Imagine waking up on a beautiful summer day and heading straight to the garage to do some work, only to roll open the garage door and instantly feel a rush of muggy hot air. That is not something you want to experience right before you get some work done. Maybe you were thinking of re-potting some of your plants, doing some woodwork, or you wanted to simply polish your car. High temperatures in enclosed spaces can really make it difficult to focus on any kind of work, even if you have a working fan.
The best way to ensure that you have a cool and comfortable workspace is by installing a garage air conditioner. In this article, we discuss why homeowners should opt for the best ductless for garage Toms River NJ. We also discuss why a window AC unit or a centralized air conditioning system does not work as well.
Why You Should Opt For A Garage Air Conditioner
People use their garages for various reasons apart from storing their vehicles. Many use them as a game room, gym, or even workshop. If you are going to be spending time in your garage, the last thing you need is an uncomfortably hot space. Plus, opening the windows is not exactly a sure way of cooling your garage. If you are going to choose an air conditioner, it is important to note that this option has its own drawbacks.
Drawbacks
In the event that you already have a central air conditioning system in your house, make sure that you don’t use it to cool the garage. The reason for this is that there are gases that come from chemical substances you keep in your garage such as gasoline and pesticides, as well as from running engines that can enter the ductwork and end up in the rest of the house.
You might think that by using a ductwork extension to your garage, you will easily solve the heat problem. However, this is not a good idea and you will be in violation of the housing inspection code. If you use the extension, there will be an immense strain on the central AC system because there is a huge volume of air that requires cooling.
The Issue Of Volume
Volume is another issue that needs to be taken into account. To begin with, chances are that your garage is the biggest space in your home when compared to other rooms. Plus, not many garages come with complete ceilings; meaning air volume is inclusive of space from the rafters to the roof. So, the garage can have up to fifty percent more air volume when compared to another room with a complete ceiling and of the exact same size.
Reduced Insulation
It is very hard to keep garages cool as they are not insulated. This is the case even if you use state-of-the-art air conditioning systems. Before you attempt to use your central HVAC system in your garage, it is important to insulate the door, walls, and ceiling. This helps by reducing the volume of air that will require cooling. You should also consider indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Quality
If you link the central AC system in your house to your garage, you could end up with poor indoor air quality. It is important for the air conditioning unit to have balanced airflow. The basic guideline when it comes to airflow is that for each cfm that goes in, there has to be a cfm that goes out. Therefore, if the air conditioning unit pulls 1200 cfm from your home and puts back 800, the 400 will have to come from somewhere. The 400 cfm can be pulled from the garage, gas water heater flue, or under the walls.
The second one can be lethal. If the AC unit pulls air down that flue when firing the water heater, the fumes will not be moving up the flue. This is what is referred to as back-drafting. This can release carbon monoxide into your home, and that gas can enter your lungs with fatal consequences. You can also put pressure on your garage and reduce pressure in the rest of the house even when the gas water heater is not back-drafted. The result is that all those toxic air particles in your garage will find their way into your home.
The Correct Method To Air Condition Your Garage
If you use the garage frequently and an air conditioner is absolutely necessary, make sure that you opt for a system that is not linked to the central unit; it has to be for the garage only. Your best choice, in this case, would be a mini-split air conditioner or ductless heat pump. This is a good option because it saves energy, can be switched off easily, it is small and ducts are not necessary. The other inexpensive option is the use of window units. But, be prepared for reduced effectiveness and more noise; it is not the preferred choice for most people.
Various Ways To Use Air Conditioning To Cools Your Garage
Window Air Conditioner
Although this is the least viable method when it comes to air conditioning, it is the most affordable. That is the reason why a lot of homeowners go for it. If your intention is to cool your garage by just a few degrees, then this choice will work. However, if you want more in terms of efficiency and comfort, this is not the best method to opt for.
Practically, making use of a wall or window unit is not the best way to cool the garage because you will need to cut a big hole in the garage wall. Cutting that hole will definitely look unappealing, especially considering that most garage walls are located in the front of the house. Your biggest worry, however, should be the issue of security. If a burglar wants to get into your house, they can simply push the unit through the hole.
Window units are also known to be very inefficient as well as noisy. It is also not easy to find a technician or repair parts in the event that they develop a problem. Basically, they will not give you the desired result.
