Mini Split for Garage

Why Install a Mini Split for Garage?

Installing a mini-split system in your garage can make the space more usable and comfortable. Here are some of the main benefits of adding a mini-split to your garage:

Improved temperature control

• A mini split gives you the ability to heat and cool your garage to the perfect temperature for any activity. This means you can work on hobbies, exercise, host parties, or use the space as a home office year-round.

Energy efficiency

• Mini-splits are very energy efficient since they only need to heat or cool the areas you want to use. They can reduce energy usage and lower utility bills compared to heating and cooling the entire house.

Flexible zone control

• Mini-splits let you set different temperatures for different zones in your garage. For example, you may want it cooler in the area you use for woodworking and warmer in the lounge area. You have complete control over the temperature in each zone.

Quiet operation

• Mini-splits are designed to operate very quietly. They won't disturb you or annoy your neighbors, and the white noise can even be soothing.

Cost-effective

• While the initial purchase and installation costs may be significant, mini splits can save you money in the long run through lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs. They also add value to your home.

What Size Mini Split for Garage

When choosing a mini-split for your garage, it's important to consider the size of the space and your specific heating and cooling needs. Here are three top mini splits for garages:

1. The 24000 BTU mini split is popular for larger garages. It can efficiently heat and cool a space up to around 1,500 square feet. This mini split is ideal for those who want to use their garage as a workshop, gym, or entertainment space.
2. The 30k BTU mini split is an excellent option for larger garages, especially with high ceilings. It's powerful enough to heat and cool a space up to around 2,000 square feet. This mini split is perfect for those who want to use their garage for multiple purposes, such as a workspace and a recreational area.
3. The 12000 BTU mini split is a good choice for smaller garages or those who only need to heat and cool a specific area within the space. This mini split can efficiently heat and cool a space up to around 600 square feet. It's ideal for those who use their garage as a home office or a workout space.

Planned usage

How you use your garage impacts the necessary cooling capacity. A smaller unit will work if you only use it for vehicle storage. However, choose a larger model if you use it as a workshop or recreational space.

Local climate conditions

The temperature and humidity in your area determine how much cooling power you need. Hotter, more humid climates require higher BTU ratings compared to milder weather. Check your local weather statistics to determine the appropriate size.

Additional heat sources

Factor in any heat-generating sources like power tools, freezers, or other appliances that will operate in the garage. Their additional heat requires a unit with a higher BTU rating to keep the space comfortable.

Ductless Mini Split for Garage

Single Zone Systems

• A single zone mini split has one outdoor unit connected to one indoor unit, heating and cooling a single space. This is an affordable, simple option if you only need temperature control in your garage. Single zone units start around $500-$1500, depending on the brand, model, and capacity.

Multi-Zone Systems

• For controlling temperatures in separate areas or on different floors, a multi-zone mini-split is ideal. One outdoor unit can connect to up to four indoor units, letting you designate different temperature zones. This is useful if you want to heat your garage workshop but not an attached storage area. Multi-zone systems do cost more, starting around $1500-$5000 for a two-zone system and increasing from there based on the number of zones and unit capacities.

Multi-zone systems also offer more advanced features like:

• Individual thermostats for precise control in each zone.
• Simultaneous heating and cooling are useful if some areas get more sun exposure.
• Zone controllers easily adjust temperatures for the entire system.

Installation of a multi-zone mini split does require multiple indoor units to be mounted and connected to the outdoor compressor, so professional installation is typically recommended, adding to the total cost. For a garage, a multi-zone system may be overkill unless you have a large space with clearly defined separate areas for different uses.

Top Brands of Garage Mini Split Air Conditioner

When choosing a mini-split system for your garage, several top brands are worth considering based on performance, efficiency, and reliability. These units provide zonal heating and cooling for garages and workshops.

Buck Cool

• You have control over your installation using their EZ connect systems. Installing your micro split system takes about 4 hours, saving you from paying high installation costs and standing in line for a specialist.
• Any Space (Garage, In-Law Suite, Pool House, Workshop) Can Be Heated and Cooled. A second source to support or enhance a heater or fireplace. There are no missing pieces of insulation, tubing, tape, lines, or remote controls.

