My workshop has been unbearable for the last three months. Either the heat or humidity, or both (NC). I’m thinking about buying a thru-wall/window a/c unit when they go on sale after labor day when things cool down and the stores try and clear out inventory.
My shop is 24×26 more or less, 2×4 walls insulated, with foam insulated garage door on one end.
Would it be reasonable to use the a/c unit as needed, maybe turn it on a half hour or hour before I plan to be in the shop, let it cool down some, and cut it off when I leave?
Any ideas on ballpark cost-to-run of a unit like this….real general, like a buck an hour, or whatever?
Thanks
Replies
Last yr bought a 12,000 btu window unit for the house. Idea was to cool the BR upstairs with maybe a bit filtering down. Turns out, cools the whole house which is well shaded and well insulated. It, when running on full low (thermostatically controlled so it doesn't run continuously) in the hottest weeks, adds less than a dollar a day to the electric bill. Have you thought about a unit like used in motels, through the wall heat pump that would provide heat too in the winter?
All that said, don't forget any installation like that would need perhaps a pre-filter if sawdust environment.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 8/28/2003 3:52:39 PM ET by calvin
My shop is a 30x30 with 2x6 framed 10' walls and a vaulted ceiling. We installed an 18,000 BTU AC/heater window unit. It costs about $1.00/ day for heating. and about $1.25 to $1.50/day for cooling. For comparison, I am located on the coast of Georgia.
Keeping the filter clean is a chore, especcially when planing mahogany. I have found it is best to shut it down during most planing and sanding operations.
Just my .02.
What kind of ceiling and insulation?
Dave
10' H ceiling, 1x6 t&g rough pine. R19 kraft faced
PS: Recall that next year is the last year for manufacture of units using Freon 22, after that the higher pressure units will be all that is available new, and likely a hefty price increase. Have not figured out if ;there will be any 'closeout savings' on F-22 units next year.
If you have an attic space installing another layer of R-19 unfaced batts perpendicular to the first would help lower your operational cost. If not,a exhaust fan located high on the wall opposite the overhead door will help move the hot air out prior to turning on any a/c unit you install.
Dave
my shop is just a hair smaller than yours and i have a motel unit heat pump- heat & ac- that works like charm. but it doesn't get all that hot here in the mtns in wnc and the shop is fairly well shaded.
m
Look at thru-the wall plus look at "packaged" units (no freon 609 etc license needed) from Grainger web site, lots of pricing there.
Funny, I'm in NC too, and just installed a thru the wall Amana AC/heater heat pump for a client's shop on Monday. I asked about the operating costs, and they said they didn't care.
This unit didn't have a filter, just a snap off cover and metal fins .
Isn't it great when the humidity is as high as the temperature?<G>
EliphIno!