The Benefits Of A Window Air Conditioner
- They are very cheap when compared to portable systems and state of the art units.
- You can easily install the unit yourself.
- You can plug it into a typical wall outlet, but there might be a circuit overload if you use more than a single unit.
Window Air Conditioner Drawbacks
- You have to cut a big hole in the wall.
- If you want to replace the unit with a different one, the size of the hole might become problematic — the hole might be too large or too small for the new unit.
- You will have security concerns.
- The truth is that they are noisy and unattractive.
- You might not get the expected outcome.
- You will have poor indoor quality because these units contribute to the creation of mold.
Ductless HVAC Systems
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, a ductless unit should be your first choice when it comes to heating or cooling your garage.
A ductless mini-split system is quite similar to the central air conditioning unit. The only difference is that it is smaller in size. The smaller unit comes with a heat exchanger that is placed outside the garage. Lines in the wall will be used to transport cold liquid. That liquid will in turn cool the air inside a tiny output unit. The cut where the lines run across will be a couple of inches. The output unit can be placed at a position that is most effective.
Ductless Air Conditioner Advantages
- They are more durable than many central air conditioning systems.
- Offer extreme energy-efficiency
- They are ranked as one of the most effective methods of air conditioning.
- Ductless systems offer noiseless operation
- They are small, meaning they don’t use up a lot of space on your wall.
- You will not have any security issues. There is no need to cut a big hole in the wall.
- It’s not only a cooling system, but it also comes as a heating system.
- Well designed to provide the optimum temperature.
Ductless Air Conditioner Drawbacks
- Of all the various types of units available, it is the priciest option.
- Only an expert HVAC contractor can handle the installation. Make sure that you do not purchase these contraptions online thinking that you are saving, you might regret it.
- Although you might have a reason for wanting it removed, usually it ends up being a permanent fitting.
Conclusion
Having a ductless split unit in your garage means that you will be able to transform your garage into a comfortable workspace all year round. A good quality unit also has the added advantage of providing safety and great indoor air quality during all seasons of the year. To get more information regarding energy saving ductless systems, you can simply contact a licensed HVAC contractor. With the correct information, you will be in a better position to choose the right unit for your home.
Ductless FAQs
How Does A Ductless Unit Work?
A ductless unit is made up of an outdoor heat pump as well as an indoor air handler. The function of the air handler is to distribute conditioned air straight into your garage.
Is It Simple Or Hard To Install A Ductless Heat Pump?
Installing a mini-split unit is relatively simple to do. The contractor drills a tiny hole through the garage wall and connects a duct between the heat pump and the air handler. This is done prior to installing the other equipment. The entire process is quick and simple. For a skilled installer, the entire process can be completed in a single day.
Where Can You Use A Ductless Unit?
Apart from the garage, these units can be of use on patios, with room additions, in sheds, and in newly built rooms.
Just How Expensive Are Ductless Systems?
How much you will pay for purchasing and installing ductless HVAC units will depend on a number of factors. The factors are the size of the unit, the price of the outdoor and indoor units, and the unit capacity. It’s important to note that the installation will also cost more if you use more air handlers.
Why Are Ductless Systems So Efficient?
One of the main benefits of installing these systems is that you can customize the temperature. What that means is that you can only switch them on when you are actually in the garage or wherever they are installed. The fact that there is no ductwork makes this unit more efficient as well. According to the experts, because of leaks in the ductwork, an average of 30 percent of energy is lost. You will not have these kinds of problems with the mini-split version. Also, they come with high SEER and HSPF ratings.
Can I Use A Ductless Heat Pump In The Winter?
You will find that all HVAC unit manufacturers design heat pumps that operate well in cold climates. Such pumps are typically referred to as extended capacity units. There are types that offer quality performance at low temperatures.
How Durable Is A Ductless System?
Generally, a ductless model works for up to twenty years. However, this can only happen with regular maintenance. With the assistance of a professional, potential issues can be identified and fixed.
Call Point Bay Fuel To Learn More About Ductless HVAC Systems
Point Bay Fuel offers superior heating and cooling services in the area. We hire the best NATE certified technicians who can provide you with excellent HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to service your HVAC system correctly.
Point Bay Fuel guarantees the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. If you happen to need an HVAC replacement system, we can recommend the best one for your home while staying within your budget. As always, we prioritize energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and more. To schedule an appointment, give Point Bay Fuel a call today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!
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