Mini-Split Sizing

[pharper]

I'm looking to heat and cool my 19 x 19ft two car garage with 8.5ft ceilings. I currently have a 16x7ft double garage door that is R18. Ceiling will be R30 and walls R13. This will eventually become a woodshop. I'm would like to do a Mitsu Mr. Slim and am split between a 9000btu unit and a 12000btu unit. I live in the Southeast, so humidity can be a problem. I don't want to go too large and lose the ability to properly clear humidity from the air. What's my best bet here? Thanks.

 

[Jackfre]

What are the hi/low range of each model. I believe you will be best served by the 9 but there is not a lot of difference in the two. Coin toss really.

 

[Git]

Try this sizing guide at eComfort
http://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1185-How-to-Properly-Size-Your-Mini-Split.html

 

[pharper]

What are the hi/low range of each model. I believe you will be best served by the 9 but there is not a lot of difference in the two. Coin toss really.

I'm not sure what you mean by hi/low range.

 

[pharper]

Try this sizing guide at eComfort
http://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1185-How-to-Properly-Size-Your-Mini-Split.html

Thanks. Most of the calculators put me closer to the 9000btu unit, but none really take into consideration that this is a garage. Yes, it's well insulated, but a garage door can be a large source of infiltration even if the seals are good, no?

 

[Git]

The eComfort sizing guide should get you into the ballpark - but the also have a free service where one of their 'engineers' will review your situation and make a more educated recommendation

Go to this page - click on the "download our sizing worksheet" fill it out and email it to them or give them a call.

http://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1120-Air-Conditioner-Sizing-Chart-by-Square-Footage.html


I used this when I installed my MrSlim and I was very happy with eComfort

 

[pharper]

The eComfort sizing guide should get you into the ballpark - but the also have a free service where one of their 'engineers' will review your situation and make a more educated recommendation

Go to this page - click on the "download our sizing worksheet" fill it out and email it to them or give them a call.

http://www.ecomfort.com/stories/1120-Air-Conditioner-Sizing-Chart-by-Square-Footage.html


I used this when I installed my MrSlim and I was very happy with eComfort

Perfect! Thanks.

 

[Radix2]

On the humidity issue - unlike the ole single speed furnaces/air handlers, these minisplits have variable speed fans and programming for effective "dehumidify" functions so they are IMO less sensitive to being oversized.

 

[pseudorealityx]

Be careful with a minisplit in a wood shop. They have very poor filtration capabilities. Just be mindful that they'll need their filters cleared often.

 

[justinjoyal]

9000 btu will be enough given you respect the insulation values you provided.

 

[pharper]

Be careful with a minisplit in a wood shop. They have very poor filtration capabilities. Just be mindful that they'll need their filters cleared often.

Thanks. I am aware of this. I will be using very good dust collection and I have a separate 1000cfm air filtration unit that should help. I plan to check the filters at least once a week. Probably every day for the first couple of months.

 

[Slowgsr]

Mr slim inverter type can run at variable speeds, they aren't on/off. They also have a dry mode, mainly for humidity control.

At least mine does, it's 2 ton. Cooling only for the shop

 

[miketyler]

As Radix said, on the inverter-type mini splits some manufacturers do have an advertised range that the unit is designed for. I think this gives buyers a little more cushion when trying to size a unit for the space and can reduce the chances of over-sizing that can happen with typical AC systems.

 

[Jackfre]

As others have said, the unit will have a minimum and a maximum operation output. That is the inverter part. With your doors opening, the 12 is probably best, but again, check each units specs.
Out of curiosity, what are the specs on your DC and 1000 cfm filter box? Locate the evaporator where you will have each service access to it. As Pseudo said, I suspect you are going to get good at cleaning the evaporator coil. I find the biggest pita on cleaning is the blower wheel. See if your model has any You tubes on disassembly and cleaning.