MRCOOL

• As its name indicates, MRCOOL provides customers with heating and cooling options. To ensure the highest level of quality and dependability, its goods go through sophisticated development and manufacturing procedures.
• Easy DIY installation is available with the MRCOOL DIY-12-HP-115B25 Ductless Mini Split System. Numerous intelligent technologies, like WiFi and app connection, are included in this device. It provides 12,000 BTU of cooling power in terms of performance. A 500-square-foot garage may be cooled by using R-410A refrigerant. It also has a verified SEER value of 22, making it the best option for energy-efficient use.

Benefits of Installing a Ductless Air Conditioner Garage

Overall, installing a mini-split system in your garage can provide numerous benefits. A unit with sufficient cooling and heating capacity can help ensure your garage remains a comfortable work environment year-round.

A mini-split efficient and quiet operation means you can continue to enjoy your garage space without excessive noise or energy usage. 

What Size Mini Split You Need Per Garage

One-Car Garage

• Typically about 200-300 sq ft, we recommend our smallest mini split with BTU 9,000 BTU.

Two-Car Garage

• Typically about 400-600 sq ft. You should get a mini split with a BTU rating of 12,000 BTU.

Three-Car Garage

• These are one of the bigger garages you'll find at about 600-900 sq ft. We recommend going big here with a mini split with a BTU rating of 18,000 BTU.

Sizing Mini Split for Garage

When it comes to choosing the right size for your garage, several factors come into play. From square footage considerations to the type of insulation you have installed to climate-specific variables like humidity, these all have an impact on your choice. In this article, we'll dive into what size mini split is best for your garage—and why—so you can stay warm and comfortable all winter.

If you want to get sizing you need quickly, go punch in the necessary information in our mini split sizing calculator. 

Calculating the Size of Your Garage Space

Now we know that certain factors determine the size of your garage mini-split, and it's time to dive into calculating what size you need for your space. You can always get a professional opinion from a contractor, but if you want to make the calculation yourselves, it's very easy what you need to do:

Measure The Area

The first step is to measure the area that needs cooling. That means measuring the length and width of each wall separately and then multiplying them together to get the total square footage. Once that's done, add up all the separate areas in your garage and record the number- this is your total area.

Calculate The BTUs Needed Per Square Foot

Once you have your total area, you can calculate the BTUs needed per square foot by multiplying the area by 20 (BTUs per cubic foot). This number will show you how much cooling power is needed for your garage space.

Mini Split for Garage Formula: 20 BTUs x Sq Ft

Choose Your System Size Based On BTU Output

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mini Split for Garage

When deciding on a mini split for your garage, it's important to factor in several details that may influence the size of the unit you ultimately purchase. This will help ensure that your mini split has the power and efficiency to keep your garage temperature comfortable all year round.

The Size of the Garage

First, consider the size of your garage. If you have a small space, say 200 to 500 square feet, you may get away with a 9000 or 12000 BTU (British Thermal Unit) unit. If it's larger than that, then sizing up to a larger BTU unit may be necessary. The next step is to consider how many windows and doors your garage has since this can also impact how quickly the space heats up or cools down.

Garage Activities 

Finally, consider what kind of activities you plan to do in the garage. Getting a small or medium-sized unit should do the trick if it's strictly for storage and occasional vehicle maintenance. But if you plan on using it for woodworking or welding, for example, then you want to opt for a larger one since it'll need more power to keep up with these strenuous activities.

Determine the Highest Possible Temperature

The first step is to determine what that highest possible temperature might be. The easiest way to do this is to check your area's average temperatures for both summer and winter. Next, you need to consider any potential heat sources in your garage, such as direct sunlight or a running car. Once you've determined the maximum temperature, you can use this number when calculating your BTU output requirements.

Features to Look for in a Garage Mini Split

When shopping for a mini split system for your garage, there are a few key features to consider. The capacity, heating and cooling abilities and installation requirements should guide your choice.

Sufficient Capacity

For a typical 24x24 garage, you’ll want a unit with at least 18,000 to 24,000 BTU of cooling power and 20,000 to 30,000 BTU of heating power. The capacity refers to how quickly and efficiently the unit can heat or cool the space. An undersized unit won’t be able to maintain a comfortable temperature, while an oversized unit is inefficient and can shorten the unit's lifespan. Check the specifications for the exact BTU rating to ensure it’s suited for your garage size.

Heating and Cooling

Unless you live in a temperate climate, you'll want a unit that can both heat and cool. Look for a model advertised as a "mini split heat pump" that can provide heating in winter and cooling in summer. These units are convenient since you won’t need a separate heating system for your garage. They can typically heat even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.

