When we started transforming our detached garage into a home gym, we quickly realized we needed a reliable heating and cooling solution to make the space usable year-round. After looking into different options, a mini split system made the most sense for us.
Later, when we decided to convert our main garage into an apartment, installing another mini split system felt like a no-brainer. Adding traditional HVAC ductwork would have been a much bigger and more expensive project. A mini split gave us a much more affordable and flexible solution without sacrificing comfort.
For the garage apartment, we chose a dual-zone system because the space includes both a bedroom and a separate living area. Having two indoor units allows us to control the temperature in each space independently, which has worked out so well for everyday use.
For our detached garage home gym, we used a single-zone unit that was perfect for keeping the space comfortable during workouts no matter the season.
The Dual Zone Mini Split We Used in the Garage Apartment
We installed this dual-zone system in the apartment conversion, with one unit in the bedroom and one in the main living space.
Mr. Cool Dual Zone Mini Split System
The ability to separately control the bedroom and living area temperatures has been one of our favorite features. If someone wants the bedroom cooler at night while the living area stays a little warmer, it’s easy to adjust with the remote controls.
The Mini Split We Used in the Detached Garage Gym
For the detached garage gym space, we installed this unit: Mr. Cool Mini Split for Garage Gym
This system has done an amazing job keeping the space cool during hot summer workouts and warm during colder months.
What We Love About Our Mr. Cool Mini Splits
They’re DIY Friendly
One of the biggest reasons we chose Mr. Cool mini splits is because they are designed with DIY installation in mind. We installed the systems ourselves by following the online tutorial videos.
We did have our electrician come double-check everything to make sure it was all set up correctly, but being able to handle most of the installation ourselves saved us a lot of money compared to hiring out a full HVAC install.
If you’re comfortable with home improvement projects, this is definitely a doable DIY.
They’re Much More Affordable Than Traditional HVAC
Especially for garage conversions, detached spaces, or additions, mini splits can be such a cost-effective option.
Running all new ductwork for a traditional HVAC system would have been expensive and invasive. The mini split systems gave us efficient heating and cooling without needing major construction work.
For anyone converting a garage, workshop, gym, bonus room, or detached building, this can be a huge advantage.
They’re Quiet and Low Profile
Mini split systems have come such a long way over the years.
The indoor wall units we installed are surprisingly quiet, which was important for both the apartment and gym spaces. They also have a much sleeker and lower-profile design than older mini split systems used to have.
They blend into the room much better than we expected.
They Heat and Cool
Another major benefit is that these systems work as both an air conditioner and a heater. Thanks to the built-in heat pump. That means one system handles year-round comfort without needing separate heating solutions.
Living in the South, having reliable cooling is a must, but we’ve also appreciated having heat during cooler months.
They’re Energy Efficient
We’ve been really impressed with how efficiently these systems run.
They cool spaces quickly, maintain temperature well, and allow us to only heat or cool the areas we’re actively using. The zoned setup in the apartment especially helps with efficiency. Since we don’t have to condition the entire space the same way all the time.
Easy Temperature Control
Both systems come with remote controls that make adjusting settings simple and convenient.
Being able to quickly change temperatures, fan speeds, or modes without getting up is one of those little things that ends up being really nice in everyday life.
Final Thoughts
Adding mini split systems to both our garage apartment and detached gym has honestly been one of the best decisions we made during these projects.
They gave us an affordable way to add reliable heating and cooling without the cost and hassle of traditional HVAC systems. Plus, the DIY-friendly installation made the process feel much more approachable.
If you’re considering converting a garage, workshop, detached building, or bonus space, I definitely recommend looking into Mr. Cool mini splits. They’ve worked incredibly well for us and made these spaces comfortable year-round.
