difference between the two to help you discover the best style for your needs.

What Do Mini-Splits Offer?

A mini-split is similar to a heat pump as it moves heat as opposed to creating it. This makes it an extremely energy-efficient heating and cooling system for rooms 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.

Although a ductless mini-split is more expensive, most have earned ENERGY STAR® recognition for their energy efficiency. They’re also extremely quiet and provide zoned comfort, which gives exact control over your garage’s temperature.

Most mini-splits allow you to connect several indoor units to a single outdoor unit. If your garage is connected to your house, you may be able to use extra indoor units in spaces that are hard to heat and cool.

What Do Garage Heaters Provide?

A garage heater is better than a space heater. This all-in-one heating solution is placed on the ceiling or the higher corner of a wall. Depending on the model, these heaters can use electricity, gas or propane. They’re a good solution if you reside in a cold climate and perform a lot of dirty work. Garage heaters are heavy-duty and created to keep working through additional grime.

Evaluating Key Features of Garage Heaters and Mini-Splits

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

Price

Garage heaters are the lowest-priced style. The typical cost varies based on fuel type, but they’re often about half the cost of a mini-split.

Operating Costs

Garage heaters are similar to a furnace, consuming fuel to create warmth. A mini-split air conditioner is nearer to a heat pump, which moves warmth. This makes a mini-split more efficient to run. You’ll enjoy reduced utility costs if you get an ENERGY STAR certified model. And you may be entitled to extra rebates due to that energy efficiency.

Fuel Source

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

Heating and Cooling

As its name suggests, a garage heater is restricted to just offering heat. A ductless mini-split provides both heating and cooling.

Precise Temperature Control

When you want the most precise temperature control, a mini-split heat pump is the best option because it delivers zoned heating and cooling. That way, your garage will be the right temperature you want it to be.

Space Considerations

Because garage heaters are usually installed on the ceiling, they can eat up valued overhead storage space. On the other hand, space-saving mini-split systems are typically put higher up on a wall and don’t require a lot of space.

If you’re still waffling Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating can help. Call us at 815-933-8213 right away to receive a free, no obligation estimate. We’ll review your needs, suggest a solution and get it working fast, so you can begin enjoying your garage workspace much faster.