Shop AC

[21willys]

I got a quote to buy the AC equipment for my shop today. For a 3.5 ton heat pump, air handler, and line sets they want over $2500. That's with me doing the install. It seams a little expensive to me.

My shop is 30' by 35' with a office and bathroom within those dimensions.

Does anybody have any ideas for cheap shop AC? Or a way to lower the cost?

 

[Z.Z.Rat]

Eric, We just finally got around to putting in AC in the farm shop this past weekend. FYI the shop is 64' x 44' x 16' to ceiling. Fully insulated & insulated overhead door. The 110 unit is doing a pretty good job this week for as hot as it is. We move what we want in there in the a.m. & keep the door down. Hope this helps.

Rex

 

[21willys]

I've had two window units in my shop for a couple years but they both died last year. My shop is insulated but my 12' by 16' door is just wood. The window units did ok but wouldn't keep up on hot days like we've had lately. I'm going to try some other places and see if they can offer anything cheaper.

 

[Old Iron]

For a new 3.5 ton heat pump unit, that's not too bad and most likely the best $2500 you'll ever spend.
If you don't need the heat side then, either get just an A/C unit and/or look for a takeout unit (used)

 

[21willys]

Your probably right. But that's a lot of money for me doing all the work IMO. I was hoping to stay under $2000.

 

[21willys]

I just realized I screwed my math up. It would be over $3000 in parts with me doing the install.

I found some new units on Craigslist for $1700 for both units. I would still have to buy line sets at $130 and have it welded up and charged for about $300. So that would put me at around $2200. That's a lot of money just to stay cool lol

 

[BigIrish]

Just curious - how are you going to install it? Do you have a refrigerant license? Or are you going to do the physical installation and have them come back and charge it for you?

I've never heard of and AC guy willing to sell anything uninstalled to a homeowner.

It doesn't sound expensive at all to me, given I just replaced my 4-ton in the house last year for much, much more.

 

[21willys]

I did heating and cooling for the company that I got a price from when I was in high school. I started when I was 14 or 15. (You sure couldn't do that now)

Almost any company around here will sale units and you can buy them off of eBay.


Replacing a unit in a home is a whole different ball game then a new install in a open shop. You have to mess with plentums, the duck work, and the work in general is harder when in a home.

 

[IAM-LDS-2]

Might be too late for you , but maybe somebody else who is just starting their garage journey could benefit from hearing what I did . Built me a nice size garage and instead of putting a roof on it , I put a second floor , small apartment over it -then put the roof on . Rent paid for the apartment part in about 5 years . I rent the apt with utilities included and have heat/ac ducts in my garage and it is always warm in winter and cold in the summer . It is actually a pleasure to go out to the garage . Have a TV , radio , arm chairs , refrigerator , internet . Great place to hang out even when not working on a project . Oh yeah even have a stand up urinal on the wall . No windows and super insulated walls and doors . Built a nice over hang in front so on rainy spring or fall nites we can hang out with the doors up and sit and enjoy the rain .

 

[Bamamav]

My shop AC is a fan. AC won't do much good when you have 2 1/2 sides open to the weather!

 

[Old Iron]

I think all the new units come precharged with refrigerant.

 

[billy]

here in the desert we all use evaporative (swamp ) coolers.
a guy can get one for a hundred bucks used.