DIY-Friendly Installation

Many mini splits come pre-charged with refrigerant and only require a few holes to be cut in walls for the lines to pass through. Look for a model that is designed for DIY installation if you want to save on installation fees. The units will include detailed instructions for mounting the indoor and outdoor components and connecting the refrigerant lines. As long as you have basic skills, installation is often straightforward. However, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, professional HVAC technicians can properly install the mini split for you.

What Is Dry Mode on a Mini Split?

Dry mode works by slightly lowering the set temperature on your mini split and increasing the fan speed. This helps maximize moisture removal from the circulating air in your home. The cooler temperature causes the humidity to condense on the mini split's evaporator coils, removing it from the air. The increased fan speed then circulates the dehumidified air throughout your living space.

• To activate dry mode on your mini split, look for a button on the remote control labeled “dry,” “dehumidify,” or with a water droplet icon. Select that option and the unit will automatically adjust to an optimal temperature and fan speed for dehumidification.

• The specific temperature and fan speed settings will depend on your mini-split model and current humidity conditions. The goal is to find the right balance to efficiently remove excess moisture without making the space too cool.

• For the best results, run dry mode during the day when humidity levels are highest, especially in damp or rainy weather. You may need to experiment with different settings to find what works best for your home's needs and comfort.

• Once the desired humidity level is reached, you can switch the mini split back to your normal cooling or heating mode. Check the humidity with a hygrometer to monitor how well the dry mode is working and make any adjustments needed.

When to Use Dry Mode on Your Mini Split

When the weather outside is frightful, your mini split can still be so delightful. Dry mode allows your unit to run even when it’s chilly out, without the worry of freezing up. This special function keeps the coils from icing over by temporarily stopping the flow of refrigerant.

Defrosting the Coils

• The coils on your outdoor condenser unit contain the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from your indoor space. When it’s very cold, the refrigerant can freeze, creating ice on the coils. Dry mode prevents this by halting the refrigerant flow for a short period. A built-in sensor detects when the ice has melted, and then restarts the refrigerant and cooling process. This cycle continues automatically to keep your unit running efficiently.

• Without dry mode, the ice buildup on the coils requires manual defrosting. The unit has to be turned off completely until the ice melts, leaving you without heating or cooling for hours at a time. Dry mode provides a convenient solution that keeps your system operating even on the chilliest days.

Energy Efficiency

• Dry mode also helps your mini split operate more energy efficiently in cold weather. Since the system doesn’t have to fully shut down and restart to defrost the coils, it avoids the energy usage spike that comes with the initial startup. The short cycle times used in dry mode require less energy overall compared with a complete on/off defrost process.

Prolonging Unit Life

• Frequent starts and stops can reduce the lifespan of the components in your mini-split over time. Dry mode lessens the number of full startups and shutdowns, especially on very cold days. This helps ensure the longest possible service life for your system.

Dry Mode vs Other Mini Split Modes: A Comparison

A mini-split system has several operating modes to choose from depending on your needs. The dry mode is one of the options, along with cool, heat, fan, and auto modes. But what exactly is dry mode and how does it differ from the other modes?

Dry Mode

• Dry mode reduces humidity levels in your space without significantly impacting the temperature. The mini-split will continue to operate but will reduce or eliminate cooling to avoid lowering the temperature. This mode is ideal for removing excess moisture from the air and creating a comfortable living environment, especially in damp, humid weather.

Cool Mode

• In cool mode, the mini split lowers the temperature in your room by blowing cooled air. This is the standard air conditioning mode used to combat warm indoor temperatures during summer months or in hot climates. The cool mode will lower both temperature and humidity for maximum comfort.

Heat Mode

• Heat mode does the opposite of cool mode by raising the temperature using heated air from the mini-split. This mode is used in winter or cold weather to keep your space comfortably warm. Heat mode will increase temperature but usually has little effect on humidity levels.

Fan Mode

• Fan mode uses the mini split fan to circulate the air in your space without heating or cooling. No temperature changes will occur but airflow will increase. This mode can be used year-round to freshen up stale air or distribute the temperature more evenly in your room.

Auto Mode

• Auto mode allows the mini split to automatically switch between heat and cool modes to maintain your set temperature. The system will determine if heating or cooling is required based on the temperature in your space and make adjustments accordingly. Auto mode offers convenient hands-free temperature control but may be less energy efficient than manually selecting a mode.