Hey I have been thinking about how to cool my shop. I had first thought about doing a Mini-Split. But the wife didn't like the idea of more holes in the house etc... So that got nixed. Amazing how much power SWMBO has over my life.
Then I had the thought about doing a Swamp Cooler thru the window. They are larger outside and smaller as it goes thru the window. It would work. Probably. But even as dry as it is here in Utah that still isn't something I really want to try. I fear turning my Mustard Monster into a puddle of rusted mustard.
So I went back to a window A/C unit but my window in my garage is small enough it won't fit. Now I do have a man door, as opposed to a garage door, which I can begin working on. I have the thought of replacing the metal door with "something" and cutting it and adding bracing as needed in order to support the A/C coming thru the door. Which is similar indeed to cutting a hole in the wall and doing it that way. But did I mention SWMBO? No holes in walls, no questions asked. So I thought about getting a replacment external door, or making money of dimensional lumber or ???
And I just wondered if anyone here had ever tried it before me. Anyone ever tried to mount a cooling device through a door in this type of way? And if so what was the outcome? It seems like it would work for the summer months. I expect to lose the use of the door while everything is mounted but that is fine. I am much more concerned about getting it cold than I am about walking around a bit from the front yard to get to the backyard.
So even if you haven't tried it if you have any thought do let me know. Because I have a few concerns about it. For instance:
- Will the hinges and handle/lock support a 24,000 BTU window A/C unit. Or is building something up and having it rest firmly on the floor and fill the doorway, as opposed to acting like a hung door, a much better idea. I am assuming that that A/C is a heaving beast.
- An external door would have a certain level of insulating factors naturally. If I build it up what would I need to do, if anything, to try and increase the insulation factor to a proper level.
Anythings else stand out that I have missed?
Thanks Guys! I am hoping someone can help me out.
Joshua