The sheds, garages and other structures that you have on your property typically aren’t connected to your main building’s HVAC system. That means they need their own dedicated solutions for managing heat, humidity, and air quality. Depending on what you store in the shed, or how comfortable you want to be in there when you’re working or pursuing your hobbies, you may prefer certain systems and HVAC options over others. Here is what to consider when you’re installing an HVAC system for your shed or detached workspace.
1. Ventilation for Your Shed
While people may immediately think of how to cool and heat their shed or workspace through the year, really ventilation should be your first concern because it can be a serious safety issue, depending on what you’re doing in the shed. If you’re painting, woodworking, using chemicals or creating airborne debris of some kind, then you absolutely need to ensure that your shed has the appropriate ventilation.
Typically, we suggest a local vent powered by a fan in order to provide proper ventilation. You will need to size the vent appropriately, and potentially install more than one vent for larger sheds or workspaces. If you are concerned about losing heat or conditioned air, you may want to choose an HRV instead to maintain your workspace’s energy efficiency. Your local building codes may also have requirements for ventilation.
Are you looking for help keeping your shed or workspace a comfortable temperature? Contact our team today, we would be happy to help.
2. Cooling Your Shed
Keeping your workspace habitable in our intense summers means installing some kind of cooling system. In small sheds, it is often better to choose ductless options so that you can avoid taking up precious space with ducts.
You have many options including ductless air conditioners, window unit air conditioners, portable air conditioners, and more. Your ideal air conditioner will take up as little space as possible while still delivering the cool air that you need to make the space comfortable. Ideally, it’ll also be efficient in order to keep cooling costs low. Usually, we recommend ductless air conditioners.
3. Heating Your Shed
Who wants to stop enjoying their shed or their hobby workspace over the winter? Investing in a heating system will keep this space functional instead. As with the cooling system, you probably won’t need a duct system in a shed or garage. Instead, your heating unit can likely heat up your whole space using just the power of its own fan, unless you have a very large shed. Options include furnaces, heat pumps, fireplaces, boilers, and radiant floor heating.
4. Insulation
When you’re installing an HVAC system for your shed, it is important not to overlook insulation. Adding proper levels of insulation to your workspace will make it much more energy efficient to cool and heat. You’ll find temperatures are more consistent and the shed is more comfortable in any kind of weather.
Are you looking for more information on HVAC systems? Our team at Whitfield ClimateCare would be happy to help answer any of the questions you may have. Give us a call today.
