Any suggestions on a stand-alone cooling unit, 115VAC?

Apparently I can't get a mini-split licensed as it's against code since it's a non-living space.

Tony.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: benny6,

Against FL code or a Homeowners association?

Why would Florida care if you want to cool a garage? What's the reasoning?

I just had an AC guy in here and he said he could install it, but it won't be permitted. It was going to be like $6K after electrical and unit install.

It's against FL code.

Tony.

Are the hotel style units installed in the garage OK? It's an all-in-one unit but a more permanent installation and tends to be higher efficiency. Also, it'd give you heat for the 3 days a year you need it.

Maybe because it is Florida but that price is outrageous unless your garage is absolutely massive.
Or you have some really strange issue hindering installation.
Mr. Cool DIY kit in the size you need.
https://mrcool.com/

We have one in a barn and it works great in all 4 seasons we have here. Installation was a breeze and done in a few hours.
I would not worry about code for something like that but that is just me.

My brother in Tampa has a window beater in his garage. Dad punched out a few cement blocks for the opening and framed it in.it’s been there flew 20 years or more

If you're just looking to cool when you need it and not full time, I'd consider one of those portable units. With a window to vent through super easy, if only vent location is under door a little tougher to set up vent bracket to block entire width of door but still pretty easy.

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
I just had an AC guy in here and he said he could install it, but it won't be permitted. It was going to be like $6K after electrical and unit install.

It's against FL code.

Tony.

Well, no permit means if it fails in some way and causes a fire...your insurance may have an issue. Id call your insurance guy to see what that angle is. Maybe it's all based on declaring the space habitable vs not and you may need to sign something to that effect. The chances are slim, but something to think about.

If/when you sell...new owners could make you remove it...no big deal there. I don't think anyone would unless the permit thing above is a concern. Here in PA you need to get a habitability form done on sale. If FL has that, it may pop up as an issue. Agin, just remove it in that case.

I put one in my garage and its one of the best things I ever did. Here in PA, mine both heats and cools. I now have a man cave where I can work year around on projects. Tools and equipment stay in a nice climate controlled environment.

Your price seems high but with todays environment, it may be in line. Costs are out of control.

Good luck

Swamp cooler

https://www.homedepot.com/p/He...q-ft-MC37V/304078772

There are codes in FL about putting air conditioning in garages but nothing I have ever seen about prohibiting one.

At 6k he doesn't want the job and wants to hit a home run if he takes it.

It should be 3000 to 4000 for a 12000 BTU unit to cool about 500-600 square ft.

More space larger units more money.

It’s considered non-living space because the garage isn’t insulated and power outlets aren’t properly spaced. IIRC, it’s every 6’ in rooms and 10’ in hallways. Also, living areas require smoke detectors while the garage doesn’t.

What side does the garage door face? If it’s east or west, that will make a difference in the time you wouldn’t feel miserable using the garage. Garage doors have nearly zero insulation. Newer Florida homes are typically blocked walls and while they’re not insulated against the exterior walls, it’s not as bad as an aluminum garage door. Or maybe insulate the garage along with a portable unit? Might never leave the garage

I use a portable AC from Home Depot.
They are around $400 or so but worth it.
You just have to port the air outside.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/He...0conditioner%7D%3Aqu

Whatever you do > do not use an evaporative unit (puts water in the air for cooling effect).
They are good in dry climates like Arizona but terrible for humid climates like Texas and Florida.

I saw this the other day. It is a do it your self mini split ductless system.
They have different configurations based on your needs.

https://mrcooldiy.com/#

I just DIY'd a Mr Cool 1 TON mini-split:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/MR...HP-115B-MS/313440642





Not sure what skills you have for this kind of stuff, and obviously you'd have to size one for your application, but it can be installed by one person in a day... Once you get above 1 ton the units require 230VAC, so that may be a consideration, but I spent ~$1500 (a few misc things required besides the kit) to do it myself.

