Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Mini split a/c in shop #2784000
06/11/20 09:11 AM
06/11/20 09:11 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
S
Stanton Offline OP
Don't question me!
Stanton  Offline OP
Don't question me!
S

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
Finally going to bit the bullet and install a/c in the shop. Had a guy look at it a couple years ago and quoted what I thought was a ridiculous price to install a 12,000 BTU unit so I took a pass. I've been looking again and see that some of these can be installed yourself and they're around $2000. However reading the specs it seemed I need a bigger unit. Anyhow, told the wife I was gonna finally bite the bullet and she mentioned she has a friend whose husband owns a heating/cooling company so what-the-hell, right ! I called the guy and he came out and looked the place over and also recommended a 12,000 BTU unit. Huh ?!?! Well then he went on to explain "why" !! If I install a bigger unit it will run less. Well an a/c removes humidity - which is a real killer in the shop 'cause I have a lot of bare steel that can rust, not to mention that mold and mildew will form on anything. So the smaller unit will have to run longer to keep the temp down BUT because its running longer its removing more moisture from the air. So now I'm comfortable with the 12,000 BTU unit. Going to have them install it - gotta support local small businesses, right !!

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784005
06/11/20 09:23 AM
06/11/20 09:23 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
dIc dOc Deity ! Offline
The village idiot's idiot
dIc dOc Deity !  Offline
The village idiot's idiot

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
12,000 btu ? How big of a shop?

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784080
06/11/20 12:21 PM
06/11/20 12:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,618
Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel Online content
Too Many Posts
John_Kunkel  Online Content
Too Many Posts

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,618
Rio Linda, CA
You can get a 12K BTU (one ton) mini ductless system at Home Depot for about a grand. Install it yourself. A "wall shaker" of the same size is a lot less.


The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: John_Kunkel] #2784082
06/11/20 12:24 PM
06/11/20 12:24 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,287
New Jersey
P
Powerflow Offline
pro stock
Powerflow  Offline
pro stock
P

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,287
New Jersey
The old 'rule of thumb' is 600 square feet per ton of AC. Is that approximately how big your shop is?

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784089
06/11/20 12:37 PM
06/11/20 12:37 PM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,695
central il.
S
second 70 Offline
top fuel
second 70  Offline
top fuel
S

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,695
central il.
I have the dual heat/ac Mitsubishi 18,000 BTU unit for my 4 car garage. Mounted right over tool box next to hard top hanging from ceiling. Works great.

I also have a second 9,000 BTU unit for my 700 SF great room. They both run off the same out side unit. It can handle three indoor units.

IMG_1751-1.jpg
Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: second 70] #2784316
06/11/20 09:16 PM
06/11/20 09:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
S
Stanton Offline OP
Don't question me!
Stanton  Offline OP
Don't question me!
S

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
864 square feet. 9-1/2' ceiling. Two experts who are familiar with the local climate tell me 12,000 will do ... I'll take their advice !! Humidity is a big issue so the near continuous operation should help resolve that. This is Canada - you don't get a 12,000 BTU mini-split for $1000 !!! Lowes was just under $2000 for a "Mr Cool" but the unit I'm getting is top of the line and because they're installing it has a one year parts and labour warranty and a ten year parts warranty. Anyhow, its a done deal.

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784318
06/11/20 09:20 PM
06/11/20 09:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
dIc dOc Deity ! Offline
The village idiot's idiot
dIc dOc Deity !  Offline
The village idiot's idiot

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
You can do this with one or two WINDOW UNITS !!

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: dIc dOc Deity !] #2784464
06/12/20 07:33 AM
06/12/20 07:33 AM

R
RWG75
Unregistered
RWG75
Unregistered
R



My 3 bay is about 850 sq ft +/- with 9 ft ceilings. I put R30 in the ceiling and a poly vapor barrier in the outside walls before sheet rocking. Also ran a dedicated 220v single phase for the old school Kenmore 18,000 BTU window unit I scored on craigs for like $50. I can get 70F in the garage regardless of how hot and humid it is outside if I give it a hour or two to catch up after having the doors open. I also run a big box fan to keep the air circulating but that's more of a help in the winter when it's high mounted.

Took me a while to find the right deal because I was intentionally looking for an oldie. Ya know, back when Kenmores were built to last forever. Passed on more than a fewer newer ones in that size that were still under $400. Yeah, this thing no doubt sucks double the electricity but it's not like it's running all day every day. Biggest issue was lifting the thing in to the window myself so I built a 2x4 sling and used an engine hoist.

