1 or 2 minisplits for shiop

[ArtisanFarms]

I'm in Central NY and having a shop built this year. It will be a 30X52X12 pole barn with one 10x10 insulated overhead door, 2 3' man doors and 5 3x3 windows. The interior will be divided into two rooms - one 24' and the other 28' with a 10x10 overhead door and 3' man door in the dividing wall. The exterior walls will be insulated to R19 and the ceiling to R42.

I plan to keep the shop in the 50s (with a few days in the low 60s) in the winter and 80 or less in the summer. Would it make more sense to install one larger or two smaller minisplits for heating and cooling?

 

[slow]

2 large rooms, I would do 2 if it was me. That also allows separate air temperature if needed. Potentially use a dual zone system with 2 inside units and 1 outside depending on layout and cost.

 

[chrispyny]

Im in albany area so i know your temps and weather.

I’d suggest two entirely seperate systems. One condenser with evap on one side, and the same for the other room.

https://www.highseer.com/collection...-mini-split-air-conditioner-heat-pump-230-vac

2 of those should fix you up. And dirt cheap.

 

[Black Oak]

I'd also say 2 units . I'd get them off the ground w/ roof-awning of some sort to keep snow off them . Keep them "clean" from snow and ice will help alot .

 

[theoldwizard1]

Im in albany area so i know your temps and weather.

I’d suggest two entirely seperate systems. One condenser with evap on one side, and the same for the other room.

https://www.highseer.com/collection...-mini-split-air-conditioner-heat-pump-230-vac

2 of those should fix you up. And dirt cheap.

Also check COP.

You really need COP over a range of ambient temps, something very few companies publish.

 

[Balvar24]

Some mini-split manufacturers do not recommend operating in the heating mode below 60F indoor temp.

 

[SALIV8]

I would also setup 2 units opposite of each other.

I would check the specs thoroughly beforehand.

 

[pcmeiners]

Also agree 2 units. With NY electric prices you better go for very high efficiency units.
Consider slab insulation, since ground temp averages around 55 degrees, there will be a lot of heat loss via the slab.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I’m in NC so not as cold as NY but I too divided my shop in the middle (to keep wood dust out of oily, metal work).
I can control each separately when in one side on a project. Probably saves a little in cost but I do keep both sides temp controlled to keep humidity and condensation low.