Window air conditioner - or mini-split - for my garage?

[David]

I'm a big fan of the mini-split. The only drawback is cost. It's more efficient and MUCH quieter.

I put a 2 ton Mitsubishi unit in my 900 sqft garage about 12 or more years ago. The only maintenance I've done is cleaning the filter and I don't do that nearly enough. Considering I don't turn it on for many months at a time, I think reliability is great.

I paid $1,800 plus another $200 for copper lines and wiring. It comes charged and you don't have to pull vacuum before opening the coolant valve but I did anyway. Glad I did because I loosened one of the copper line fittings while hanging the wall unit so I couldn't get vacuum. Had a friend help me install it after I tightened the fitting so there was no stress while placing it.

The big plus for me is how quiet it is since I enjoy music in the garage.

[hcoles]

I read that there are three types of mini-split compressors or controls.
1 - single speed
2 - two speed
3 - variable speed
What do people here feel are the pros and cons?

[BK911]

I didnt read this whole thread so I apologize if I am repeating any info already given.

We have a bunch of the mini splits all around campus.
What I have found is the cheaper simpler ones are MUCH more reliable.
Whenever a really nice one has issues, we usually just replace the whole thing.
Most components are "matched" so if a compressor goes out, you have to replace the compressor, fan, mother board, etc...
With our craft labor rates, cheaper to buy new and install.

I put the cheapest one I could find in my garage.
No bells and whistles; just a plain jane heat pump.

[Baz]

Just got the call. Unit should be here Monday! Delivery by FedEx.....

[908/930]

Baz, if you can, 2" of EPS foam in between the joists against the roof sheeting would really help, would need to fit it fairly well and just bump in a couple of 2" nails below the foam into the joist to hold in place. Can still use the space that is left for storage.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by 908/930

Baz, if you can, 2" of EPS foam in between the joists against the roof sheeting would really help, would need to fit it fairly well and just bump in a couple of 2" nails below the foam into the joist to hold in place. Can still use the space that is left for storage.

Thanks, 908! Great idea I will strongly consider later in the year when I do the job. That stuff looks pretty easy to work with!

[rfuerst911sc]

Having lived in Florida for 18 years and in the South now for over 30 years I can confidently say reflective barriers and insulation must be used to keep conditioned spaces up to snuff .

In my opinion if a garage space is going to have any type of HVAC system you have to treat the area just like a house . Reflective barriers and insulation in the roof/ceiling and walls . Garage door insulated and use weatherstripping to minimize air infiltration .

There is no joy watching your electric meter spin like a router 😋 . The effort and $$$ spent up front to insulate will pay off in the long run . My 24x26 man cave garage is so cheap to heat/cool I don't even think about it . My mini split runs 24/7 .

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Having lived in Florida for 18 years and in the South now for over 30 years I can confidently say reflective barriers and insulation must be used to keep conditioned spaces up to snuff .

In my opinion if a garage space is going to have any type of HVAC system you have to treat the area just like a house . Reflective barriers and insulation in the roof/ceiling and walls . Garage door insulated and use weatherstripping to minimize air infiltration .

There is no joy watching your electric meter spin like a router 😋 . The effort and $$$ spent up front to insulate will pay off in the long run . My 24x26 man cave garage is so cheap to heat/cool I don't even think about it . My mini split runs 24/7 .

No doubt and I agree, Rick.

My garage is a work in progress and hopefully this fall/winter when our weather is more agreeable to outdoor projects - I will be able to get done what I want.

Thanks again to all who posted in my thread here - very helpful and informative!

[ThomasHoward]

It sounds like you're trying to beat the heat in your garage! Have you considered a mini-split air conditioning unit? They're a bit pricier than a window unit, but they offer a more permanent solution and don't require any venting. Hot 2 Cold Air Conditioning might be able to help you out with that. It's great that you have a thermometer to track the temperature, as that will help you determine the right size unit you need. Good air conditioning is key to the well-being of anyone in the house. Good luck with your project! And I hope you manage to finish it well.

[stomachmonkey]

Mini split.

Mostly because I'm a pretentious snob and think window units look tacky.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by ThomasHoward

It sounds like you're trying to beat the heat in your garage! Have you considered a mini-split air conditioning unit? They're a bit pricier than a window unit, but they offer a more permanent solution and don't require any venting. Hot 2 Cold Air Conditioning might be able to help you out with that. It's great that you have a thermometer to track the temperature, as that will help you determine the right size unit you need. Good air conditioning is key to the well-being of anyone in the house. Good luck with your project! And I hope you manage to finish it well.

Looks like spam to me.