AC & Heat Suggestions

[thowle]

Hey all,

I've got a garage with the following HVAC relevant specifications...

• 30x40x10
• Metal Roof
• Metal Siding
• Metal Ceiling
• "Double-Bubble" insulation on WALLS and ROOF
• 1/2" Polystyrene(sp) foil insulation in walls
• OSB covered interior walls
• Three 10x9 insulated garage doors
• Four double-pane windows
• Two standard metal entry doors
• 4 inch thick concrete floor
• ** Will have EpoxyCoat flooring over concrete **
• ** Will have some sort of "blow-in" insulation atop metal ceiling (any suggestions?) **

Basically what I want is to gather some feedback and suggestions from the experts (you all on Garage Journal) in reference to a Heating and Air Conditioning unit.

• The garage structure is complete
• OSB on interior walls is complete
• Double-Hung windows (standard size) could fit a window unit

What type of unit? How big? What brand?

I was thinking along the lines of a combined heat/AC wall unit possibly?

 

[slice]

what part of the world are you from ? makes big difference in sizing units...

 

[wfopete]

Focus on making the building air tight, sealed and insulated. Air infiltration will decide what and how big a HVAC you need.

 

[lzenglish]

Thowle, it sounds like you, or who ever built your garage did a good job. It would be impossible to give you a unit size, without knowing a little more information. However, you did ask for suggestions, and here is mine. First, contact your local utility company, and see if they have a residential energy department. If they do, they should come to your home, and do a "heat load calculation", to decide what size unit you need. Allot of times, they have rebates as well. If this is not possible,or coupled with this, get 2 or 3 contractors out to write you up a free estimate, or bid. You will want to get a unit with the highest SEER rating you can, and when in doubt, go with one of the big 3 manufactures like York, Carrier, or Trane. The type of unit will also depend on what your soarce of energy is. Do you have all electric, gas and elect, propane,etc.? And then, what is the cheapest one of the group to use. I lived in kentucky many years ago, and I do not think a heat pump will work for you, unless it is a ground soarce. As I remember, those winters get real cold, and air soarce heat pumps do not like that. After you gather all your information, then you will be able to buy and install your own unit if you so desire. I forgot to say, see what type of A/C units your neighbors have, and ask them how they like the performance.Thats my 2 cents.

Good Luck,

Wayne