Window unit recomendations

[Scoutman]

I've been looking at window units for my ~700 sf (23x32) detached shop. Brick exterior, sheetrocked interior, uninsulated walls, partially insulated upstairs, 10' ceilings, 3 uninsulated 9x8 garage doors. Late evenings is the time I get out there during the week and it's upwards of 85* in the shop then. I have plans to insulate the garage doors but my question is how big of a window AC unit will be sufficient to take the edge off? I can't afford a split unit and I have a window that's perfect for this with a 110v plug within reach. Is there really an almost $100 difference between a 12k btu unit and a 15k? It seems like the bigger than 15k units are 220v which I don't really want to get into. I'm not trying to hang meat in here I just want to be comfortable, dehumidify, and keep the bugs out.

 

[Scoutman]

I've also noticed that the 12k btu Frigidare units seem to advertise that they'll cool up to 640 sqft but most of the other brands of the same output cool 500-550. Why the spread? I know that 'cool' is probably a relative term.

I've never had a window unit or much experience with one hence all the stupid questions.

 

[Scoutman]

So I didn't catch this thread till after I posted...


Figures. Well that just about answered my question.

 

[John Timmins]

My 18 x 20 outbuilding is 400 sq. feet, white roof, no insulation but has 3/8 plywood interior walls. The garage door is fiberglass with no insulation facing east. Window 12000 BTU is in a north window

So far this summer, since I have placed some foam board up against the ceiling and it has really helped.

Now I can go into the shop mid-day and it is about 75 with low humidity...after running wide open. I don't know if it shuts off at night. I bought a 10 inch fan that I am waiting to arrive which I will place on the upper end of the building to exhause a heat layer against the ceiling.

Using a digital thermometer room readings are as follows:

Across the room from the A/C on the workbench = 76

8 feet high at the bottom of the trusses = 85

at the peak of the room 3 inches from the top = 125 !!!

I have an aluminum boat in the room which is holding in some of the "coolness" I suppose. placing the digital thermometer by the garage door does not show a heat source.

It costs me $2 +/- a day to fun the window unit for about 4-5 months, and it's worth every penny.

I live in HOT Florida with no basement or 4 seasons. We have no winter anymore just mild and extra hot for extra months.