I had a screened in lanai that I enclosed a few years ago with aluminum and tinted sliding windows. Found that section of the house would get very warm. I added thermal barrier on the inside of the 3-foot x 25 aluminum roof.
This weekend I finished the room by installing another MrCool 12K mini-split like I have in the garage. The room is 25 x 15, the unit is doing great.
I saved a ton of money on this mini-split, I shopped their "scratch & dent section. The outdoor unit had a little dent on one side, so small you can even see it. They give these units a full check out, and the same warrantee as new. Saved 500 bucks - yeah that works.
I ran a new line from the panel to the outside cutoff box. Boy that was fun, our attic is small due to the vaulted ceiling. I had an electrician come to hook up the panel and wire the cutoff box. It was a 20 amp 110 circuit I could have hooked it up, but wanted the assurance that it was done right.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 03-19-2022).]
So, "cool" is more than just an appellation, it is an aspiration, a mission. Nice!
Yes it's cool.
The MrCool phone app is pretty neat. You can control all the settings of each unit. I set the parameters so the units will cycle on and off when a target temperature is reached.
The phone app shows the usage by the day and a timeline of operation.
Even has a feature to turn on when you are close to home, you can set the distance.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 03-23-2022).]
Ok, so how was the install? I was looking to do the same myself, with a dual zone for the garage and a large room above it. I was looking at Senville units and the Mr. Cool because they both seemed to be set up for DIY installs. Any reason you chose Mr. Cool specifically? Because right now I was leaning towards the Senville.
Ok, so how was the install? I was looking to do the same myself, with a dual zone for the garage and a large room above it. I was looking at Senville units and the Mr. Cool because they both seemed to be set up for DIY installs. Any reason you chose Mr. Cool specifically? Because right now I was leaning towards the Senville.
I went with MrCool after checking out all the makes. The DIY models were the easiest to hook up, and had good reviews. Had a friend that went with MrCool before I got one. The one I installed in my garage has been working very well. I didn't see any jump in the electric bill at all.
The install went very fast, I routed to lines down the inside wall then over and through the alumium panel to outside compressor. Took about an hour and a half to mount everything up.
I just now looked at the Senville, they look good also. Very close in design. Good luck with your project.
Yeah, these little guys are so awesome. I think we discussed it before, but everyone uses these in Asia and the middle east, they're super common. I'm happy to see them in the US more now too. I don't really have a need for one, but may consider putting one in my garage. Even if I use it to intermittently cool the garage so it stays below 85.
"I didn't see any jump in the electric bill at all."
For your lanai... are you going to be tracking your power costs? I would be really interested to see how adding this one unit increases your monthly electrical costs. It may not be a concern, but I'm very interested in the "total cost of ownership" aspect of it... even if the cost is almost negligible.
Thanks!!!
[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 03-23-2022).]
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: "I didn't see any jump in the electric bill at all."
For your lanai... are you going to be tracking your power costs? I would be really interested to see how adding this one unit increases your monthly electrical costs. It may not be a concern, but I'm very interested in the "total cost of ownership" aspect of it... even if the cost is almost negligible. Thanks!!!
Yes, I'll be watching both. The app lets you see the usage by day, and a timeline of on & off times.
I have my Garage unit set for 76, it only runs a couple of hours a day.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 05-19-2025).]
Had a problem with the Lanai mini split, it had been running great for a few years. MrCool did a warranty exchange, they sent out a newer model replacement indoor & outdoor unit and new lines.
I hooked up the new system, seemed to work okay for a few days, then it started to freeze up. That usually means a leak some where. I checked all the fittings with a leak detector & bubble spray, all were tight.
They gave me some instruction on dissembling the outside unit, which I did - with the power disconnected.
I located an area that had a leak. The shipping company must had been ruff with the box. There was some damage inside that looked like it may have been dropped. Some of the fins were messed up on one side, and a plastic brace was sitting at the bottom, that is usually located near the top where electronics are.
I took a video which I sent them, they decided to send another replacement outdoor unit, under warranty. Should arrive in a few days. I'm glad they are taking care of me.
Forbidden Planet.... I watched 2 of the dumbest 1950s-1960s sci fi movies ever, just last weekend. Angry Red Planet and then........... Spider Baby...AKA , Attack of the Liver Eaters. It's just too bizarre to describe.
[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 05-20-2025).]
