A/C Unit for Garage Shop

[MarvinWatkins]

With the temps staying in the 90s for most of the summer, I have starting thinking about buying a window-mount air conditioner for my garage shop. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this?

Some of the questions or concerns that come to mind include:

* How big of a unit do I need to just take the edge off?
* Is the temperature fluctuation going to adversely impact the wood demensionally?
* Do I need to consider a supplemental air filtration system for wood dust, etc.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

[D L Ames]

* How big of a unit do I need to just take the edge off? Marvin, The size of your shop will determine what size A/C unit you will need. For example, my shop is 832 sq ft and will need about an 18,000 BTU unit to heat and cool it.

* Is the temperature fluctuation going to adversely impact the wood dimensionally? IMO the humidity level (controlled by the A/C unit) will have a greater impact on wood movement than the temperature will.

* Do I need to consider a supplemental air filtration system for wood dust, etc? You certainly could invest in an air filtration unit but in the absence of one you will have to closely watch the filter on the A/C unit and clean it more often.

BTW, I moved your post from the General Woodworking forum to the Other Stuff forum.

D L

[Ken Weaver]

I've got a similar situation and have been having the same thoughts. Problem I have is the only windows are in the front of the house and LOML would have a kitten were I to hang a unit there. To add insult, there isn't a direct outside wall on the the other side so I can't cut through. Came to conclusion that I need to win the lottery and start from scratch.

[chris99z71]

If you're looking to even out the humidity fluctuations year round, I'd invest in a dehumidifier. I have one in my walk out basement shop and it's made a huge difference. In the summer my humidity will hit 75%+. With the dehumidifier it's been between 50-55% so far, even on super muggy or rainy days. I bought a cheap thermometer/hygrometer (~$15) to help monitor conditions. Along with my lumber concerns, I wanted to make sure that my cast tools weren't going to rust. So far I'm rust free.
In your case I may consider getting and running the dehumidifier before investing in an AC unit. For only $150, the lower humidity alone may make it bearable to work.

[DavidF]

Originally Posted by MarvinWatkins

With the temps staying in the 90s for most of the summer, I have starting thinking about buying a window-mount air conditioner for my garage shop. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this?

Some of the questions or concerns that come to mind include:

* How big of a unit do I need to just take the edge off?
* Is the temperature fluctuation going to adversely impact the wood demensionally?
* Do I need to consider a supplemental air filtration system for wood dust, etc.

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

I have 400 sq ft shop with window mount 8000 btu unit; works really well.

I have two for sale; an 8000 btu and a 5000 btu Michael Garner was holding the 8000 btu up until April, but not sure if he still wants one. The 5000 has no offers on it. I am asking $100 for that one and $150 for the 8000. I will PM MG and see if and when he still wants it or whether he is happy for it to be put back on the market. Given his stuation!!! he may not respond for little while!!!

[chris99z71]

Originally Posted by DavidF

I will PM MG and see if and when he still wants it or whether he is happy for it to be put back on the market. Given his stuation!!! he may not respond for little while!!!

I have no doubt that he'd love it right about now!

[frigator]

If you want the best consider a mobile home air conditioner which consists of a compressor unit outside and a wall mounted blower unit. You drill one small hole through the wall.. Its cost a lot more, but also provides heat, you dont lose a window, its quiet, comes with remote and timer. Cool air sinks so I mounted it high up on the wall. I bought one to replace my window unit and it was like night and day better.

[D L Ames]

Robin, where did you pick your unit up at? I have been looking at the Mini Split A/C units which sounds like what you are describing. Basically an outside heat pump and a inside air handler.

D L

[Jonz]

Originally Posted by Ken Weaver

I've got a similar situation and have been having the same thoughts. Problem I have is the only windows are in the front of the house and LOML would have a kitten were I to hang a unit there. To add insult, there isn't a direct outside wall on the the other side so I can't cut through.

One alternative is to get a portable unit that will work in the room. I'm not 100% sure how they work but I think they just vent the hot exhaust to the outside through a small pipe (you could just temporarily use a window maybe and stay out of the doghouse) and condensation collects in a canister that you have to empty. Not a great soluitons but it beats sweating.

Search on "portable air conditioner" on Amazon.

[MarvinWatkins]

I have actually used one of the portable AC's at work. It does a pretty effective job cooling a small IT Server room when our AC goes out. You are right about the exhaust. It is simply an exhaust duct like on a dryer. You simply run that outside somewhere.

Great info guys. I think I have a lot to look into.

[gator]

My shop is 16 x 24. The floor and walls are insulated, I just haven't gotten a round tuit to insulate the ceiling. I have two 5000BTU window units. If I turn them on in the morning they do a reasonable job of keeping up. If I wait til noon or so, they don't quit catch up with the heat already in the shop. I suspect that the ceiling insulation will help once I get a round tuit.

George

[DavidF]

Originally Posted by gator

My shop is 16 x 24. The floor and walls are insulated, I just haven't gotten a round tuit to insulate the ceiling. I have two 5000BTU window units. If I turn them on in the morning they do a reasonable job of keeping up. If I wait til noon or so, they don't quit catch up with the heat already in the shop. I suspect that the ceiling insulation will help once I get a round tuit.


George

I think you're right about the ceiling George, mine is insulated R13 and the 8000 btu window unit copes easily. I have it set to 72 deg which is confortable without being expensive to run (relatively)

[frigator]

D.L. the one I had was in my old shop down in FL and I bought it from my local Heat and Air guy, cant even recall the brand. I know they also sell them online:

http://air-n-water.stores.yahoo.net/spaircosy.html

Its exactly as you describe, an outside heat pump and a wall mounted air handler, so no ducting required.

[D L Ames]

Thanks for the link Robin. That is the brand I have been looking at. I need to find an installer to see how much I can get one installed for if I buy it on line. I will need to make arrangements for the wiring also.

D L

[sapwood]

Originally Posted by chris99z71

If you're looking to even out the humidity fluctuations year round, I'd invest in a dehumidifier. I have one in my walk out basement shop and it's made a huge difference. In the summer my humidity will hit 75%+. With the dehumidifier it's been between 50-55% so far, even on super muggy or rainy days. I bought a cheap thermometer/hygrometer (~$15) to help monitor conditions. Along with my lumber concerns, I wanted to make sure that my cast tools weren't going to rust. So far I'm rust free.
In your case I may consider getting and running the dehumidifier before investing in an AC unit. For only $150, the lower humidity alone may make it bearable to work.

Chris, the dehumidifier works great for keeping the rust off. I have one and it has resolved that problem. However, it won't make it more bearable to work in the summer. Dang thing generates a tremendous amount of heat in my 10x14 shop

Roger