I am likely to be booted from the house and will have to keep my sports viewing and PS4 gaming in the garage, which is cool with me. But I assume I need to keep the temperature in the garage fairly regulated to keep the electronics from dying. A couple easy solutions are getting a big ass box fan and a dehumidifier. But I'm wondering if anyone has ever added insulation in their garage and/or added a window + window unit AC. And what people's thoughts are on that. (The window + AC unit would probably cost too much.) I'm thinking that I'd keep the TV/PS4 in a big storage unit like this: (Not exactly that one; that's just for reference.) I don't know if that's a good idea or a terrible idea, but 1) I'd rather not have the electronics on display for all to see when the door is open and 2) I think this would help protect those things from the elements. Not sure if putting the TV in here would be worse for keeping it cool during the summer. So I'd be interested in y'all's thoughts on how I should do this, and what are some pros/cons I should consider. I'd like to keep the overall cost minimal because I am poor. Fwiw the garage door faces West.
the weak components of electronic is the tin-lead solder that melt at 370 degree f, you're within safe margin
Its relatively easy to insulate a garage. You can get a free insulation blower rental with the purchase of insulation at HomeDepot. Simply cut holes at the top of the wall in between each stud and fill it up. Takes a few hours. If you do clean cuts for your sheetrock holes, you can easily patch it up with your cut outs. Also insulate the attic space above the garage. There's typically not enough insulation installed upon construction above the garage ceiling. Installing a window unit is simple, and you wouldn't need a window already there to do so. You can simply install it in the wall itself fairly simply, even if the exterior wall is brick. You should also insulate the garage door. It's as simple as purchasing foam board from HD/Lowes that's at least an inch thick, and gluing it up with some construction adhesive.
Thank you. Adding insulation seems like the best way to go, but I've just never done it before. I'll look for some YouTube videos on it. Sounds relatively simple. This is a new build house that we've yet to move in. I'm doing a walk through with the builder in a couple weeks and will get his perspective on this and adding a window/ac unit. However the HOA is extremely picky and I won't be surprised if they nix the AC unit, even though it wouldn't be visible to passers-by. How much do you think this all would cost?
*BUMP* So I talked to the construction manager and turns out only one side of the garage would need insulation. He said the door is already insulated. Also as far as installing a window AC, he recommended I do a ductless minisplit unit, which I had never even heard of before. Does anyone have experience with these? They're significantly more expensive but much easier to disguise from our overzealous HOA. https://www.homedepot.com/b/Heating...ini-Splits/N-5yc1vZc4m1?catStyle=ShowProducts
I'm doing exactly what you're doing, but a little more involved (building a suite at back of garage). I plan to use that A/C type -- have seen them at a few places and they always work great. Regarding HOA -- don't tell them.
So I assume there is a suction that pulls air out in addition to bringing air in right? I haven't had a chance to read up on these yet. Any specific models you recommend or any specific traits to look for or avoid?
Very expensive but they work really well. Is your garage covered by shade from trees? If not, I don't think a window unit would get it as cool as you would like. If you have 1500-2000 to spend then it is a good idea. I will say that it is better to err on the side of too strong than not strong enough. It gets very hot in Houston and a lot of people writing reviews on sites are in places where it doesn't get as cold.
AC's don't exchange air between inside and outdoors; they exchange heat energy between inside and outdoors.
The garage is directly beneath a bedroom upstairs, but regardless I think the ductless minisplit is the way to go. It would be be behind my fence line and on the side neighboring another house, so I think it would be easy enough to keep out of sight. And I could just put some bushes around it if need be. Completion of the garage is at least a year out so I have time to budget for it. Will probably do the epoxy finish soon and everything else later on.
