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Hot Climate advice needed

This2ShallPass

Active member
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
26
Location
Davis, CA
Hello All! I am so impressed with what I have seen and heard here, perhaps you can give me some advice on HVAC for my garage. I live inland CA, near Sacramento. It doesn't get very cold (rarely below 40) but in the summer it is HOT! It can be over 100 (dry thankfully) during the day, for a week at a time, and otherwise in the 90s during the summer, which is at least four months long.

The water heater is in the garage, and the gas line is close enough to use. The electrical panel is also on the side of the garage, so everything is handy. But the house unit is not big enough to add the garage to it.

My garage is 24 x 24, and I am putting in a three piece bathroom. I'm thinking that floor heat is the way to go in the bathroom?

The garage is completely drywalled and insulated, except for the garage door, which I will either replace or insulate.

By chance I own a brand new gas-run mini stove that runs about 8000 btus. http://www.woodstove.com/mini-franklin Would it be worth installing this, or am I better off with a regular heater?

My real question though is what to do about A/C? Do you recommend two separate units? One for the heat and something different for the A/C? Or a mini-split? Can I use gas for A/C?

The space will be used for backup sleeping space when the house gets full, so I need to be sure that it can stay comfortable, without that annoying on-and-off that you get with a hotel-type unit. Also I had a heat pump in a very cold environment, and really didn't like it, but would it be good here?

While I understand about spending the money up front, to do it right once, I also really need to keep costs down. (I am partially disabled so can't do anything but maybe painting myself.) (Anyone nearby want to barter work?)

Should I let a contractor install the unit/s while doing the bathroom, or is this something to get directly from an HVAC guy?

I would greatly appreciate advice, as I am finding the googling hard going.

Many thanks in advance!

This 2 shall pass
 
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Notgrownup

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2014
Messages
5,946
Location
Snow Hill NC
Mini split, find somebody that can do it on the side that works for a AC contractor...you can find deals, some guy on here got a Chinese made unit for like under a grand out of Florida....
 
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Jackfre

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
4,411
Location
N CA
Mini split. I'm in Nevada City, have them in my home and they are excellent for what you intend to do. Forget your little gas stove unless it is direct vent it cannot be installed in a sleeping area. The mini-split will do the heat as well. Also forget the in-floor for the bathroom. Yes it is nice, but you are way upside down on the economics.
 
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