Window Unit Sizing

Ready to pull the trigger on a window unit for the shop but I’m torn on sizing. The shop is 841sqft. It’s fully insulated.

The main issue is the electrical panel. It’s not big enough to put in a second 230v breaker. Not a deal breaker but more money and effort.

If I get a unit sized for 700sqft, I can just plug it in to an existing wall outlet but it’s gonna run non stop.

If I get a unit rated for 1000sqft, short term I can run an extension cord to my welder outlet until I get the new panel but I’m concerned it’s a little to big and may not cycle properly.

Or I could do a mini split but no clue how to install those.

 

I have a 1000sqft shop and tried my portable unit before, which I can't remember its rating, but it was only effective if standing in front of it with a fan. The ratings they give those units are overly generous. So if you have to pick, get the bigger one.

If I was you, I'd be checking the size feeder wire to the panel to know what its disconnect is rated for, and go buy the biggest panel available. In a shop which just you are working, you'll likely never run into overdraw cases (assuming you have 100 amp+ service in there). Swapping a panel is very simple.

If you woodwork, I've heard mini splits have a hard time surviving because of the weaker filtration unless you have proper dust collection at every tool.

Another option - search for a used packaged unit. You want as many air exchanges as possible, it let's you build in as much filtration as you want, and being packaged means you don't lose valuable floor space to a handler.