Window unit alternatives?

[turbostang]

Summer has finally got here and working out in the garage is not getting any more fun - so it's time to climate control the place. (I had the garage fully insulated when it was built, so that's taken care of)

Anyways, I live in a HOA nazi neighborhood, but for all I can see - they don't do shit and don't enforce any rules. So, I am a bit skeptical of installing a window unit although it's completely hidden from sight unless someone comes up and looks over my fence. Even if the garage doors were opened, it would be blocked by a tool box/shelf arrangement. The attractive-ness of the window unit is the price/ease of installation/ etc..

Now, there's the dual zone types of deals - but they are HIGH dollar. Installation is not going to be fun and overall would be near 2000$ or so by the time it's all said and done.

Third, not really an option IMHO - swamp coolers, the humidity is problematic - I have a lot of bare metal type stuff that would rust in no time flat.

Any other ideas?

I'm SERIOUSLY considering the window unit, I've done it before (in my last house) and never had a problem. My neighbors are cool, and my immediate next door neighbor (the side in which the A/C is on) is an OLD friend. SO he's not a problem. The other side of the house is an empty lot. The house directly behind me is empty (for sale).

Ideas? thoughts?

[Big Dad]

I have no idea if these work or not

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/bfs/2409841298.html

[dville_gt]

They make portable a/c units but they the condensation has to go somewhere which means you get to drain it, plus the dual hose units look just as bad to me coming out the window as the actual window unit does. I'd go window unit, either buy online or find a 10% off coupon for Lowes/HD (they honor each others coupons).

[KBScobravert]

Brooks, you know what route I am gonna tell you to go. Expensive but well worth it.

[turbostang]

Brooks, you know what route I am gonna tell you to go. Expensive but well worth it.

Yeah, I know Keith. Part of me wants to spend the money on the dual zone a/c since that's what I've wanted all along - but the other part of me completely disagrees with the spending that much money and the amount of work involved in the installation.

The window unit would be a LOT easier and near instant gratification. No wiring, no plumbing etc..

[Lason]

Yeah, I know Keith. Part of me wants to spend the money on the dual zone a/c since that's what I've wanted all along - but the other part of me completely disagrees with the spending that much money and the amount of work involved in the installation.

The window unit would be a LOT easier and near instant gratification. No wiring, no plumbing etc..

Yep Im with you! Everyone recommended dual zone to me too and I just gave up. I dont have $2k to drop on it although it sounds nice.

[JasonRR]

I picked up a window unit for my garage I never used....I'd sell it cheap. PM me if you're interested.

[junk racing]

i can put you in a mini split ductless system....its the best option they are extremely efficient, and quiet. beware of some of the lesser known japanese companys as they like to move alot of product then change names and your stuck without parts....PM me if youd like to know more

-Donnie

[kpc01]

i can put you in a mini split ductless system....its the best option they are extremely efficient, and quiet. beware of some of the lesser known japanese companys as they like to move alot of product then change names and your stuck without parts....PM me if youd like to know more

-Donnie

I vote for the mini split. I'm about to add one to my new shop and IMO thats the only way to go.

with the dual zone I've heard they won't let you do it because of code. There can not be any area where exhaust fumes (IE garage) connected to the same A/C system as the house. The reasoning is CO2 poisoning possibilities. Not sure how true this is but it does make sense.

I'm going to get a heat pump model which will even run your heat without gas hookups until it gets to the freezing point outside.

[dewayne6243]

I just put a dc inverted 16 SER heat pump ductless system in my bird room. Makes no noise and cools crazy cold. If you want to come over and check out my set up PM me.

[Blackpony]

Any ideas for someone without a window in the garage? Inexpensive? its only an 18x20 two car..

[bcar]

I originally put a 24,000 btu window unit in my garage it worked good but the HOA was about to get me. I swapped over to a Grunaire minisplit I found online. It works great and has a very high seer rating. Actually I need to sell the window unit. It cost me $650 at lowes a year ago want $350 for it. Knowing what I know now I would buy the mini split. If you want I can find the website I got it from cheap.

[junk racing]

Any ideas for someone without a window in the garage? Inexpensive? its only an 18x20 two car..

With a mini split you dont need any windows, just need a small hole for the lineset and control wiring, i have done a ton of them for people garages.

[turbostang]

I've already bought a window unit, and to be honest, I'm not totally feeling it.

I'm about to take this thing back and just bite the bullet for the nicer minisplit, dual zone or wtf ever it's called. lol.

[junk racing]

I've already bought a window unit, and to be honest, I'm not totally feeling it.

I'm about to take this thing back and just bite the bullet for the nicer minisplit, dual zone or wtf ever it's called. lol.

you wont be dissapointed