A/C Recommendations for a 3 Car Garage

[Mystic195]

I am looking at putting in either a portable or other type of air conditioner in our attached 3 car garage. The garage currently has fans, is insulated, and heated for the winter. The garage is retaining the heat during the summer and I would like a way to cool it down and dehumidify it. I was just looking at a 14,000 btu portable air conditioner with heat pump and a 12,500 btu portable air conditioner at costco. I am not sure these are going to be big enough to make a difference.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Trey T]

I find those technology hard to believe. Prior to a mini-split install on a room for my father-in-law, he had one of those portable unit but he was unhappy about it. I didn't ask why but I think it couldn't handle the load even though the specification exceeded the demand; it sat at a corner and there are stuff located nearby potentially blocking the air flow distribution.

I wouldn't recommend it primarily because it sits on the floor and hog up your space. For it to be effective, you need a clear space in all directions for the air to disperse or else the room will not be cool effectively. Ideally, the vent needs to be up high for it blow across the room w/o any obstruction; therefore, you need to have it elevated to cool effectively. If you do that, you should invest in window units instead.

If you have windows, it might be a better investment to purchase multiple window units.

 

[Falcon67]

I've had some limited exposure to portables in an emergency use situation. I was not impressed, especially considering the price. A decent 18~24K mini would be better money spent IMHO.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Another vote for a mini split.

You don't mention your location or what type of fuel you are using for heat. If you are using propane, heating with a mini-split will actually pay for itself. It might take 5 or 10 years, but in the long run you will win.

 

[Mystic195]

Thanks guys. We are in IL and heat the garage with natural gas. I was talking with my hvac guy today and he mentioned the Mitsubishi units but their price is pretty high.

 

[Trey T]

yes mitsubishi is expensive. i.e. @ wholesale price when comparing Daikin to Mitsubishi, they're about $500 more than Daikin. What did he quote you exactly? give as much detail as possible and I can make the analysis to tell you what's his wholesale price, his markup, and his profit.

For a "standard" 3 car garage (properly insulated), I would imagine two units of about 12K BTU/hr each would be a good design because the space is wide and two would allow good air distribution. If money is no object, that's what I would do or else get a single 24K BTU/hr.

 

[steves29]

My shop is 24 x 30. I use a window shaker. mounted permanently in the wall 6ft from floor. I run it on low. works great. Last weekend was near 90 F and 90% humidity.

 

[justinjoyal]

What size is the garage ?

How well is it insulated and does it have large windows ?

Do you often open the garage doors ?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Those residential portables are WAAAY overrated on capacity. They don't move much air either and you'll probably get more heat coming in through the window where the plastic duct mounting has to go than the unit removes. You won't be happy with the results. Go for the extra $$ and get a mini split.

Tommy

 

[petee_c]

My shop is 24 x 30. I use a window shaker. mounted permanently in the wall 6ft from floor. I run it on low. works great. Last weekend was near 90 F and 90% humidity.

Steve,

What size window unit? I'm hoping to get organized and insulate and drywall my 3 car garage... It's about the same size I think I believe it's 22x33' with 10' ceilings.

It only gets to 90F a few weeks of the year here, and I'll probably only need cooling maybe 5-10 days max...

I'm an outta shape 44 year old, so I sweat easy....

Peter

 

[justinjoyal]

If well insulated and sun exposure is not crazy, a 18k btu mini-split will do it.

12k would most likely be fine but if you only run it once in a while it might not cool the room fast enough.