Staying cool in your garage/shed/workspace?

[T3 Pros]

I agree with others that, if you're spending significant time in your garage, I would recommend installing a mini-split. I decided not to utilize a swamp cooler or some other type of evaporative cooler because I did not want to encounter humidity issues with powder and components that I am storing in my garage. I just installed a mini-split a couple of months ago and it is glorious.

 

[GeeQ87]

Garage has a natural vent to the outside and run a big portable unit to that vent hole, while it may not have been enough to get it to below 70 this summer, it beat the 115 degree weather in SCV.

Like others have stated, I will eventually install a mini split in there

 

[ar15robert]

Live in az I use a portable ac in my working space does great and if I start running it earlier in morning it will keep garage cool during the day.

Garage is insulated as well so that helps. I also used a swamp cooler it did ok but when it’s hot it’s hot.

 

[mastershifu408]

I’m cheap.
Lasko 3-Speed Super Fan Max Air Mover Floor Fan with Outlets, SF-20-G, Gray
https://www.walmart.com/ip/900290531
I would just buy one of these and call it a day. I have this same one and it’s like a leaf blower

 

[steves86ta]

I work all week from an 'office' in my garage. Office is just my desk in the middle of the garage

I installed the biggest 120v mini split i could find. Its an amazon special made by Della. It works great both heat and cooling. On super hot days it wont get it cold in here but its definitely comfortable (110+ days its probably 80-85 in here).

More timid days it is more than enough and works great. The heater works great even down to the 40's.

I went with a 120v because I wanted to be able to run it on a portable generator if power goes out we will have somewhere somewhat comfortable.

 

[colossians323]

I’d install a mini split if you’re spending that kind of time in there

This is the answer you are looking for OP

 

[Lmo80]

Maybe give Ray-Ban Classic Aviators™ a try?

Just a thought. .. .

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

I have an 8x10 custom professional built would shed as my hobby space. It has a ceiling turbine vent and I insulated the wall and ceiling then added 3/4" ply to walls and ceiling.

I spend more time using a space heater to be warm than I'm worried about running my desk too fan.

I originally thought I would need a mini split a/c but that would be a waste of money except maybe two weeks out of the year.

 

[NATEWA]

I’d install a mini split if you’re spending that kind of time in there

I have a swamp cooler. No electricity in my shop so I run a long extension cord from the back of the house.

Friend has the same set up but also a large shop fan. He just got a mini split (heater and a/c) for his shop but hasn’t hooked it up yet. He’s excited. His wife isn’t. She thinks he’ll never leave the shop.

 

[axhoaxho]

HoboTech (Dr. Hobo) has some good reviews on portable A/C units.

I am tempting to give this 'Ecoflow Wave 2 Portable A/C' a try in my garage.

 

[1recluse]

I went with a mini split, it works great, hot or cold it does a great job.

 

[colossians323]

Maybe give Ray-Ban Classic Aviators™ a try?

Just a thought. .. .

View attachment 17807

Did they work for Joe Biden?

 

[Motion122]

Fellow Golden State Gun Fanciers,

I work in my garage on my gun in private (no doors open), but man in SoCal it's HOT. I'm also irritated by solvent odors in an enclosed space, but my olfactory system is BIONIC, probably because I lost some hearing as a child and my brain dedicated some extra neurons to my sniffer.

How do you all stay cool in the garage, or your workspace/shed without built-in HVAC?

I'm thinking of either a portable swamp cooler (recommend brands you like if you would) or the 18" misting fan which is part of the EGO battery system. The mist is probably not great near guns, but the fan would be nice. This could also blow solvent odors away from my workspace.

How do you all deal with this?

Thanks!

My garage is partially insulated(just the walls). If I insulate the entire garage, it will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

A portable AC is a good option, but those things make a lot of noise.