Replies

1. 
   saschafer | May 31, 2008 03:01pm | #1

   I would recommend a "mini split" heat pump/air conditioner. It has two pieces, a wall unit mounted inside the conditioned space, and the condensor unit mounted outdoors. The two are connected via a 3" or 4" diameter wall penetration. Although you might not need it, some will heat as well as cool.

   There are many brands; Mitsubishi units have a good reputation, but I haven't really kept up on the latest and greatest. Some models can be DIY installed; others require specialized HVAC tools.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   Cincinnati | May 31, 2008 05:50pm | #2

   If the window unit is adequate to cool the shop, cut a hole in the back side of the shop and install the unit there.

   Greg

   •••••••

   Exo 35:30-35

3. 
   colebearanimals | May 31, 2008 08:19pm | #3

    

            As Greg suggested, but instead cut in a new window and mount your A/C unit there. That way if you ever sell your home there will be another window, not just a hole with an air conditioner in it. That would be my approach.

                                                               Paul

1. 
   Stagecraft | Jun 02, 2008 09:35pm | #4

   I have a similar situation to this, except I don't have any windows in my garage and I can't cut any holes in the walls because I'm renting.I'm thinking a portable air conditioning unit that uses freon is better than an evaporative cooler. I assume an evaporative cooler would put moisture into the air since it has a water tank. And some PACs advertising venting as an option (you don't need to).Living in AZ, the garage definitely needs cooling in the summer to make it useable. Though I worry a bit about a PAC in a dusty shop environment.Any one have any experience with these kinds of units in a shop?

1. 
   CajunDan2 | Jun 02, 2008 10:47pm | #5

   I have a portable A/C unit in my 2-car garage shop. The shop is sheet rocked, but not insulated. Here in the Houston area (like south Louisiana in temp and humidity), it does not noticeably cool the room. Mostly, it just blows cool air and I stand in front of it from time-to-time to cool off.

   It is a medium-size unit which vents to a hole in the wall. My wife and i are discussing replacing it with a wall unit. A big one.

   It removes a lot of humidity from the air.

   Regards,

   Dan

4. 
   user-231455 | Jun 03, 2008 03:49am | #6

   jjraybur: Steve's suggestion about a split system is a good one. In my situation in S.Florida (Ft. Myers area) my house incl. 2 car garage where my shop is is CBS (cement block) construction with no windows vs. traditional studs, exterior-sheathing  and ability to install a portable window unit was not an option but I would have done this had it been an option due to lower cost. I opted for a Mitsubishi "split system" as Steve described but its very pricey ($3,400 installed...ouch). It only cools and has no heating capability which I obviously don't need and I think would have been more expensive.  Admittedly, I didn't do a lot of shopping for other systems so may have paid more than I should have. Bottom line is the system is terrific and I couldn't be happier. Cools very fast and is ultra quiet. Don't know if I could have installed it myself. Either way, if your garage door is not insulated then you'll need to do that (my next project). Hope this helps. 

   Bruce

1. 
   Hal123 | Jun 04, 2008 01:35am | #7

   Where in LA are you? Baton Rouge here.