For the last few weeks, I’ve been seriously thinking about some potential upgrades in my garage / workshop. The weather in northern VA has been flopping between oppressive heat and massive thunderstorms with little “nice” weather in between. Any time I have some time to work, it’s late afternoon with 85% humidity and mid 90’s temps.
I’ve also been getting alerts from the UPS in my office every time my air-compressor kicks on. I have always known that the circuit in the garage was just enough for my equipment, but the signs are pointing to the fact that I just don’t have the right power for my garage.
I originally was thinking I could get one of those portable AC systems, however my garage has no windows available to vent the exhaust. Running the vets up through the attic could work, but that puts the vent lines beyond the “recommended distances”.
Decided to have a Ductless Mini-Split system installed in my garage to help take the edge off. Current thought is to really only use it when I’m working, but will have to keep an eye on how much power it uses as well as how well it works.
Since the electrical in the garage isn’t sufficient to power anything else, I’ve decided to have an electrician come in and install a sub-panel in my garage (90 amp). This will provide sufficient power for the outlets in the garage, give me access to 220v power if I want to upgrade my air-compressor or get a welder, and open the door to an electric car charger if I ever go that route.
The only issue is I need to move a bunch of lumber and aluminum so they can install the panel. This has pushed me to make some progress on the wings so I can move things around and re-organize the garage.
Hopefully this will be completed in mid-July and will make working in the garage a much more pleasant experience.