AC unit for shop? Suggestions

[jjarky]

Originally Posted by parsonsj

From the Google God:

http://www.mini-split.com/

Hope that helps.

AH. Got it. What BTU did you go with? Wall or ceiling mount? They appear to be just as expensive if not more than a standard ac system. What's the upside? No ducting?

[parsonsj]

No ducting, ease of installation, small footprint, I guess. My system cost me $1400 6 years ago -- which was a lot less than a standard ducted setup, I think.

I'll check on tonnage.

[jjarky]

Originally Posted by parsonsj

No ducting, ease of installation, small footprint, I guess. My system cost me $1400 6 years ago -- which was a lot less than a standard ducted setup, I think.

I'll check on tonnage.

Thanks. Would like to see a pic if you have one?

[chevguy]

I worked for carrier air-con for many years, a package unit in my opinion is the best way to go by far.Easy installation,easy access for servicing(get a return air filter put in so you just remove that to clean). Haven`t worked in the industry for quite a while now but carrier was turning into chinese supplied junk for the smaller units, dunno about the package units.

[Revved]

I went with a 5 ton Trane HVAC unit with gas heat in my shop. Its in TX and I work out of it year round so its got to stay comfy. I've got 2000 sq ft with high ceilings (12' eaves and 16' at the ceiling peak). When I built the shop I went with 2x6" walls so i could run thicker insulation and covered the whole outside with solarboard, bricked it, and have 2 10x16 insulated garage doors to make it as thermally stable as possible. (Sorry not a metal building fan!) I had it installed while the shop was being built so I had the ducting run in the drop down ceiling. My HVAC really doesn't have to work hard to keep things cool in the summer or warm in the winter and keeps things comfortable to work in. Installed was about $5500

Another thing to suggest is ceiling fans if you've got the head room. I've got two 54" industrial fans and it makes a HUGE difference just circulating the air. I have another buddy locally that works out of his 3500 sq/ft metal building, insulated with the same size insulated doors but higher ceilings and he runs two 5 ton HVAC units almost constantly. Its been in the mid-80's this last week which is just hot enough to keep the doors closed and his shop is so stuffy he has to run the A/C just so he doesn't sweat out.