Mini Split Versus Window

[OldCarNut]

Guys

Working on A/C for my garage in Atlanta and would like some help with two questions.

#1 Why would I want one of those Mini Split units versus a Window unit? Other than the esthetics of the window unit hanging out of a window or the Mini split compressor being next to the house, neither of which are an issue for my install, what are the functional issues / differences between the two types. After all a 12000 BTU unit is a 12000 is a 12000 BTU unit weather it is a Split unit or a Window unit right?

#2 What are the issues involced in cycle time? I know there is a relationship between cycle time and size of the unit and the size of the area being cooled but beyond that I am in the dark. Seems I recall that the A/C has to cycle off once and a while or it would freeze the coils. My house in Ct. used to do that if I tried to run the A/C and asked for too much cool when the outside air temp was not really very hot.

#3 I have an 18 Ft wood garage door on my house. It is in top notch shape BUT it is totally uninsulated. It is the sectional door with recessed panels, perhaps 10 across horizontally on each panel. I don't want to replace the door with a new insulated aluminum door...rather spend the money on my Corvette so my question is this..........

Anyone have any ideas on a way to insulate the door? I am thinking about some sort of insulation panel that could be attached to the inside of the door. Something like that silver Tyvec (Sp?) insulation you see on new homes. The stuff goes between the inner wall sheathing ( Plywood or comp board ) and the outter facia / outer finish material. I was considering something like that material which could be cut to fit into the "recess" of the panel on the inside of the garage door and then be glued into place with something like contact cement. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your help on this.

OldCarNut

 

[oldgoat]

I think the main thing with the mini splits is that they are usually more efficient, take up less room in the garage plus would leave the window open for light and fresh air. However I know for me the difference in cost is so much that it just isn't worth it to go to a mini split. If anything I will spend the money on a package unit outside that will give me both heat and air. I'm not concerned about the unit hanging out the window (although in some areas in might be a concern because the windown unit can be taken out and used as a access to someone wanting to get in) and the area in front of my window is open with a table so it won't interfere with shelving or anything.

 

[JMURiz]

I'll be going mini-split for efficiency, the up and out of the way placement and the ability to have heat.

 

[OldCarNut]

A mini-split is far more efficient than the typical window air conditioner. The (S)EER ratings will tell the tale.

A properly functioning AC unit will never freeze up, even if it operates 24/7 when conditions require cooling. If it freezes up, then something is wrong. If an AC unit does not run long enough, then it will not remove enough humidity, resulting in cool but damp air. Properly sized, an AC unit will run 24/7 on a design temperature day.

Yes now that you mention it I think there was an issue with the "freeze up" and the amount of charge that was in the system. This happened years ago so my memory might not be as clear as it could be. I also think that the system might have been running in A/C mode when in reality there was not enough heat in the house to justify running A/C Perhaps there was an issue wit the T-stat. It was just to long ago to recall now.

 

[MyDomain]

One other major plus is the noise level. Minis are whisper quiet. They also require a mere 3" hole through the wall vs the large opening for a shaker.