Considering a mini-split unit for my newly constructed shop. The electrician is almost finished, lots of other things to be done before getting a cooling unit. Spray foam (closed cell) insulation, floor coating, two post lift and then maybe a mini-split or simply a window AC unit.
Spent most of the day (two days ago) using a 24 inch trencher (rented from Home Depot) trenching as deep as it would go but, it's a very slow process and the wheeled version was the only version available. Would have preferred the rubber tracked version. Tire slippage was so bad the trencher couldn't move so, I secured the trencher to my Kubota Tractor and pulled it to get the job done. Still took a very long time to get the trench dug but, got it done. The electrician arrived the next day, ran the conduit and I used the front in loader to fill the ditch back in. Tamped the filled trench as much as humanly possible with a Spud Bar and then refilled. My arms are sore after that exercise but, the filled in trench looks good.
A bit off topic I know but, it's all part of getting power to that shop so I can eventually get that window unit AC or a mini-split.
------------------ Rams Learning most of life's lessons the hard way. . You are only young once but, you can be immature indefinitely.
Considering a mini-split unit for my newly constructed shop. The electrician is almost finished, lots of other things to be done before getting a cooling unit. Spray foam (closed cell) insulation, floor coating, two post lift and then maybe a mini-split or simply a window AC unit.
Depending on the size of the new shop, I used a 12k 110v unit for my 784 sq foot garage. The larger sizes are 220v. It was well worth the little investment.
Looking forward to seeing your build post showing the construction and finished shop. Good luck.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 05-21-2025).]
Depending on the size of the new shop, I used a 12k 110v unit for my 784 sq foot garage. The larger sizes are 220v. It was well worth the little investment.
Looking forward to seeing your build post showing the construction and finished shop. Good luck.
I don't consider myself to be anything close to an HVAC Tech. Had a Tech to work on our refrigerator today. So, I asked him about a mini-split. He said he does both appliances and HVAC systems. He described what he thought was best for my 1200 sq. ft. shop and that was a mini-split system. I asked him for an approximate quote, he said $7 to $10K. Well, I'm not interested in heating my shop, if it's that cold out side, I doubt I'll be out there doing much but, cooling in Southern TN during the warmer months is kinda important to me. His estimate made a couple of window AC units much more attractive.
BTW, if you haven't heard, my two-post lift will be here on 6 June. Woo Hoo!!!
Edited, Now delivery is 9 June. Dang It! It's sitting in Memphis but deep inside some 53 Foot trailer. Oh well, Monday will work.
Rams
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-08-2025).]
I don't consider myself to be anything close to an HVAC Tech. Had a Tech to work on our refrigerator to today. So, I asked him about a mini-split. He said he does both appliances and HVAC systems. He described what he thought was best for my 1200 sq. ft. shop and that was a mini-split system. I asked him for an approximate quote, he said $7 to $10K. Well, I'm not interested in heating my shop, if it's that cold out side, I doubt I'll be out there doing much but, cooling in Southern TN during the warmer months is kinda important to me. His estimate made a couple of window AC units much more attractive.
BTW, if you haven't heard, my two-post lift will be here on 6 June. Woo Hoo!!!
Rams
A MRCool 36,000 BTU Mini split is rated for a 1400 to 1500 SF. Cost is 3,769. It is a do it yourself unit. BTW, it will not only cool, but heat also. Here in FL, have used the heat once on a cool morning, just to test it, It did great.
The $7 to 10K quote is way out of the park.
Looking forward to see details of your two-post lift install.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 05-31-2025).]
Are heat pumps a viable option for garage/workshops of this size?
I know the two units I have are heat pump design.
The Garage unit is a MrCool Model 3 12K, Seer rating is 19. I keep the temp set at 78, mainly to keep the humidity at a reasonable level, so my tools & cars don't rust. With out the a/c, the garage used to get quite warm.
The Lanai unit is a MrCool model 4 12K, seer rating is 22. I keep temp set at 75, which is the same temp as the rest of the house.
Both units are controlled by a remote thermostat called a "Breez Max", connected to my network. A phone App lets me monitor / control them. Has detailed info on when they turn on & off. Also shows how long they ran by the day.
I found that feature useful when the old Lanai started having problems, I could see the run time go way up.
A MRCool 36,000 BTU Mini split is rated for a 1400 to 1500 SF. Cost is 3,769. It is a do it yourself unit. BTW, it will not only cool, but heat also. Here in FL, have used the heat once on a cool morning, just to test it, It did great.
