Want A Garage That's Usable All Year Long? What Are Your Best Heating And Cooling Options?
Posted on: 7 June 2017
If you find yourself dreading any automotive repairs, woodworking projects, or other tasks that will require you to spend more than a few minutes in your home's garage during the extreme temperatures of the summer and winter months, you may be wondering about your climate control options for this often poorly-ventilated space. Adding a heater and/or air conditioner to your home's attached garage can make it a much more inviting space year-round, but choosing the right system for your garage can sometimes be a challenge. Read on to learn more about your heating and cooling options for an attached garage with no existing climate control.
Do you need both a heating and cooling system?
If you're considering adding both a heating and a cooling system for your garage, you may first want to consider whether both are needed. For instance, if most of your winter garage work is performed while standing in one area, you may be able to get by with a simple plug-in space heater. By that same token, a "walk out" garage in a cold climate isn't likely to need much in the way of air conditioning; you may be able to get by with just a large fan during the warmer summer months.
If you do determine that installing both heating and cooling systems for your garage is necessary to ensure year-round comfort, there are a few options that should work well for you, as well as a few you may want to avoid.
What are the best heating options for garages?
When it comes to heating your garage, you'll want an option that's safe and efficient. Using propane or kerosene space heaters inside can be tempting, especially due to their low cost and wide heating range, but the relative lack of ventilation in most garages can make this a dangerous prospect if your heater gives off carbon monoxide fumes or other harmful byproducts.
One way to heat your garage is to install a ductless mini split. As the name implies, this HVAC system doesn't require any central ductwork; instead, an air vent can be installed on your wall or ceiling to provide a steady stream of warm air. This vent is connected to a small exterior compressor unit that operates much like a traditional air conditioner, albeit on a much smaller (and less expensive) scale.
These mini splits are designed for small spaces that lack the necessary ductwork for central heating and cooling, making them perfect for garages. As long as you're able to drill a small hole in the wall to connect your duct to the compressor unit, you should have no problem with the installation of this energy-efficient heating system.
Another option is an induction space heater. Unlike most electric heaters, which run air across a heated coil to produce warmth, induction heaters use electromagnetic forces to generate heat, allowing them to be safer and more energy-efficient than most other types.
What are the best cooling options for garages?
If you're considering installing a ductless mini split for winter heat, you'll be happy to know that this HVAC system performs double duty by producing cooled air in the summer. This can be a great option for garages that don't have windows, eliminating window air conditioning units or even window fans as a feasible option.
If your garage does have a window, you may want to consider installing a window air conditioner during the hottest months of the year. These units are inexpensive and simple to install (and remove), allowing you to remain versatile when it comes to your heating and cooling needs over time.
For more advice on installing a heating and/or cooling system in your garage, reach out to professionals like A-1 American Services.
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