AC/Heat Unit--will this one work?

[68FB400]

I've got a 16x26 detached garage, fully insulated walls, ceiling and door (2 windows). I wanted to put a thru the wall unit for ac & heat. I like the thru the wall idea to keep it simple. I'm not trying to keep it super cold in summer or hot in winter. Mainly keep it semi-comfortable and to keep humidity down.

An on-line vender talked me out of a PTAC with heat pump because we get into the 20's/teens during winter (Georgia) and the electric heater to keep the heat pump from freezing would negate any efficiency. They suggested a thru the wall electric ac/heat unit. I've found one locally that's 11,700 btu cooling and 11,400 btu heat.

The concern I have it that the manual states "this is not for primary heat source". I'm wondering if this is sufficient to keep it warm enough (looking for 50 -55 degrees or so) without running constantly.

Any input or suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[BoCRon]

I have been using Amana PTAC units to heat/cool our kennel. It worked just fine the last few nights when we were in the teens around here.
Do you have a link to the type of unit you are looking at?

Annette

 

[68FB400]

Here's the Whirlpool electric only heat/ac unit I found at Lowes
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=36587-46-ACE124XS&lpage=none


I was also looking at the Amana PTAC but it was Valley of the Sun that tried to talk me out of it. Granted it is about $200 more, but if for long term use it's more efficient, may still consider that route.

BoCron, I'm just of the road from you in *******!

 

[gto65goat]

Here's the Whirlpool electric only heat/ac unit I found at Lowes
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=36587-46-ACE124XS&lpage=none


I was also looking at the Amana PTAC but it was Valley of the Sun that tried to talk me out of it. Granted it is about $200 more, but if for long term use it's more efficient, may still consider that route.

BoCron, I'm just of the road from you in *******!

4 years ago, I designed and helped to build a 15' out X 21' across Sunroom for my mom and dad. The room consists of (4) windows across the front that are 7 feet tall X 4' wide. There is an exit door, and (2) double hung windows on one side of the out wall (meaning built out from the original rear wall of the home)...and another double hung window on the other out wall. Along this wall we added a Friedrich combination Air Conditioner/Heat thru the wall unit (I remember the BTU numbers being 15000 BTU Cool and 11000 BTU Heat). At the time this unit cost about $975...now I believe these units are cheaper.
But let me tell you...this unit certainly cools this room in the summer, and heats it in the winter in a matter of minutes...my 80 something year old parents love it.
This spring I'm building a 24' X 24' garage, (well insulated of course) and I'm putting another Friedrich combination Cool/Heat thru the wall unit in it.
I am convinced this unit will work as well in the garage as it is for my parents sunroom.
You might want to give this some consideration.
If you are interested...you may want to go to www.grainger.com, and check out their combination units.

 

[68FB400]

GTO65Goat,

Do you remember is the unit you installed was electric only or heat pump?

 

[BoCRon]

68FB400,
We bought all of our units from Valley of the Sun. We have 3 Amana Digismart Heat Pumps with the back up heat strip. I think we have 2 15000 BTUs and 1 12000 BTU. They are very efficient and so far have performed as promised. The other night we went down to check the kennel and they all said
"FP" on the display, which is Freeze Protection. They kicked on as needed and kept pipes from freezing.
I would put another in my garage if I had a decent location for one. Since I don't I'm using an electric ceiling mounted unit and am saving my pennies for a mini-split.
I'm in the Crabapple area, where are you in *******?
Annette

 

[68FB400]

My main concern is if the plain electric heat will suffice or it's worthwhile going for the heat pump version.

Annette, I'm in S. Forsyth near hwy 9.
Wayne

 

[gto65goat]

GTO65Goat,

Do you remember is the unit you installed was electric only or heat pump?

It is not a Heat Pump application.
It is fully electric.
My folks don't use it everyday in the winter, unless family is over for a visit. But in the summertime...it is used every night.
Now they are on a fixed income, and I have heard no complaints from them concerning the costs associated.
Hope this helps!!