So I’m wrapping up my garage build. Going to be spray foaming as next step, then drywall and I’ll be ready to move in. So question is where should I start for a mini split system ? I’m in northern Alabama, rarely below freezing. Summers are in the 90s with fairly high humidity. Will run the ac most of the time to keep it fairly reasonable in there, won’t have it as cold as a living space, but prob 78-80? Garage is a 50x30. Bricked exterior. Will be fully spray foamed. I have a second floor... Read more ..read more

I have a portable AC that works fine in the house but not in the garage. AC unit has an LCDI and GFCI built into the plug. When I plug it into any plug with a GFCI, after a few minutes (usually when the compressor kicks in) it pops the GFCI on the outlet (just the outlet. The wine on the plug doesn’t pop). If I plug it into a non-GFCI circuit it runs fine. I replaced the power cord and it still does it. I had two dedicated 20 amp outlets installed in the garage just for high draw items like... Read more ..read more

Well, it looks like my shop is going to be built this summer. I am planning on a hydronic radiant heating system in the slab. Does anyone have any personal experience they can share (good or bad) about any kit suppliers? Shop will be 1,000 sq ft with attic trusses. Thanks Matt ..read more

Hello, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on how to go about proper sizing of a mini split system for a small 350sq.ft. garage shop. This is a shop that is used full time for production of small parts. Details of the shop. Located in Tampa Bay area of Florida 350 sqft. 8'6" ceiling Cinderblock walls no insulation Plasterboard ceiling no insulation above Newer insulated single car garage door (R9 I think) Door faces SE One side aluminum door with Miami style slat glass crank out panels... Read more ..read more

My sister's master cooler MCP44k is 4 years old. A about a month ago she had a friend come look at it before the summer starts. He opened it up and noticed the pumps are shot and lots of sand in reservoir he told her even if she got the cooler to work it would leak but never said why. Yesterday I opened it up cleaned and replaced the pumps and plunger it does leak but I can't figure out why (she also used dish soap to clean medias(.. wonder if the pumps are wrong I put 2 new pumps in but 2... Read more ..read more

I have this small shop heater I need to just test to make sure it works. I gave one to a friend he said that someone looked at it and said the transformer was bad. So I want to plug this one up. I have a 20 amp breaker outlet to plug to. These usually have a thermostat connected, but I just want to turn it on for a second to make sure before I give him it. Can I simply run the wires to a plug ..read more

Hi all, I would like to ask for your help and orientation. I plan on buying a stove, Jotul F55 (I made the wrong model before). https://www.jotul.com/products/wood-stoves/f-55-v2-carrabassett My idea is to take the smoke outlet by the facade. In order not to break anything, I have thought to go around the gutter and have a total of four 45 degrees elbows. My question is, with a 20 feet fue, single interior flue and double external flue, do you think there will be any problem with... Read more ..read more

I have a 20x22 detached 2x4 framed garage. I'm wanting to convert it to a finished 100% of the time heated and cooled space for my office/Man cave. I will be insulating the walls/ceiling and sheet rock or other finishing material. I'd like to leave the insulated garage door rather than removing it and walling it in so I can still bring larger things into the space. My main concern is what to do with the slab. I could put down insulation panels and cover it with OSB but the raised floor... Read more ..read more

I am planing to install a 18k mini split this weekend and have been researching a lot about people pulling a vacuum on the lines to check for leaks. Others mention doing a positive pressure test with nitrogen. I do not have access to a nitrogen tank but I do have a small oil-less air compressor. When I was replacing my car AC components, I used it and my gauges to add pressure to the system to check for leaks. Is there any downside to doing that with a mini split? I would of course vacuum... Read more ..read more

Attempting to decide on a final HVAC system to install in shop. I believe I’ve decided on a conventional forced air system. My hold up now is the distribution of the air. I will install air handler in loft on back corner unless someone has any input on a different location. I have a propane tank on site that I will use for fuel. -Shop details: 36’x56’x14, -Location: central IL -Insulation: walls( 2” closed cell spray foam with 6”fiberglass over top) ceiling (blow in fiberglass) Questions: 1... Read more ..read more