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: dIc dOc Deity !] #2784465
06/12/20 07:36 AM
06/12/20 07:36 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
S
Stanton Offline OP
Don't question me!
Stanton  Offline OP
Don't question me!
S

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
Originally Posted by Doc Fiberglass..
You can do this with one or two WINDOW UNITS !!




Then I'd have to install windows so where's the gain ?!?!

FIL7952.JPG
Last edited by Stanton; 06/12/20 07:39 AM.
Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784487
06/12/20 09:03 AM
06/12/20 09:03 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
dIc dOc Deity ! Offline
The village idiot's idiot
dIc dOc Deity !  Offline
The village idiot's idiot

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
Originally Posted by Stanton
Originally Posted by Doc Fiberglass..
You can do this with one or two WINDOW UNITS !!




Then I'd have to install windows so where's the gain ?!?!


JUST cut in high on the wall one or two slots !

The GAIN ? ... initially THE HUGE COST reduction.., then any service or replacement cost would be a HUGE savings too !

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784529
06/12/20 10:12 AM
06/12/20 10:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,453
Newburgh, NY
Old_Moparz Offline
master
Old_Moparz  Offline
master

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,453
Newburgh, NY
Originally Posted by Stanton
Originally Posted by Doc Fiberglass..
You can do this with one or two WINDOW UNITS !!




Then I'd have to install windows so where's the gain ?!?!



I decided to read this topic since I also want heat & A/C in my garage but wanted to tell you that your garage looks great. beer

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784545
06/12/20 10:37 AM
06/12/20 10:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,496
Tulsa, Oklahoma
340Cuda Offline
master
340Cuda  Offline
master

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,496
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Originally Posted by Stanton
864 square feet. 9-1/2' ceiling. Two experts who are familiar with the local climate tell me 12,000 will do ... I'll take their advice !! Humidity is a big issue so the near continuous operation should help resolve that. This is Canada - you don't get a 12,000 BTU mini-split for $1000 !!! Lowes was just under $2000 for a "Mr Cool" but the unit I'm getting is top of the line and because they're installing it has a one year parts and labour warranty and a ten year parts warranty. Anyhow, its a done deal.

The Mitsubishi mini split in my shop has a "de-humidify" setting that I use sometimes that might be useful to you.

I really like mine, very efficient, I use it for heating and cooling and never can tell any difference in my electric bill even though I know it is there.

Unlike a window unit there is only a small hole in the wall for the lines to go through and that is foam insulated.

I guess it is possible for a window unit to have continuously variable compressors and fans like the Mitsubishi but I don't know if any do.

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Old_Moparz] #2784547
06/12/20 10:44 AM
06/12/20 10:44 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,321
Banana Republic
FM3AAR Offline
top fuel
FM3AAR  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,321
Banana Republic
I agree, that is a nice looking garage. thumbs
That mini-split system looks to be a nice system also. I'd love to have one, good choice.
My attached garage is approx 33'x25'. Years ago I bought a dehumidifier to address the humidity. As I got older, working out in the garage with just a fan
wasn't cutting it anymore. So a couple of years ago, I got a window unit. Unfortunately the size of my double hung windows limited me to only a 12,000 BTU window unit. I may put in a larger unit thru the wall as the 12K unit struggles with the afternoon sun. If I turn it on a few hours beforehand it does OK.
My detached garage is 24'x30' and I run a dehumidifier in it also. I opened up one end of the garage for a place for my boy to park and work on his Mustang. I went with the largest window unit Menards sold, a 24,000 BTU unit. I went thru the wall with it and it flat out kicks azz. Since I'm not in the garage all the time, I let the dehumidifiers do their thing and only kick on the a/c units when I work in either garage.

ac40.JPG

“You’ll own nothing” — And “you’ll be happy about it.”
K. Schwab



Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: FM3AAR] #2784559
06/12/20 11:10 AM
06/12/20 11:10 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
dIc dOc Deity ! Offline
The village idiot's idiot
dIc dOc Deity !  Offline
The village idiot's idiot

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
Youz guyz in Canada and New York can’t fathom REAL HUMIDITY eek

When I walked into my workshop yesterday .. 90 degrees !

But the big central unit had been running .. it was actually pretty decent working conditions!

Much lower humidity... outside it was 97 degrees ... 88% iirc

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: ] #2784835
06/13/20 06:43 AM
06/13/20 06:43 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
3
360view Offline
Moparts resident spammer
360view  Offline
Moparts resident spammer
3

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
Originally Posted by RWG75
My 3 bay is about 850 sq ft +/- with 9 ft ceilings. I put R30 in the ceiling and a poly vapor barrier in the outside walls before sheet rocking. Also ran a dedicated 220v single phase for the old school Kenmore 18,000 BTU window unit I scored on craigs for like $50.

