Mini Split For A Garage: What A Homeowner Needs To Know
A mini split in a garage space turns a single-use room into a year-round multi-purpose room. Many of us use our garage to not only house and protect our cars, but also for general storage, hobbies, or home projects. The biggest issue with using a garage all year long is that it doesn’t stay comfortable. There is no heating and cooling, and it makes it miserable to use the space in the summer and the winter.
In our 70 years in business, the experts at John Cipollone, Inc. have solved all kinds of heating and cooling challenges with innovative creativity and expertise. As a fourth-generation member of my family business, I can personally attest to our problem-solving abilities and our dedication to customer satisfaction in all aspects of our work.
In this article, I will cover the key points that every homeowner should know when thinking about installing a mini split in a garage or addition space like a sunroom:
- How a mini split works
- Feasibility of installing a mini split in a garage space
- Other single-zone ductless applications
If you are considering a ductless mini split system for your home, we can help you out. John Cipollone Inc. has been installing ductless mini split heat pumps in homes and businesses around Havertown, PA, and the surrounding areas for years.
How a Mini Split Works
A mini split system is one of the most versatile HVAC systems available today. It provides both cooling and heating on demand, allowing homeowners to turn underused rooms into fully functional, year-round work spaces, home offices, exercise rooms – the list goes on.
Most mini split systems have a non-invasive installation because they don’t require ductwork. The indoor unit, also called the air handler- outputs the conditioned air. It can be mounted easily on a wall or even the ceiling. There is also a small compressor that sits outside where the refrigerant lines run between the air handler and the outside compressor.
Since most garages were not designed for indoor use they typically lack the kind of insulation needed for indoor comfort. Insulation is usually added to the walls and ceiling to help maintain proper temperature control and maximum efficiency.
When choosing a mini split two factors play an important part.
- The size of the space needed to heat or cool
- The SEER rating of mini split. The SEER rating is a measure of energy efficiency. It is the ratio developed when the cooling output of the system over an average cooling season is divided by the total energy used. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your system will be.
Single-Zone Vs. Multi-Zone
Homeowners have a choice between selecting a single zone mini split or a multi zone mini split system. In the case of installing a mini split into a garage, you likely only need 1 zone. You could also consider adding another zone to a different place in your home, like a bedroom or basement that never stays comfortable.
There are a few great benefits that come along with a multi-zone mini split system. For one, they operate independently. This means that if one mini split is being used in the garage, you don’t have to have the other mini splits operating.
With a traditional HVAC system, it would treat the whole home the same, wasting energy. This independent operation allows you to heat and cool the zones separately, saving you money.
It also allows you to customize the comfort of your home. You don’t have to have every room at the same temperature, which is perfect for homes with people who never agree on the thermostat setting.
Average Mini Split Installation Costs For a Garage
On average, a mini-split installation costs start at around $3,500. This includes the cost of the system itself and the labor to install it, though prices will vary depending on the efficiency of the system you choose, and the number of zones that you need. Different brands have different costs as well.
Can I Put A Mini Split In My Garage?
Yes. A single or multi-zone mini split system provides the benefits of comfort year-round, without making a big impact on your energy bills.
Benefits Of A Mini Split In A Garage
There are many benefits to installing a ductless mini split unit in a garage.
A ductless mini split eliminates the need for unsightly window air conditioning units and provides both cool and warm air comfort eliminating both hot and cold spots. That makes this a great choice if you are thinking about using your garage as a work space.
It can also provide a more conducive space if you are storing wooden furniture, instruments, or other materials that are sensitive to heat and humidity.
Ductless mini splits are extremely energy efficient, and won’t crush your energy bills the way other HVAC solutions do.
Professional Vs. DIY Garage Mini Split Installation
I always recommend a professional installation. While the mini split is typically a quick installation, it does require someone with expertise to install it properly. It’s an important investment, and if it isn’t properly installed, it could lead to failure and problems with your mini split later on.
What To Expect The Day You Install A Mini Split In Your Garage
Your expectation for your mini split installation should be clean, quick, and easy. A typical mini split installation can be done in less than a day for a single zone. If there are multiple zones, it could take longer.
Other Single-Zone Ductless Applications
A single zone ductless mini split has many applications. It is perfect for basement and attic spaces, sunrooms, and remote bedrooms that typically run too hot or too cold.
John Cipollone Inc. specializes in mini split installations in Havertown, PA, and the surrounding areas. If you are thinking about a mini split for your home, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or click here to contact us online!
Mini Split for a Garage FAQs
Things to remember when choosing a mini split for your garage:
- Calculate the square footage of your garage to select the properly sized mini split
- 9,000 BTU accommodates 1,000 square feet of space
Remember, proper insulation is the key to greater efficiency and comfort. Most mini splits now have Wi-Fi controls allowing homeowners to pre-heat or cool their new space prior to usage if so desired.
At John Cipollone, Inc., we take enormous pride in our 70-year track record and our product knowledge. Give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or click here to contact us online!