The $7 to 10K quote is way out of the park.
Looking forward to see details of your two-post lift install.
The price @ $3800 is much more acceptable but, still significantly more than a couple of window AC units (if more than one is required). May consider such an investment in the future but, other priorities ($$$) must come first. Just because I'm putting up a new shop does not negate the projects my Spousal Unit (military issued) has in mind. Just finishing changing out every damn hinge and door knob in the house because she didn't like the style, color and finish of what was already there. Already added a patio with roof, removed and replaced most of the landscaping for the same reason, re-did the rear exit/porch (same reason), hired a mulcher to eliminate some of the vine ridden forest in our back yard, planted a 20 ft. post for her newly acquired Bat Houses and that's just some of the list, It never ends.
Ah... I didn't see the term "heat pump" used anywhere in this thread, so I didn't realize that's what you had. However, (due to me not knowing much about the subject) I thought all heat pumps were ground source (geothermal) heat pumps. Apparently not! I'm now a little bit more informed.
You mention window units.......would any of the newer style U shaped window heat pump units from companies such as Midea meet your needs? Granted the are only 1 ton units but maybe if you have two windows run two unit of two different circuits and get 2 tons of cooling capacity.
quote
Originally posted by blackrams:
The price @ $3800 is much more acceptable but, still significantly more than a couple of window AC units (if more than one is required). May consider such an investment in the future but, other priorities ($$$) must come first. Just because I'm putting up a new shop does not negate the projects my Spousal Unit (military issued) has in mind. Just finishing changing out every damn hinge and door knob in the house because she didn't like the style, color and finish of what was already there. Already added a patio with roof, removed and replaced most of the landscaping for the same reason, re-did the rear exit/porch (same reason), hired a mulcher to eliminate some of the vine ridden forest in our back yard, planted a 20 ft. post for her newly acquired Bat Houses and that's just some of the list, It never ends.
You have seen my basement garage/workshop during visits here. I planned on installing a dehumidifier, but learned that a heat pump type HVAC was only a bit more than the dehumidifier. I also got a tax credit for installing a high efficiency HVAC unit. I am pleased with the results and can work in this shop at virtually any time/temperature that presents itself.
Nelson
I don't consider myself to be anything close to an HVAC Tech. Had a Tech to work on our refrigerator to today. So, I asked him about a mini-split. He said he does both appliances and HVAC systems. He described what he thought was best for my 1200 sq. ft. shop and that was a mini-split system. I asked him for an approximate quote, he said $7 to $10K. Well, I'm not interested in heating my shop, if it's that cold out side, I doubt I'll be out there doing much but, cooling in Southern TN during the warmer months is kinda important to me. His estimate made a couple of window AC units much more attractive.
BTW, if you haven't heard, my two-post lift will be here on 6 June. Woo Hoo!!!
You mention window units.......would any of the newer style U shaped window heat pump units from companies such as Midea meet your needs? Granted the are only 1 ton units but maybe if you have two windows run two unit of two different circuits and get 2 tons of cooling capacity.
Hank, I have no idea about U Shaped Window Heat Pump but will take a look. My budget for this is pretty limited with all the other needs for my shop and of course, those things my Spousal Unit expects done to the house.
Rams, perhaps you might consider a "Swamp Cooler". It was all the rage before A/C. I had one in Bandera at the head of my picnic table outside in the Texas heat and the results were amazing. There are many different types. I had on similar to this :
Where you see the circular fan it has a snout which directs the air flow.
My Dad in North Florida had his shop insulated (some kind of foam which hardens) and a HVAC unit. If needed, he could work in his dead of winter. Some times you have to.
Rams, perhaps you might consider a "Swamp Cooler". It was all the rage before A/C. I had one in Bandera at the head of my picnic table outside in the Texas heat and the results were amazing. There are many different types. I had on similar to this :
Where you see the circular fan it has a snout which directs the air flow.
My Dad in North Florida had his shop insulated (some kind of foam which hardens) and a HVAC unit. If needed, he could work in his dead of winter. Some times you have to.
Cliff, I grew up in a house with a "Swamp Cooler" in KS. As a child it was my job to refresh the cooling water with a garden hose daily during the months it was used. Nope, have researched and had the options quoted, have decided on two 110v window units. Mostly based on how I intend to use my shop and the cost of the other options. Already have two large ceiling fans mounted and powered. The walls have been foamed with two inches of closed cell insulation, the ceiling is two and a half inches of the same closed cell foam. Both walk-through doors are insulated and so is the garage drive through door. While I could always be wrong, I believe I have made the best decision for my needs.
