I'm based in South Florida, and it's super hot and humid here during the summer. I'm concerned about how the humidity might affect my tools over time, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. I'm currently setting up my garage workshop, which is around 540 square feet total (20ft x 27ft for the garage plus an additional 10ft x 15ft landing area). The plan is to have large power tools set up on the landing while building a workbench in the garage part next to my cars. Since I still need to use the garage for parking, I want an efficient use of space but also need to find a way to cool and reduce humidity in there. I was thinking of using a mini-split, but they can be pricey. I'm also considering a dual-hose standalone unit, which I think might help cool things down to around 80°F and manage humidity a bit. Another option is to enclose the landing to add a wall/door, allowing me to route house AC there, but then my tools and bench would be in different spots. Has anyone else done this or have suggestions? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Insulation is definitely key! I suggest enclosing the workshop space as you mentioned. That way, you can have your separate AC unit and keep the humidity in check. It might make things easier to work with and give you a dedicated environment for your projects while allowing you to manage the temps effectively. You could also set up good air filtration to keep the workspace clean. Good luck!
I installed a mini-split in my garage, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. Just remember, drilling through a concrete block wall for the tubes is tough. Making sure you pick the right model can save you a lot on energy costs too. If you decide to DIY, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but it's totally worth it once it's up and running! Just double-check that you’ve got everything done to code, as I ran into a couple of issues myself.
What size hole did you have to cut for the mini-split? I thought it’d be a bigger job than just drilling a hole, especially with concrete blocks.
First up, make sure your garage is insulated and sealed properly; otherwise, trying to air condition it might be pointless. If you go the standalone AC route, just know they’re less efficient than mini-splits, which can bite you with higher energy bills over time. Also, routing your home AC to the garage isn’t the best idea as it's not designed for that space and could bring in dust into your home system. Focus on the insulation first!
Thanks, Fred! I’m really leaning towards enclosing the workshop area and getting that separate AC unit. Your point about air filtration is solid too!