About to embark on conditioning the garage for a project this fall and wanted to get everyone's opinion on this topic.

It started when my parents added an insulated 5x10 storage room to their detached garage and simply put a 6" vent in the wall that they could hook up a portable unit to anytime. They were just looking to keep the room above 60 and below 85 so a portable unit made more since. The more I looked into the capacity of the portable units, it seems like they should be more than enough to handle a 500sf garage, are at a much lower price point, and is a simple "plug-and-play" setup versus the electrical needs of the mini-split systems.

Am I missing something with these portable units? Am I over estimating what is required with the mini-splits? Why do I not see more people use these as single zone cooling units? Is it because they take up floor space versus mounting on the wall?

Below are the units I am considering. There currently are no 220/240 outlets in the garage and I am not looking to add any at this time.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/MRCOOL-Easy-Pro-12-000-BTU-1-Ton-1-Zone-18-SEER-Ductless-Mini-Split-AC-and-Heat-Pump-with-12K-16ft-Line-115V-EZPRO-12-HP-11516/314675751

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toshiba-14-000-BTU-12-000-BTU-DOE-115-Volt-Inverter-Wi-Fi-Quiet-47-dB-Portable-Air-Conditioner-w-Heat-up-to-550-sq-ft-White-RAC-PT1412HVWRU/318747168

Mini Split... If it will be used long term the luxury of not having to drain the portable would be worth it to me.

AggieFactor said:

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https://www.homedepot.com/p/MRCOOL-Easy-Pro-12-000-BTU-1-Ton-1-Zone-18-SEER-Ductless-Mini-Split-AC-and-Heat-Pump-with-12K-16ft-Line-115V-EZPRO-12-HP-11516/314675751

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Should have added I've installed two of these and a dual-zone version. They are fantastic.

What is required for the electrical connection? We have a new build with a jbox available on the exterior of the garage. I'm clueless about what that means. Could we tie into that?

There are some portables with two hoses in one that greatly improve efficiency, or so I've read (I've never had one). My biggest complaint with the portables is that they are very noisy.

However, for the price difference, I can live with the noise.

billyjack2009 said:

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What is required for the electrical connection? We have a new build with a jbox available on the exterior of the garage. I'm clueless about what that means. Could we tie into that?

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An available J (junction) box should mean you already have power available for it, you just need to connect an AC disconnect and a whip to the compressor unit. I think the Mr. Cool12,000 BTU is still at 110v, so it should be really easy to do with a 20A breaker.

Not much to add other than that I installed an in-ceiling minisplit in my garage 4 years ago. Easily the best money I have spent on a home improvement project. I went ahead and put in a Mitsubishi and cannot overstate how pleased I have been. Despite a very leaky garage door and insulation from 1969 I can freeze/heat my garage in any weather.

My only regret is that I didn't completely retro fit the entire house with the ceiling min-splits.

Hope this isn't a derail but I have a question about these.

I looked at the install instructions of the one linked above and it says the inside portion should be installed at a minimum height of 90" or so.

I'm trying to talk my wife into letting me put one of these in our master BR as it doesn't get nearly as cold as the rest of our downstairs. Understandably, she has concerns about the aesthetics of the inside part. I was wondering if we might be able to mount it lower and hide it behind our headboard. Would be about 4 feet high.

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I was wondering if we might be able to mount it lower and hide it behind our headboard. Would be about 4 feet high.

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Well it won't cool your room if you do that because the airflow will be obstructed by the headboard. The purpose of having it at or above a certain height is to ensure airflow throughout the room.

Ok thanks. I assumed that was the reason but was t sure if there was something more critical. If that's the only reason I might still try it and just see. Has to be way better than what we currently deal with.

bam02 said:

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Hope this isn't a derail but I have a question about these.

I looked at the install instructions of the one linked above and it says the inside portion should be installed at a minimum height of 90" or so.

I'm trying to talk my wife into letting me put one of these in our master BR as it doesn't get nearly as cold as the rest of our downstairs. Understandably, she has concerns about the aesthetics of the inside part. I was wondering if we might be able to mount it lower and hide it behind our headboard. Would be about 4 feet high.

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Look up the LG Artcool Gallery. You might be able to convince her with this unit. Definitely going to cost a little more though but if the wife is happy and you get a cold room, what is a little bit more money at that point?
https://lghvac.com/gallery/

Holy fark

Not to be a salesman but for the "looks" part I think that is where the ceiling cassette option we installed really shines. I don't have a photo of mine but trust me when I say it really is minimal. See the photo in the website below.

https://www.richaircomfort.com/about-ductless/mitsubishi-ductless-systems/

We travel abroad quite a bit and see the typical mini-splits with the big cassette in the room. My wife hates those, but the ceiling mounted one got her approval. Plus I have found the 4-way air flow really distributes the cool all the way around the room much more efficiently.

There are models with Ceiling cassets that are much less intrusive.

https://www.pioneerminisplit.com/products/12-000-btu-21-5-seer-8-way-compact-cassette-mini-split-air-conditioner-heat-pump-system-full-set?variant=13333248049194¤cy=USD&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=16138532077&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ea1BhC6ARIsAEOG5pxw-0IlvcOMTXOYh8eJEE9Ndn6zASg48CXSehnzkJaSeJJRX7uIwsAaAtlqEALw_wcB

remember too, not matter what unit you go with, the evap coil (the part inside where the cold air comes from) will need a drain for the condensation.

That unit I linked above has a small pump that will remove the condensate, but it has to go somewhere so you need to account for running a small drain line to the exterior or a sink drain. Also, those will need periodic cleaning.

NOTE: I'm not recommending the linked brand above, Just an example of what is out there.

Yea if you are doing a DIY install, those ceiling ones will be a larger challenge than a wall mount. Especially if you dont have attic access right above it. Keep that in mind when buying.

Wouldn't the ceiling mount also lose some efficiency because the coils/condenser will be in the non-conditioned attic space?

Thanks yes I was just going to ask that. We do not have access above unfortunately.

Well, I got so tired of the room being hot that I put a window unit in yesterday. My hope is to just get my wife hooked on the more comfortable room and then talk her into letting me do the mini split system.

She actually said she doesn't mind the window unit because we can cover it with a curtain. My problem with it is it's visible from the deck in the backyard is definitely not a long-term solution in my opinion

bam02 said:

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Well, I got so tired of the room being hot that I put a window unit in yesterday. My hope is to just get my wife hooked on the more comfortable room and then talk her into letting me do the mini split system.

She actually said she doesn't mind the window unit because we can cover it with a curtain. My problem with it is it's visible from the deck in the backyard is definitely not a long-term solution in my opinion

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Another idea is the splint with like a light weight window valance draped in front and around the sides. When running it should be able to blow it up so as to not restrict the airflow and direction of the air much.

That's a good idea