Mini split air handler placement

[n2jeepn]

Currently in the research/preparation phase of a mini split for the garage. One thing I'm not too sure of is where to place the indoor air handler.
A couple things to consider: the 2 short bays are for car storage, the front of the long bay is where my bench and shop tools will be, and the back of the long bay is where a dozen or so classic 80's arcade games will be.
Most time will be spent in the area of the long bay.

The red walls on the attached drawing are exterior walls, and the only walls really suited for the mini split install are the long bay exterior walls.

My initial plan was to mount it over the man door in the back, but then I read that you are not supposed to install it over a door?

 

[bored350]

Have you considered a dual zone system? This would allow for 1 at the arcade end of the garage and the other to address the parking/work area. I can't tell the dimensions from my phone, but it appears the long area is 40+ feet so preventing temp gradients with a single head system may prove rather challenging.

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[n2jeepn]

I hadn't considered a dual zone system. I'll do some research on that. The long bay is about 48' long, but narrows to about 8' at the far end. I'm in a neighborhood with a small lot size, so I really appreciate the extra garage space, but I would have designed it a little differently given the opportunity.

 

[Falcon67]

X2 - I'd be looking for a dual zone.

 

[dsimatt]

Right across from you sink as it will push cold air where you are most but also have some go to the rest of the garage. 2 heads would be best but you are move a lot of air with cheap fans to.

Would you plan on using it to heat/dehumidify during winter because you'd want it somewhat closer to the cars for air flow to.

 

[bored350]

Another question worth asking is about the importance of heating/cooling the entire garage. When I finally put up the garage/shop I want, I intend to use an according wall to separate the parking garage from the workshop so I can open it if I need the space, otherwise I will only climate control the area I need to. With a dual head system and some type of similar wall setup, I believe you could effectively shut one head off while running the other if you aren't going to be using the parking portion of the garage and substantially save on energy costs. If the cars are just being stored, ask yourself just how important is it to condition that area. Just some food for thought....

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[justinjoyal]

Over the door works if there’s enough space.

Across the sink might work but there’s only 10ft or so. Air could bounce back to the unit and affect performance, especially if it’s rather large.

Dual zone would be better but not *needed*. Quite a bit more $$$...

 

[n2jeepn]

Over the door works if there’s enough space.

Across the sink might work but there’s only 10ft or so. Air could bounce back to the unit and affect performance, especially if it’s rather large.

Dual zone would be better but not *needed*. Quite a bit more $$$...

I was worried about the limited width of the long bay and the air bouncing back to the unit. I think over the door is going to be the best option for that reason and the fact that I'm mostly concerned with climate controlling that area.
I can always put up a curtain between the shop and parking area to minimize the area that needs to be heated/cooled.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

 

[PoorOwner]

I was worried about the limited width of the long bay and the air bouncing back to the unit. I think over the door is going to be the best option for that reason and the fact that I'm mostly concerned with climate controlling that area.
I can always put up a curtain between the shop and parking area to minimize the area that needs to be heated/cooled.

Thanks for all of the feedback.

That's no good. I have unit blowing across the shorter width of the room as you are thinking. It cools the room fine, I put louvers to get it to the left and right corners. But the cooling does not go outside of the room at all.

Always put it blowing the long end if you can so, put it above the man door blow it will work great. You will get the best cooling at heating near you at the arcade but eventually the car area will be heated and cooled as well (may be a temp differential of 2F or so)

 

[finn]

Two single units may be cheaper than one dual unit.

 

[Jackfre]

Two single units may be cheaper than one dual unit.

...and substantially more efficient! Be careful how high you mount the evap. Yes as Justin pointed out you can mount them over the door, but check the manuf suggested mounting height. It matters as the actual room temp thermistor is mounted on the evap and install height can affect operation. In a "tunnel-like" install such as yours you could also use a small ducted Fantech type fan with some 4" ductwork to circulate air within the space. The benefit of this is that you can see how the unit does in the space. If you decide you need it you can add the fan later.