In fifty years, the next person using my shop can change things if he/she needs to.
Just a suggestion Ron. Mine had a hooked up water supply line which had a float valve such as a toilet does.
Understood and the response is appreciated. Friday the tax accessor stopped by, said he's been watching and waiting for my building to be completed since a short time after I applied for the permit. Well, I knew and expected this building will increase the taxes on my property so that wasn't a huge surprise. I tried to get this building built right, excellent foundation and concrete work after I fired the first contractor. Spray foamed the walls and ceiling to well past the recommended values. The Tax Accessor guy was impressed with the building; he asked me what my plans were. Told him I was thinking about enclosing the lean-to on the back of the shop. He said, Oh, I didn't know about the lean-to on rear of the shop. More added property tax (enclosed or not). Told him this would be my private shop, not a commercial shop. Already purchased the Rock Solid Floor Coating and my new Two-Post lift. The electrician will return to finish the job of hard wiring the 220V electric/hydraulic lift. He asked about HVAC, told him I didn't plan to heat the shop but was considering a Mini-Split or a couple of window units to cool. He said, OK, we'll be back to access the cooling when it's done, that will raise your property taxes also.
Won't lie about it, my jaw dropped. I said really? Yep, he replied.
Honestly, I expected property taxes to go up based on putting up a permanent building but, I was surprised adding a window unit or two added to that tax.
------------------ Rams Learning most of life's lessons the hard way. . You are only young once but, you can be immature indefinitely.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 06-13-2025).]
If the addition of air conditioning transforms the outbuilding into a more usable and valuable space, it's likely to be reflected in a higher property appraisal and thus, higher taxes.
Livability and Classification: If the outbuilding is considered a "living space" (e.g., a guest house or studio) due to the addition of HVAC, it will likely be assessed as such, increasing its taxable value.
Building Permits: If the installation requires a building permit, it's a strong indicator that the improvement will be assessed.
Tennessee Property Tax Assessment: Tennessee assesses property based on its fair market value, which can be affected by improvements like adding air conditioning to an outbuilding.
...... I would suggest after they assessed the value, not pulling a permit for ac, as DIY mini splits & window AC units do not require a permit, add ac, and enjoy. Your outbuilding is not considered a "living space" , it's a shop. I'd fight that.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 06-14-2025).]
If the addition of air conditioning transforms the outbuilding into a more usable and valuable space, it's likely to be reflected in a higher property appraisal and thus, higher taxes.
Livability and Classification: If the outbuilding is considered a "living space" (e.g., a guest house or studio) due to the addition of HVAC, it will likely be assessed as such, increasing its taxable value.
Building Permits: If the installation requires a building permit, it's a strong indicator that the improvement will be assessed.
Tennessee Property Tax Assessment: Tennessee assesses property based on its fair market value, which can be affected by improvements like adding air conditioning to an outbuilding.
...... I would suggest after they assessed the value, not pulling a permit for ac, as DIY mini splits & window AC units do not require a permit, add ac, and enjoy. Your outbuilding is not considered a "living space" , it's a shop. I'd fight that.
Thanks for the research. Considering my options.
1. No cooling installation, already have installed two large ceiling fans. 2. Put up more ceiling fans to keep air moving. Or install a couple of Squirrel Cage fans (already have one, the kind found in HVAC home systems), 3. Window Units in the windows (easily seen sticking out from the street). Apparently, the tax guy only does a drive by per his statements. 4. Install new windows beneath the lean-to roof on the back side of the shop and installed window units there. Not able to see unless you're inside the shop on in the partially open lean-to.
I like option 4 most but, I'm close to my shop budget limit and don't wish to draw from the promised upgrades the Spousal Unit wants. Guess we'll see.
The living space thing is interesting. Having hosted several Valkyrie motorcycle rides/events, it's not unusual for a few cots to get set up in my shops or garage due to having more guests than beds. And several motorcycles. There won't be any water supplied to my shop although there will be a small frig for drinks there.
Reference fighting the improvement tax, I suspect the tax isn't that much but I doubt I'd fight it. I don't see it as worth the fight for whatever time I have left on this rock we call home after retiring.
