[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.