Shop Cooling - What do you use?

[Parks 788]

I need your opinions and what you are currently using to keep your shop space cool in the summer heat. We have 30x40 with approx 16' peaked ceiling fully insulated shop on your new property. The big 10' wide by 12' tall roll up door is not insulated, yet. Anyways. I'd like to get a cooling system installed so I can actually enjoy and use the shop space in the summer. It's where I keep all my tools, tractor, 4 wheeler and do all my hobbies and at some point a workout space.

What do you use for AC in your shop? Looks like the larges Mini Split systems i find are 36K BTUs and would be barely enough to maybe cool the 1200 Sq Ft. Obviously i should get an AC company out to give me opinions and quotes but thought I'd ask what is working in your shop. Thanks for the help.

 

[dennishoddy]

Following this closely. We have several H/A folks on here.
My 30X40 WILL be air conditioned this summer. Heavily insulated with fiberglass and double pane windows.
I’ve looked at window units and “think” one would work.
If it gets too expensive, I’ll build a small reloading room inside and work in there.

 

[Aku]

I only have fans for my 12 x 22 shop. I have an overhang in front for welding outside. I've got a rudimentary mister system I use at times out there to keep things cooled off some.

 

[MacFromOK]

I'd suggest two or three 10k (or larger) window units. Easily replaced, and if one goes out, you still have some cooling ability (eggs in one basket and all that).

Just my 2¢ ...
___

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner like they use in hotel rooms; you'll need several for that entire space.
Amana 15,000 BTU PTAC Air Conditioner with 5KW Electric Heater

 

[Rooster1971]

Package unit outside or a spilt system with the indoor unit hanging horizontal. If just heat go with radiant tubes. I personally wouldn’t do mini split. I’ve sold and installed all in shops.

 

[BryanDP]

I have a 30 x 40 building and a 30 x 65 one with similarly high ceilings. Even insulated I'm afraid that trying to cool those things would be just crazy expensive both in up-front equipment and ongoing/operational costs. Though there are times it would have been nice over the years I just don't spend enough time out there to justify the work and cost involved but I figured if I ever needed a workspace I would frame out a room inside the building with a lower roof, some great insulation and a window unit like the ones we used in our cabins that have both AC and heat. Just an idea which might work for you but you've likely already thought of.

If you do feel like you can keep the whole thing cool I might suggest at least lowering the ceiling where you can and using several window units. As was mentioned before, it's built-in backup should one fail and only at certain times of year would you likely need them all anyway. It might also be looking into these mini splits I've seen a lot of lately. That's probably what I'd go with today but they aren't an option I remember seeing 20 years ago when we were beginning our rural journey.

Good luck with the project and have fun!

 

[RagdollOp]

I just use my sweat.

 

[Profreedomokie]

I have an attached four car garage/ shop that I cool with a 26,000 btu window unit. It keeps it cool on the hottest summer days. I spend more time out there since I retired.

 

[Perplexed]

I don’t have any windows in my shop, so I welded up a rolling steel frame that fits snugly in the back door, and I installed a 220V window AC unit in the frame. When I want to use the AC, I open the door and roll the frame into the doorway, plug in the AC, and enjoy. I have my work table set up in front of the AC too, but the AC can cool down my 30x40 shop to a tolerable level unless it’s in the high 90s plus outside. Even then, the area around the work table stays cool.