You may view your garage as a flexible space you can use for a variety of purposes. However, the design of the average garage revolves around providing safe vehicle storage and little else. As a result, finding ways to heat and cool your garage to keep it habitable year-round is challenging. In many cases, you might get by in the winter with a space heater. However, in the summer, a lack of windows and ductwork means you’re stuck with inefficient portable AC units. What if there was a solution that could both heat and cool your garage and do it efficiently? That’s precisely what a ductless mini-split offers.
What’s a Ductless Mini-Split?
A ductless mini-split is a type of heat pump you can permanently install to heat and cool virtually any space. Mini-splits require no ductwork to function. Instead, they feature a slimmer version of the outdoor units you’d find powering central HVAC. And instead of a large air handler connected to a maze of ductwork, they rely on sleek, wall-mounted air handlers. That makes installing a ductless mini-split simple, especially in rooms with exterior-facing walls, like your garage.
A mini-split is an all-electric system that works like an AC in cooling mode. In heating mode, however, they’re nothing like the expensive-to-run space heaters you may have used before. Instead, they collect heat energy from the outdoor air and carry it indoors to heat the space they serve. In that way, mini-splits can deliver heating that’s up to four times as efficient as the best gas furnace on the market.
Requirements for Installing a Mini-Split in a Garage
Installing a ductless mini-split is relatively simple in the average garage. The only thing you’ll need to support the system is a dedicated power circuit. Most mini-splits require a 30-amp, 240-volt circuit run to the outside of your home where the outdoor unit sits. If yours is a small garage, some small mini-splits run on 120 volts, which can be helpful if you’re trying to minimize the impact on your electrical system.
With the dedicated circuit in place, a mini-split installation begins with the placement of the outdoor unit. If you need yours installed at ground level, we’ll place and level it on a concrete pad at the installation site. That’s important to keep the outdoor unit upright and minimize movement. However, it is also possible to install a mini-split air handler on a bracket attached to the exterior wall.
After moving the outdoor unit into position, we will install an air handler in your garage. Whenever possible, we’ll attempt to install the air handler near the location of the outdoor unit. Mini-split air handlers come with a mounting bracket that makes installation simple. With the bracket attached to the wall, we will then drill an approximately 3-inch diameter hole to the outside. That’s all it takes to pass the small bundle of refrigerant and power lines that link the indoor and outdoor units.
After connecting the necessary refrigerant and power lines, we’ll charge your mini-split with refrigerant. Your new ductless mini-split will come with a remote control to let you set your desired temperature in your garage.
Getting the Most Out of a Mini-Split in Your Garage
To maximize your investment, it’s a good idea to make some simple garage upgrades to go with your mini-split. For one, you should consider installing insulated panels on your garage door. You can also replace your garage door with one that features built-in insulation. You should also do your best to ensure the door has a tight seal around its edges to keep heated or cooled air inside.
If you really want maximum efficiency from your new mini-split, you could add insulation to your garage walls. You can accomplish that using spray-foam insulation or by framing your garage walls to add roll insulation. However, it’s better to handle your insulation additions before a mini-split installation. If your garage has a high ceiling, adding a drop ceiling with the insulation above can also help.
Your Ductless Mini-Split Experts
If you’re interested in a ductless mini-split to heat and cool your Frederick, MD, garage, Weather Masters Corp. can help. Our HVAC experts can evaluate your garage to determine its exact heating and cooling needs. Then, we’ll recommend and install the right HVAC system from one of our trusted HVAC brand partners. We can even offer you financing options on approved credit if you need help paying for your mini-split.
For a quality ductless mini-split for your Frederick garage, call Weather Masters Corp. today.
