How much AC do I need for the shed?

[ndemge]

Shed progresss is moving along (hope to update the other thread tonight with pictures)<br /><br />16x32 With 9' Walls 3' rise on the trusses<br />Will be insulated throughout, R13<br />Floor is insulated R6<br />Black Shingled Roof<br /><br /><br />I have a 12k btu AC, Is this enough to keep up with Midwest summers?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

Hey Noel<br /><br />The general rule of thumb is 1 ton(12,000 BTU) of cooling for every 500 Sq. Ft. But that does not take into account extreme conditions or insulation factors, including shade, Windows, Equipment and such. It sounds like you have done a good job on the insulation aspect. I don't know if any part of the building will be shaded or not. As you know the humidity here in St. Louis can be brutal. That and other factors, including the black roof, taller walls and ceiling would make me recommend a 16,000-18,000 BTU unit for your situation, preferrably 220 V. Sounds like it's coming along well...

 

[ndemge]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

it's about 75% Shade.<br /><br />I was going to use the 12k unit in the main area, and then I have a 5k small window unit that I was thinking of using for the air compressor room and office. (tiny rooms) (duct to split the air) want to keep the air cool and dry for the compressor.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

I'm near Indianapolis....my 36 x 36 x 10 foot workshop has a very small 7,500 btu window unit. It keeps up beautifully....in fact it's usually too cool so I run a dehumidifier most of the time instead of the A/C. Only when it reaches 90+ degrees outside do I turn on the A/C. If I run dehumidifier only the inside of my shop will NEVER exceed 80 degrees as long as I keep the doors shut, even on a 100 degree sunny day.<br /><br />Although my shop is more than twice the size of yours, there are a few things to consider about my setup that may differ from yours which would explain why I need so little cooling power...mine's in 100% deep shade, NO windows, fully insulated doors, R-13 walls and R-30 cieling, white metal roof, fully shaded 5 inch thick concrete floor that I believe helps hold temp down with it's thermal mass, and I ALWAYS leave the doors shut.<br /><br />Not sure if this helps you determine what you need, but there's my 2 cents. And most importantly, welcome to the blissful joy of having an air-conditioned workshop...enjoy! Oh yeah...don't forget to install heat for the winter!

 

[ndemge]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

Thanks Craze<br /><br />...my electric is pretty cheap, so I crank the AC, I hate sweating while working in the shop.<br /><br />..My FatherinLaw is giving me the AC unit, it's a Hotel style with a heater built in.<br /><br />Heat on the other hand is pretty expensive, But the shop gets used a LOT less in the winter, crank it up a half hour before it's time to work and keep it 50-60, just enough to keep the fingers from hurting.<br /><br />I thought about doing some homebrew geo-thermal, but my ground is WAY to rocky to do it without some heavy equipment.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

it's about 75% Shade.<br /><br />I was going to use the 12k unit in the main area, and then I have a 5k small window unit that I was thinking of using for the air compressor room and office.

That will do it.... Maybe you can put a small pond in and do the geo-thermal set-up later...

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How much AC do I need for the shed?

Noel, as for heat it costs less than I expected. I have a traditional Reznor LP gas commercial heater hanging from the ceiling. It's the only LP appliance on my home....had the tank set for this workshop only. I bought a commercial wide-range thermostat that allows me to keep the temp set at about 43 degrees all winter (I have a utility tub so I need to keep minimal heat to prevent water lines from freezing). When I want to work out there, I bump it up to about 60, then turn it down when I'm done.<br /><br />LP tank rental is free as long as I purchase my LP from the same supplier every year. I top the 250 gallon tank once a year usually mid-summer when prices have dropped. Costs me from $150 to $250 per year for the LP. However I do a LOT of work out there all winter as I restore muscle cars and build racecars for a hobby.<br /><br />Your built-in heater/A/C unit should work very well for your occasional winter use. I don't think I'd want electric resistance heat running all winter but it doesn't sound like that's your plan. And the price is right on getting the unit! I had to pay for all of mine....<br /><br />Enjoy.