r/HomeImprovement • u/GilletteMC • 10h ago
Mini Split BTU recommendations
Looking into installing a single head mini-split system to climate control my garage.
Garage dimensions are 20x20 with 9.5’ ceiling. Walls, ceiling, and back of garage door are insulated & there’s one window but it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
Temps average in the high 30s F in winter, although it’ll sometimes get down to single digits or teens for a few days. Summertime is in the high 80s low 90s usually, and the humidity can range anywhere from 40-80% depending on the rain we get.
I was looking at a Pioneer 230v system that’s rated for 9000 BTU cooling, and 10000 BTU heating, but after some google searches I’m unsure if this is enough to get the job done. I also saw some 12000 BTU units but with the price difference I don’t know if it’s worth it to climate control the garage.
Would the 9000/10000 system be adequate or would this be underpowered? On the other hand, would the 12000 BTU system be overkill? I had Pioneer recommended to me but I’m not very informed on this subject so I’m all ears if someone’s got expertise in this line of work. Thanks
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u/GeriatricSquid 8h ago
9-10k BTUs is a decent amount for one large room. If you have insulation and reasonable air sealing (yeah, I know, it’s a garage) that might be ok to keep things comfortable. If you’re in AZ or FL or don’t have insulation or good air control, a bit more might be nice on occasion. Same if you’re doing something that brings additional heat into the space or wanting full inside-the-house levels of comfort. I’d get the 12k but wouldn’t sweat it too much (ha-ha) if the 9k was the budget limit.
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u/nzulu9er 7h ago
I just installed the pioneer quantum ultra 12,000 in my 19x22 garage. Air sealed insulated. Insulated garage door. It's amazing. I live in Minnesota. Cools quickly. Also, I'm using the 120 volt version. All I needed was a 25 amp breaker and it works off of 12-2 Romex.
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u/aimless_ly 2h ago
I misread the post title as “Mini-Split BBQ” and was doing some mental gymnastics trying to figure out that situation for a bit.
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u/whateveryousaymydear 10h ago
one thing about mini-splits is that the inverters are variable in power consumption. So if you buy a 12,000btu and only need 10 you will use less power. Std HVAC always run at full power big diff. I would get the 12k min so that the unit is less strained when it gets real cold or real hot and it will last longer and work better.