OT: Best way to cool off Texas garage

[Gummee]

I've got the same issue here in the DC area.

Garage = bike shop and it gets warm in there!

M

[11.4]

Same issue in Dallas. There's no real solution to lowering the temperature. I had a house here with an air conditioner in the wall -- a 2-car garage that shared walls on two sides with living spaces and on the third side was mostly shaded. It took close to an hour to make a usable difference.

What I found better was to use a big Lasko industrial fan from Amazon. You have enough insulation that you aren't just collecting baking heat inside from the sun on the roof, like in my current place. So I don't think an attic fan or anything like that will really help -- it just swaps one batch of hundred degree heat for another. Since you say air conditioning is out, check out an industrial fan. The more it points at your face, the more it'll seem to be cooling you (one that sits on the concrete and cools your calves does not do much for comfort). That, and lots of cold drinks.

And by the way, if you're parking your car in the garage, it's a huge heat emitter. Pull it out for a while at least before you use the garage.

I'd seriously try to do at least a modicum of your work in the house -- stake out at least a small area where you can set up and perhaps keep a tool box or two and your bike stand in a corner. That's what I actually do when it rains or is cold, even if I have to carry it in and take it all back out afterwards. If you have a back yard with trees you might find it nicer to get an inexpensive cart and put your stand and tools in it; roll it out under the trees to work on your bike -- that's my clear skies approach.

My last suggestion, offered by my ex: Suck it up, buttercup. You wanted to be in Texas.

[steelbikerider]

I live south of Houston and just have a 21in shop fan. I spent all afternoon out there doing bike and yard stuff after a 3 1/2 hour ride this am. Lots of ice water and getting used to it. Once October hits, you can work in the garage and its much more pleasant.

[Tandem Rider]

Look into a mini-split. It will also provide heat in the winter if you get the heat pump version. You don't have to run it all the time, just turn it on when you are going to be out there. Go big so the recovery time is quicker.

[FL_MarkD]

I know you said no other doors or windows, but you might be able to exhaust this to the attic. Or a small duct through the garage like a dryer vent that you could use just when using this unit.

I used one in my Florida gulf coast hot/humid and it cooled down my garage workshop nicely. Much cheaper than a split/ductless unit.

http://www.delonghi.com/en-us/produc...r-conditioners

[josephr]

a few ice cold beers and you're good!

[Ralph]

I have a 3 car in humid Central Florida. Do most of my garage and bike work early before the garage heats up.....engine heat hurts also.

I use two Patton 20" Industrial fans. One blowing, and one sucking air out. Nothing really helps much, but the fans do help...makes it feel cooler. Fans cool people....not rooms.

The good part....nothing rusts in my garage....from engine and outdoor heat....and maybe some effect from home AC system. Everything rusts and corrodes in my out building...where I store some yard equipment.

[Matthew]

Hey cadence, Chip and Joanna are from the popular Fixer Upper TV show on HGTV. They are based in Waco. Just trying to be funny is all. I'm usually not very successful! Matt

[Birddog]

Here is one low tech way to get AC, there are several more on You Tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITtlxjvLQis

[Red Tornado]

Originally Posted by Matthew

Have Chip and Joanna hook you up

That's a good one! No way I could afford them.
Then again, maybe I'll ask them about it next time I ride past their place. Lol

[cadence90]

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[Red Tornado]

Lots of good suggestions for consideration here. Appreciate the input.
FWIW, I do try to get out there early on weekends when I'm not riding, do drink cold water/sports drink if out there in the heat of the day and I can do some work (bike stuff but not major woodworking) in the room in between the house & garage. Also we do not park cars in the garage.
Just part of living in TX. Not much of a budget for anything major with 3 kids in college, but I'll have to re-read this thread some more and see what looks good.

[Mikej]

Is it currently vented from the soffits to the ridge? That would be first. Can you cut ou the wall and I install a window? That would be second. The hot air has to be able to get out when the outside air is pushed in. Otherwise- convection as noted earlier-

[zrossiter]

Seal any obvious air leaks. insulation above and on the sides, venting as Mike said. Then some sort of cooling. Easiest probably could be cutting a 4" hole in one wall and using a freestanding A/C unit (assuming there is no appropriate window for a window unit.

[timsmcm]

I threw out one of the kids and am using that room for my bike shop, he he. One less mouth to feed also.