Mini Split for 2 Car Garage

How to Calculate the Right Mini Split Size for a 2-Car Garage

To properly size a mini-split for heating and cooling a 2-car garage, you’ll need to determine the square footage of your garage and consider factors like insulation and usage.

Calculate the Square Footage

●      Measure the length and width of your garage in feet and multiply to get the total square footage. For example, a garage that is 20 feet wide by 22 feet long is 440 square feet (20 x 22 = 440).

Evaluate the Insulation

●      The amount of insulation impacts the size of the unit needed. If your garage is well-insulated, you can get by with a smaller unit. Little or no insulation means you'll want a larger unit to effectively control the temperature.

Consider How You'll Use the Space

●      How you use your garage also determines the right mini-split size. If you only need to take the edge off the temperature, a smaller unit will do. But if you use your garage as a workspace or recreation area, you'll want a larger unit that can adequately heat or cool the entire space.

Choose the Proper Size

●      For a typical 2-car garage (around 400 to 600 square feet), a mini-split in the 18,000 to 36,000 BTU range should work well for heating and cooling, depending on insulation and usage. It’s best to slightly oversize for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Recommended BTU for a 2 Car Garage

A 2-car garage typically needs between 12,000 to 36,000 BTU to properly heat and cool the space. The specific size you need depends on several factors like your local climate, garage size, insulation, and how much temperature control you want.

Climate Considerations

●      If you live in a warmer southern climate, you'll want a unit with a higher BTU, around 36,000, to effectively cool your garage. Colder northern areas can get by with a smaller 18,000 or 23,000 BTU mini split. The unit will have to work harder to heat and cool a garage that's not well insulated, so factor that in as well.

Garage Size

●      A standard 2-car garage is around 400 to 600 square feet. For a smaller 400-square-foot garage, an 18,000 or 28,000 BTU unit should work nicely. Larger garages, 500 to 600 square feet, will perform better with a 23,000 BTU mini split. The mini split has to heat and cool the entire space, so make sure you get a unit rated for at least the square footage of your garage.

Temperature Control

●      Think about how much temperature control you want in your garage. If you only need to knock the chill off in the winter or take the edge off in the summer, a smaller unit will do. But if you want to fully heat and cool your garage for use as a workshop or entertainment space, go with a higher BTU model. A more powerful mini split will be able to quickly bring your garage to your ideal temperature and keep it there.