For those who have a mini-split...

[MotorCityBear]

I am in northeast GA, about to start construction on an L-shaped, 2 story garage.

A workshop and 2 bays on the long side (46x26) and an oversized bay on the short side (30x14). The ceiling on the long side will be 12 feet and the ceiling on the short side will be open to the roof. Total square feet in the garage area will be a bit over 1600. It will be insulated and have an unfinished (for now) upstairs.

The builder is recommending a mini-split for heating and cooling.

My question is, for those that have a mini-split, how well does it work. Does it heat and cool as expected?

I am questioning, given the size/shape, will it work as well as the builder is telling me it will?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Wileel]

My space is no where as large as yours but I can say that I have been impressed with the performance of mine for both heating and cooling. It will make it uncomfortable for you in there if you let it, but I love the ability to just set the temp and forget it, it runs super quiet as well so I have zero complaints

 

[SkeeterZX200]

I have a 30x60x14 pole barn. I insulated with R-19 wall and R40 attic. I use (2) 18,000 btu mini splits to heat and cool the shop. I supplement with (2) 60" ceiling fans.

I have not used the system in summer yet, but I do not anticipate having any issues. The units work great for heating the shop up.

 

[ghnl]

I like ours a lot. It is not very efficient for heating when outside temps are below ~30F (not often here in North Carolina). I believe there are units with higher efficiency for use in colder climates. Cooling is fine up to >100F. The cost to operate is minimal.

 

[realhunter]

I have a Senville 24000 BTU unit arriving from FedEx today.... Hope to let you know soon

 

[justinjoyal]

A properly sized/placed/installed mini-split system will usually perform great.

 

[Jackfre]

For your 1600 sq ft I think you could use two 24kbtu units and be very comfortable with them. Make sure you understand the specs of the units you buy. Even within a single manuf line there may be units of varying specs. In GA you will not require the ultra-low (-20*) operation units. Most of the common units will provide rated outputs down to 5*F which should be sufficient for you. The 24's that I know of will have a 4 way air sweep. Beyond that, follow Justin's advice.

 

[mobiledynamics]

For those with MiniSplits - just a PSA.....if used daily....


Yearly, remove the cover, blower wheel, etc. Clean blower wheel as well as the -gunk- that you may not see BEHIND the blower wheel. Once you have removed it once and see what **** builds up in there, you will definately make it a yearly thing...

 

[MotorCityBear]

Thank you for the responses and feedback.

 

[HotrodHR]

North Alabama location... my Mr. Cool is great! DIY and works better than I expected.

 

[stillnostrebor]

Two thumbs way up for my minisplit!

It is holding my shop at exactly 62 degrees this winter (lowest setting) and will freeze you out in the summer. 1,200 sqft shop 12' ceiling. 36k MrCool.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My question is, for those that have a mini-split, how well does it work. Does it heat and cool as expected?

That depends on the model installed. Every manufacturers make different models. Some work well "making" heat in cold weather, other do not. "Buyer beware !" You need to read an understand the specifications !

I am questioning, given the size/shape, will it work as well as the builder is telling me it will?

A building that size with only one (interior) air handler ? No way !

You will need at least 2 and maybe 3. It the building is going to divided into different working environments (office, shop, storage, etc), this is a prefect case for installing individual units for each area. You can keep the office cool/warm and maybe have no temperature control in storage areas. Yes, this will be a lot more expensive but it could save you a lot of money in energy bills long term.

Obviously insulation between areas is required.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I like ours a lot. It is not very efficient for heating when outside temps are below ~30F (not often here in North Carolina). I believe there are units with higher efficiency for use in colder climates.

"Efficiency" is not the correct word, but yes, there are units designed to work well to 0F !

 

[UglySign]

Adding, yet not to hijack the topic...


How are they on the electric bill? Thinking of adding
one in an insulated 12x20 shed that could use some heat
in the LI NY winter temps. Not so much use during summer w/ AC.

My question is, for those that have a mini-split, how well does it work. Does it heat and cool as expected?

 

[MattT]

How are they on the electric bill?

Much cheaper for heat than most alternatives. Natural gas might be cheaper depending on local rates.

 

[stillnostrebor]

The shop I listed above, for a constant 62, roughly $1.50 per day so far. SW MO weather.

If I were to heat it with the pellet stove I used previously while working, I would be uncomfortable (cold) the first half of my workday, and start getting hot the second half. Last year I spent roughly $1 per calendar day on pellets for the shop in the winter months.

The minisplit has no open flame, eats no floor space, requires no startup or shutdown time, and keeps my shop a constant temp/humidity. I'm paying an extra $15 a month for the convenience... 2 Big Mac Meals. And it cools my shop if I want.

 

[stillnostrebor]

Forgot to add... we have very inexpensive KWh rates here. This is a factor. My only other option is Propane.

 

[theoldwizard1]

How are they on the electric bill? Thinking of adding one in an insulated 12x20 shed that could use some heat in the LI NY winter temps. Not so much use during summer w/ AC.

If you are talking intermittent heating and almost no cooling, they are not worth the cost. Even though electric resistance heating is usually the most expensive to run, it is also the cheapest to install. About the only thing cheaper to install for intermittent use is a tank top LP heater.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Forgot to add... we have very inexpensive KWh rates here. This is a factor. My only other option is Propane.

The BIG win over all other forms of heating is there is no extra cost for cooling !

Beside how are you going to cool a shop with a hanging furnace or a radiant tube heater ?

 

[UglySign]

If you are talking intermittent heating and almost no cooling, they are not worth the cost. Even though electric resistance heating is usually the most expensive to run, it is also the cheapest to install. About the only thing cheaper to install for intermittent use is a tank top LP heater.

Basically the weekends to break the chill. Maybe fire it up 3am Sat and by 12 when I get home it should be good to go thru Sun. Small shop within and the metal machines need to be warmed to touch. Not frozen.
Nope, not running a gas line across the yard and no LP.

For those with MiniSplits - just a PSA.....if used daily....


Yearly, remove the cover, blower wheel, etc. Clean blower wheel as well as the -gunk- that you may not see BEHIND the blower wheel. Once you have removed it once and see what **** builds up in there, you will definately make it a yearly thing...

Maybe a couple times a year in a woodshop kicking dust?


Woooo, I could go for a Big Mac tho.



Cool!

 

[BB Sig]

Mini-Split Cleaning Kit is a must for cleaning the inside unit. The "bib" is worth it.

 

[muncie21]

I had a Mitsu unit installed in my oversized 3-car several years ago. I use it mostly to keep the garage moderately warm (50*F) during the winter months here in PA. The unit works great for this purpose, costs very little to run and so far has been dead nuts reliable.

 

[SkeeterZX200]

Here is a picture of my installed units. I have (2) 18k btu mini splits in my 1600 sqft shop.
It has 14' ceilings.