Portable A/C Units

Just Susan · 03-27-2008, 03:23 AM

We currently have an independent heating unit in our garage, attached to its own thermostat which is also in the garage. It works well even here in MN winters; it is however very expensive if left on full-time. What do you estimate the mini's costs would be? ???

gfmucci · 03-27-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan&Tom

W What do you estimate the mini's costs would be? ???

* Are you sitting down?

Between $2,700 and $3,200, installed.* Installation is roughly $500 or so of that total price.* Locally, check with Munns Air Conditioning Heating - 752-787-7741* That is one I received an estimate from.* Others are listed in the Villages Sun classified and through a Google search under Air Conditioner Contractors in The Villages, FL.

Just Susan · 03-28-2008, 04:11 AM

Are you serious? I think that is more than a real AC unit for a whole house!!! Wow I will really have to check this out. The advantages are really going to have to be super good for me to pay that much...maybe I will just leave the door between the house and the garage open and put a fan in front of it.

gfmucci · 03-28-2008, 04:16 PM

An 18,000 btu portable unit is about $700 to $800 at Home Depot (I could not get a confirmation from deed restriction people that this was allowed - their answer inferred it would not be because the explicit deed restriction text says something like "only central air conditioning systems are permitted." We've had a few e-mail exchanges on the logic of that one.

A through-the-wall unit of similar capacity, not in accordance with deed restrictions, is about $400. A big fan sucking cold air from the house into the garage, blocking the door, making the house a little warmer, and making the garage slightly cooler is less than $50. I'm realizing you pretty much get what you pay for - especially if you want to remain in strict compliance with deed restrictions.

The Great Fumar · 03-28-2008, 05:46 PM

I have a portable unit that is on casters in my sun porch in Michigan ,,,,You have to duct it outside and it costs about 1000.00 bucks , However they are much cheaper at SAMS...........
However having said all that , my opinion is they are LOUSY.........Would not do it again ......I would either get a wall unit or run a duct from my main A/C to the ceiling of my garage , then open and close as needed.....

PS with the summer breezes here I have not found that I need it.........

cool fumar

03-28-2008, 05:57 PM

Too Cool Fumar!

coach · 03-28-2008, 07:47 PM

I have found that we are able to use the garage with the following setup: We have the sliding screen panel garage doors that we leave closed with the garage door open. Then we open the door from the garage into our house. Then we open the back slider to the lanai. This sets up a very effective breeze that draws almost like a chimney. Only on very hot days do I turn on a fan in the garage to add in air flow.

I will add that my home faces north so the sun is not shining directly into the garage.

Coach

handieman · 03-30-2008, 01:28 PM

In this mornings Sunday paper there is a portable A/C unit for sale at Big Lots (on RT 27 in Leesburg) for $299 and its 9000 BTU. Maybe if your garage is insulated you might be able to cool it with one of these units or at least make it tolerable

Just a thought ;D

Handie :joke:

Just Susan · 03-31-2008, 03:07 AM

That sounds like a reasonable idea Handie and much closer to reality, price wise...but I think we will just wait until we own the house and live through a summer there. Who knows maybe we won't need one at all.

gfmucci · 03-31-2008, 06:02 PM

Susan and Tom:

Are you guys bringing a Minnesota accent down with you, like the one in Fargo...or is the accent somewhat different in Minnesota than in N.D.?

Just Susan · 03-31-2008, 06:35 PM

gfmucci,
I suppose we will bring a bit of it with us, you will have to let us know. But know this, Tom is a native San Franciscan, I a native of MN, left MN, when I was 20.
We have only been here since 2000 due to a job offer for Tom. Also we live in the Twin Cities...very cosmopolitan here believe it or not.
The accent is strongest outside of the Twin Cities and well there is just too much green out there for me. We are City people I am afraid. Know whats funny? Our daughter is now a farmer. Went to visit for Easter...so much space, so many animals and they are not in cages and they touch them. Shocking. ;D

gfmucci · 03-31-2008, 11:02 PM

Yah, shoe ah, you bet cha. You'll have to let me know when your daughter visits TV - I'll have a listen.

Just Susan · 04-02-2008, 03:37 AM

Special just for you gf. Check this out.

http://www.brownielocks.com/minnesotatalk.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft-9FZ_0p2s

The rap video by two Minnesotans is pretty funny too.

Portable A/C Units

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