What is the Best Mini Split Setup for a Garage or Workshop?

If you've been suffering through sweltering summers or freezing winters in your garage workshop, you already know that most garages are basically uninsulated boxes that turn into ovens or ice boxes depending on the season. A mini split is honestly one of the best upgrades you can make, and MRCOOL's 5th Generation DIY single-zone systems are perfect for the job.

Why Mini Splits Are Ideal for Garages

Let me tell you why mini splits beat the alternatives hands down:

No ductwork needed: Your garage probably doesn't have ducts, and running them would be a nightmare. Mini splits just need a small hole through the wall for the line set.

Heating AND cooling: Unlike a window AC unit, mini splits are heat pumps, they keep you comfortable year-round. Working on your car in January? No problem.

Energy efficient: You're only heating or cooling the space when you're actually using it. Way better than trying to extend your home's HVAC system to the garage.

Easy DIY installation: MRCOOL's 5th Gen systems are specifically designed for DIYers. No HVAC license needed, no vacuum pump, no brazing. If you can use a drill and follow instructions, you can install it yourself.

Tough enough for workshop environments: Garages get dusty and dirty. Mini splits handle it fine with washable filters you can clean whenever needed.

Why MRCOOL 5th Generation Single-Zone Systems?

MRCOOL's 5th Gen DIY line set is basically made for garage applications. Here's what makes them perfect:

True DIY installation: The pre-charged line sets use quick-connect fittings. Seriously, if you've ever connected a garden hose, you can handle these connections. No special tools, no refrigerant handling, no stress. The new systems use R-454B refrigerant.

Smart home ready: Control your garage temperature from your phone. Turn the heat on 30 minutes before you head out to work on a project. Pretty slick.

Works in extreme temperatures: These systems work in temps as low as -13°F for heating. That's legit cold-weather performance.

Quiet operation: The indoor unit runs quietly enough that you can still hear yourself think (or listen to music while you work).

Multiple size options: Whether you've got a single-car garage or a massive 3-car workshop, there's a size that'll work.

Sizing Your Garage Mini Split

This is crucial, if you buy too small and you'll be disappointed, buy too big and you're wasting money. Here's MRCOOL's sizing guide for single-zone systems:

How to Figure Out What Size You Need

Measure your garage: Length × Width = square footage. A typical 2-car garage is about 400-500 sq ft, while a 3-car garage might be 600-750 sq ft.

Consider insulation (or lack of it): Most garages have minimal insulation. If your garage is well-insulated with good weatherstripping, you can stick with the chart above. If it's basically an uninsulated metal box, consider going up one size.

Think about ceiling height: The chart assumes standard 8-10 foot ceilings. Got a super tall garage with 12+ foot ceilings? Bump up one size.

Factor in heat-generating equipment: If you're running welders, compressors, or other heat-producing tools regularly, that extra BTU capacity helps.

Better to go slightly bigger: If you're on the fence between two sizes, go with the larger one. It'll heat and cool faster, and modern inverter-driven systems throttle down efficiently when maintaining temperature.

Real-World Examples

Single-car garage (200-250 sq ft): 9,000 BTU system - perfect for a small workspace or storage area you want to keep comfortable.

Standard 2-car garage (400-500 sq ft): 12,000 BTU system is your sweet spot. This is probably the most common garage setup.

Large 2-car or small 3-car garage (600-750 sq ft): Go with the 18,000 BTU unit. Great for bigger workshops with lots of tools and projects.

Oversized 3-car garage or shop (800-1,000 sq ft): The 24,000 BTU system will handle it comfortably.

Massive workshop or detached shop building (1,000-1,500 sq ft): The 36,000 BTU beast is what you need. This is serious climate control for serious workspace.

Installation Tips for Garage Applications

Mount the indoor unit strategically: Put it where it won't blow directly on your workbench but will circulate air throughout the space. Over the garage door (on the inside) is often a good spot.

Keep the outdoor unit accessible: Don't stick it where you'll be parking or where it'll get buried in snow. Leave some clearance for airflow and maintenance.

Plan your line set route: You'll need to run the lines from outside to inside. Going through the wall is usually easiest, but going up through the soffit works too if your outdoor unit is mounted on the house. The MRCOOL 5th Gen mini splits come with a 25ft line set.

Insulate those line sets properly: This is doubly important in a garage where they might be exposed to temperature extremes or physical damage. Wrap them well.

Consider a condensate pump: If your garage floor doesn't have a drain and you can't gravity-drain the condensate line outside, a small condensate pump solves the problem.

The Bottom Line

For garage and workshop applications, you really can't beat a MRCOOL 5th Gen single-zone mini split. They're affordable, DIY-friendly, and they flat-out work.

Size it right based on your square footage (and bump up a size if your garage insulation is sketchy), mount it strategically, and you'll wonder how you ever worked in that space without it. No more sweating through your shirt in July or wearing three layers in February.

Your garage is about to become your favorite room in the house. Well, your favorite workspace at least. Give us a call if you have any questions, we are here to help!