Shop Ideas - AC?

A

axeldoomeyer

Joined
Dec 31, 2005
Messages
87
I live near San Antonio... Not by choice mind you; however, in the summer time it gets really hot and humid. I was thinking about putting AC in the garage to allow me to work during the summer months. I know I should quit being a Wuss and suck it up. I was just wondering if anyone else has AC in their shop and if you had any suggestions before I spend the money. Any ideas would be helpful. BTW, I would like a unit that I dont have to rough in. When I leave I would like to be able to take it with. Thanks for all the advice..

Jim
 
Do you have any windows? They make some very powerful window units now, should be able to find something that would turn your garage into a freezer pretty easily in that department.
Aside from that I don't know of anything that doesn't need roughed in. Any kind of unit has to have an exhaust outside of the shop, otherwise it will be putting out as much hot air as cold.
 
I put a window unit in my shop 6 years ago and wish I'd have done it 20 years ago, best money I ever spent. I don't mind sweating when I'm forginging but don't like sweat dripping on my work while trying to get a folder together. Get-r-done :thumbup:
 
Unfortunately I dont have any windows :(. I was looking at the "portable" models. As they only require an exaust duct and that would be easy to cover when I move and I would be able to take the unit with me.
 
Got it in mine.My main unit is in my garage so I just cut into to the duct.Wouldn't be without now. Dave:)
 
Yep brought mine with me.
When I built my garage/shop i roughed it in and enjoy it every summer.Wish I would have done as good with heat.
Take care
TJ
 
Hi Jim, I've got an 18000 btu window unit in my shop and wouldn't do without it in the Summer...makes it much more enjoyable to be in there. I've seen those portable units you mentioned at Home Depot and they look like just the ticket for what you need. Please let us know how well it works if you get one, it could be good information to know!

:)

-Darren
 
Jim

I am in Houston and have the same problem as you. My AC ducts are nowhere near the garage so I tap in like Dave did. The portable units sold at Home Depot are about double the price of a window unit with the same BTU rating. I was going make my own by buying a window unit, building a box around the "outside" part and running two flexible ducts to a pair of dryer vents that I would install in the wall. I think that the portable units have two ducts too, one for sucking in fresh outside air and one for the hot air to escape. I think that Grainger had some vent caps for the wall that fit 6 inch ducts (Home Depot only sells 4 inch vent caps). I know I can make it look better than this: http://fantasygoat.livejournal.com/70508.html

Phil
 
THose portable units are the ticket. Never used one for a workshop, but Ive used them to keep rooms full of computers cool for my day job.

-d
 
I have an AC unit here in my shop up here in NH, Jim. Its great because summers in my little hollow here are really humid. Word of advice: Frame in a hole in your garage wall and install a big window unit. You'll be much happier in getting more floor space. :)
 
I bought a portable unit @ HD about 2 years. Were on deep sale in the fall.
Use it in me garage and love it. On a hottest day (it gets darn hot here in NJ and very humid too) it brings the temp down real quick and keeps it comfortable.
 
Hello Jim

Here's a couple of considerations relating to adding AC to your garage, regardless of whether you use a portable unit or frame one into a wall. Make sure you close up the gaps between the garage door(s) and the walls to keep the cool air in. Adding insulation to the walls will make the A/C unit more effective.

In my garage, the gaps on either side are about 1/2 inch wide at the bottom and widen to about 2 1/2 inches wide near the top. There is also a 3 - 4 wide gap at the top. Home Depot sells pieces of flexible rubber that seal the bottom of the garage door. I screwed pieces of wood to the rails on each side of the doors and sealed the gaps with caulk and foam tape. I have yet to find a way block off the gap a the top nicely. I haven't installed an A/C unit yet but I have noticed a lot less leaves and other junk being blown into my garage with the sides sealed up.

Phil
 
My shop has had a large window unit since it was about a week old. It's hard to work in a shop in Alabama in the summer without one.
 
I couldn't live without AC. While winters can be long, summers can be hot. I found that the fine dust generated by the grinder has a habit of clogging up the fins on the window AC. I made a filter by cutting a furnace filter to fit the air intake on the unit. Instead of having to blow and clean out the window AC all I have to do now is replace the filter. I cut out several filters out of one big furnace filter.
 
WOW... Thanks guys this has been some really good info. I may have found a solution. I don't mind spending the money since I can take it with me wherever I go. The only problem is I need another electrical circut pulled into the garage for the AC unit. From what I have been reading they require a dedicated 20 amp circut. Thank goodness that a friend of mine is a certified electrician. All I have to do is supply the parts and he will hook it up for me. It might cost me a 6 pack after the install. :) Take a look at the link and tell me what you think. From what I have been reading it is better to get an AC unit that is bigger as it will not run near as much to keep the shop cool. I have also found out that BTU's are over rated and not every company recommends the same unit. But I think I have narrowed it down a little bit.

http://www.brilliantcooler.com/conditioner/portable_conditioner_plm16000e.htm
 
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