I'm in SE AL, it's a detached garage with spray foam insulation, and I really only use it to dehumidify...

Every time one of these discussion come up I chime in and ask if you have any insulation in your attic and walls????

In addition to a simple portable unit as mentioned above this, blowing some insulation into your walls and ceiling will give you the relief you desire.

When I built my 6000 sf shop building in which the walls were made out of split face block we had the blocks foamed from the inside and it was relatively cheap. The net result are that my man cave only needs a fan most of the year up in VA.

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
Any suggestions on a stand-alone cooling unit, 115VAC?

Apparently I can't get a mini-split licensed as it's against code since it's a non-living space.

Tony.

I think the guy doesn't want the job, or he's confusing the code. What county are you in, best to check with the county as to what code says. As long as it's a stand alone unit it should be ok.

You can't run vents and returns from your homes AC system in a garage, obvious reasons are fumes from gas cans, car exhaust etc getting into the home AC vents. Second is Fire, you don't want to create a pathway for a fire in the garage to get into the vents and thus inside the house.

A separate system, ductless shouldn't be an issue at all, I would check around for better prices, and, since it's mid summer here you are getting quotes at the busy time of the year for AC people. Shop it until you find someone who will do the mini split, or buy it from the company suggested here, install yourself or see if an installer will do it for a fee.

Insulate the garage door, and over the garage ceiling, put in a ceiling fan for outdoor from Home Depot/lowes, the largest fan blade diameter you can fit.

If you have windows, open them and put a box fan in the window.

Swamp coolers in FL are a no-no, they are designed for dry areas like Arizona, FL is already humid, and while a small cooler makes you feel cooler, you're just adding lots more humidity to the room, not a great solution.

If you are in an HOA area see if they will allow a window shaker, if you have a window, and, if it is hidden from the street that might work.

Other tips are leave cars outside when you get home, let them cool off outdoors,

If you are in CFL then from Mr.Cool this is the seller in Kissimmee, pronounced Kis-sim-ee, not Kiss-i-mee, now that you are local

Link

Short answer is "Yes", he is telling you the truth.

(Florida) Mechanical code probably states the garage does not meet the energy/thermal rating required, so it cannot be issued a permit on that ground.

A "living space" (or turning the garage or sunroom etc. into a inhabited (living) space, may require following "updated" codes for such things as vapor barrier, insulation, raising floor to main house level, erecting wall in the door space, in and more. (energy related) as well as others.

Plus paperwork/worksheets for energy requirements and the like.

Toss in HOA or local architectural revue and zoning (mostly that which covers "historical" issues) and it can be a gauntlet. And a lot of people plunge in headfirst and get very frustrated mostly because "there is always something else!" So, getting all the information up front is the best to be able to weigh and decide what and how to proceed.

(I got out of home building and remodeling in the mid 90s, so I am way behind on codes, but I a lot of it is still the same framework, just different iteration of changes).

Ugly as they are, the window unit may be the easiest choice for a garage.

I have used the "portable types" in server rooms (not my choice), and all of them failed within 2 years of use, and they were only cooling about 100-140 square feet. But I have seen window units running for 15-20 years like a champ.

Can’t help you on code but My attached garage is like a sauna. I just ended up buying a box fan at Walmart and run it to circulate air. Maybe a window AC unit ? If you have a window. Not sure those work without a window

Not as bad as the uninsulated 20x40 shed in my back yard with a metal roof. Has power but it’s well over a 100 in there.

Neighbors on either side have purpose built detached garage/shops with power and AC in their yards plumbed for water and one has a little apartment in it as well.

I have a similar setup to stoic-one in our new house.
PO converted it, partially, into a non-garage (elevated floor, insulated walls & garage door. Even with the m/s not running it's comfortable in there.

I got a second estimate and the guy said he could get it permitted. He’s supposed to let me know on Tuesday what the bid is.

Tony.