2 window units or 1 large unit

[njccmd2002]

I have a 1200 sqf garage, insulated and Sheetrock, etc etc. ceiling about 10 feet.

I can barely work on hot days.

I need a quick solution to this. A mini split, but it would be the best, but I’d have to do a lot of wiring and drill trough brick and all.


Slapping a window unit, is easy. I have a 220 volt outlet near the window.

Question is, only a few larger units have heating capabilities for winter time, and would have to be shipped.

But I’ve seen a lot medium size units with heating capabilities, and local to me


The windows are simetrical in the location of garage in what I would call the back wall, they would cover the same size area if I install 2 units.

My concern would be electrical costs. And of course more expense as compared to just one unit. As 2 units will pull more juice than 1.

I think I can find a large unit online and have it shipped to the house...

Has anyone used a single large unit for 1200 sqf?, would it be ok or one unit will overwork?

Btw window opening is barely 28 1/4 inches, on the screen area, and 29 inches in the front...

 

[shade]

Do it right the first time with a minisplit.
It may be more expensive and a little more of a pain but the efficiency compared to a wall unit...no brainer

 

[njccmd2002]

Do it right the first time with a minisplit.
It may be more expensive and a little more of a pain but the efficiency compared to a wall unit...no brainer

Yes the mini split is a no brainer, but is not a quick solution. I need
something quick. the mini split would be installed down the road. I would love to insulate the upper area, (storage) and use a 2 zone mini split in the future, but that is up to debate.

I kept researching yesterday and I have found a large unit AC that fits my window, and will install in minutes, that would give me some temp relief, until I make a decision, regarding a mini split.

I can always resell the window unit if needed. but with temps up to 90 93 in the garage i cannot work.

 

[930dreamer]

A single window unit is going to work hard cooling 1200 sq ft. A 25000 BTU unit is rated for 1600sqft.

 

[strutaeng]

I have a 1200 sqf garage, insulated and Sheetrock, etc etc. ceiling about 10 feet.

I can barely work on hot days.

I need a quick solution to this. A mini split, but it would be the best, but I’d have to do a lot of wiring and drill trough brick and all.


Slapping a window unit, is easy. I have a 220 volt outlet near the window.

Question is, only a few larger units have heating capabilities for winter time, and would have to be shipped.

But I’ve seen a lot medium size units with heating capabilities, and local to me


The windows are simetrical in the location of garage in what I would call the back wall, they would cover the same size area if I install 2 units.

My concern would be electrical costs. And of course more expense as compared to just one unit. As 2 units will pull more juice than 1.

I think I can find a large unit online and have it shipped to the house...

Has anyone used a single large unit for 1200 sqf?, would it be ok or one unit will overwork?

Btw window opening is barely 28 1/4 inches, on the screen area, and 29 inches in the front...

Yeah, window AC is perfectly fine. 2 may be better to get the temperature more even.

I'm doing an addition and installed a 22,000 BTU LG inverter window AC from HD.

Addition is 22'w x 66'l x 17' h. It is insulated with R38 fiberglass ceilings and R19 walls + R5 rigid on exterior. We have hit slightly over 100F for a few days and window shaker surprisingly works cooling at 75F! I have one ceiling fan with 5' downrod, which is necessary. Otherwise the cool air stays low.

I was in the same boat as you: wanted something I would just drop in and allow me to work in the cool. I plan to pass the window AC to my garage, which has a gas shop heater, so was not interested on heater units.

Unfortunately, these lines of LGs don't have heat pumps. Eventually I plan to install mini with heat pump.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...oner-with-Remote-Control-LW2217IVSM/309646824

It really depends on how much insulation you have, but totally doable. My electric bill has increased about $25 from previous years, so not too bad for cooling so much space.

 

[njccmd2002]

thanks for all the replies, and I am reading that the 25k btu units, even tough they have some heating capabilities, it is supplemental. which is kinda *****, ill have to see how it goes.

My garage has a second floor that is attic storage, and its not insulated. If i do a mini split system, I would love to finish the second floor. And have dual zones but thats an extra 4 to 5k to do it.. lol, cant right now

So Its going to have to wait. Ill pull the trigger on a window unit.

 

[Jim greengo]

If you have to use window air for now,I'd go with 2 on opposite sides of garage.
Window acs are not good at moving air long distances,it would be easier for 2 to cover the area.

 

[pbon]

Surprisingly, before I installed my gas shop heater, I was using the 12k heater in my 18k window/wall. It is a Friedrich that cost about $700 two years ago though prices may be higher now. My garage is insulated and 750SF with ceilings ranging from 8’ to 13’ but mostly 9.5’. The AC will keep it 72F with outside temps of 95-100 and the heater surprisingly had no trouble with 66 when it was 20F outside. I did leave the unit on 24/7 using its thermostat control. You would need much more capacity if you wanted to let the garage get really cold or hot and then warm or cool it quickly.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you are truly limited to 1 or 2 window shaker AND you want them to HEAT also, be careful to see if the heat is provided by a resistance strip or by heat pump functionality (i.e. running the A/C backwards). Resistance strips are VERY expensive to run.

 

[njccmd2002]

I think its a heat pump. I went with single unit. because of cost. and still cost around 900. (including warranty)

I know It may be wasted money, but to me its not. I spent 2 days cramping, because i decided to work in a 95 degree garage, with ample hydration. I was still urinating clear.

Sorry if that was too much information, but I do stay hydrated, but the cramping, lasts a couple days.

If I can get the garage to 78-82 degrees, on days that outside is 100 degrees ill be fine.

I will get a mini split down the road, but there is so much that needs to be done, before i can get the perfect unit..

the garage will need a 3 zone mini splint, because the upstairs will be insulated next year, and i want to do a single purchase if possible with one pump. I can always relocate a window unit, and or sell it.

 

[American Locomotive]

If you're getting cramping from sweating on a hot day, it's because you're low on electrolytes. If anything plowing tons of water would make the issue worse. You needed salty foods.

LG has some new Inverter-drive window units that actually have decent efficiency and capacity. I saw a 120v unit with 14,000 BTU.

 

[fitter30]

Use one unit and can always set a breeze box fan to move the air were you need it.

 

[Glory]

Do it right the first time with a minisplit.
It may be more expensive and a little more of a pain but the efficiency compared to a wall unit...no brainer

This.

 

[gregs]

I put 2 - 25K btu window units in to cool 1500 sqft. They work great. When its 95+ I have both running but when it cools down I can run on just one. Also have them in two different areas so that I can operate one if I am on either end of the shop working. Maybe not the "best" but works well for me.