Took me a while to find the right deal because I was intentionally looking for an oldie. Ya know, back when Kenmores were built to last forever. Passed on more than a fewer newer ones in that size that were still under $400. Yeah, this thing no doubt sucks double the electricity but it's not like it's running all day every day. Biggest issue was lifting the thing in to the window myself so I built a 2x4 sling and used an engine hoist.


If it is not too difficult to see what does the nameplate of your old Kenmore say for model and serial number?

Did Friedrichs manufacture those old 220v units for Sears?

I have also seen old 220v window units last an extremely long time in very harsh conditions.

I have seen a 1948 GE refrigerator that was still running in 2007 in very dirty conditions with its door opened and closed 20-30 times per day.

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: 360view] #2784849
06/13/20 08:14 AM
06/13/20 08:14 AM

R
RWG75
Unregistered
RWG75
Unregistered
R



It's got a boilerplate on the front but dunno what kinda help that would be. I mean it's pretty likely from the 70s and probably not that many around. When shopping I searched by size and price and old ones are kinda easy to spot. Pretty sure I looked it up and found out that it's an Emerson. The Coldspot that I replaced was likely from the 60s, a bit bigger, was still blowing ice cold but the fan motor bearings were starting to make noise. Nice feature of the new one is oil ports for the bearings. Takes a full 5 minutes to pop off the front cover, slide the chassis 1/3 out of the case and put a few drops in.

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: ] #2784873
06/13/20 10:22 AM
06/13/20 10:22 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
dIc dOc Deity ! Offline
The village idiot's idiot
dIc dOc Deity !  Offline
The village idiot's idiot

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 30,248
Florida STAYcation
I’m a buy USA guy if possible .... but I’m not aware of any newer window units so made. shruggy

But ... I personally know of very good luck with LG units

Well made ... good warranty PLUS has very good energy star rating

Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: 360view] #2784886
06/13/20 10:39 AM
06/13/20 10:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
3
360view Offline
Moparts resident spammer
360view  Offline
Moparts resident spammer
3

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,162
USA
.

Last edited by 360view; 06/18/20 11:34 AM. Reason: Compliant
Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: Stanton] #2784893
06/13/20 10:56 AM
06/13/20 10:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,094
Byron, NY
W.I.N. Racing Offline
top fuel
W.I.N. Racing  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,094
Byron, NY
Originally Posted by Stanton
Finally going to bit the bullet and install a/c in the shop. Had a guy look at it a couple years ago and quoted what I thought was a ridiculous price to install a 12,000 BTU unit so I took a pass. I've been looking again and see that some of these can be installed yourself and they're around $2000. However reading the specs it seemed I need a bigger unit. Anyhow, told the wife I was gonna finally bite the bullet and she mentioned she has a friend whose husband owns a heating/cooling company so what-the-hell, right ! I called the guy and he came out and looked the place over and also recommended a 12,000 BTU unit. Huh ?!?! Well then he went on to explain "why" !! If I install a bigger unit it will run less. Well an a/c removes humidity - which is a real killer in the shop 'cause I have a lot of bare steel that can rust, not to mention that mold and mildew will form on anything. So the smaller unit will have to run longer to keep the temp down BUT because its running longer its removing more moisture from the air. So now I'm comfortable with the 12,000 BTU unit. Going to have them install it - gotta support local small businesses, right !!


Congratulations! Glad you were able to find a solution that makes it possible to better enjoy your shop...





is what people mean to say.


'01 P1500, Blown/Inj BAE,/Veney ,Bruno/CS2,Dana 60
'01 Dodge 3500 S Cummins Auto, Fresh air kit, 4" Exhaust,
'05 Dodge Magnum R/T - Too Much to list
'60 Willys CJ5
'01 International LPX - Project,DT466, Allison
'64 Plymouth Valiant, Inj 528 Hemi, 2spd
Re: Mini split a/c in shop [Re: W.I.N. Racing] #2785027
06/13/20 04:24 PM
06/13/20 04:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,618
Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel Online content
Too Many Posts
John_Kunkel  Online Content
Too Many Posts

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 25,618
Rio Linda, CA
Fortunately, I have room for a package unit with a ceiling for the necessary ductwork. Got it for cheap as a "not energy efficient" take out.

Shop AC.JPG

The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
Page 1 of 2 1 2






Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1