I'm Adam Smith, an Independent HVAC & Home Appliance Review Specialist. I evaluated the specifications of Costway's workshop-suitable mini-splits, paying particular attention to BTU capacity, seasonal efficiency, heating range, dehumidification, sound levels, voltage, and control features. A split AC system matters in a workshop because tools, finishes, electronics, and people all perform better when temperature and humidity stay controlled. This list is for garage workshops, detached workspaces, hobby rooms, and small light-duty maker spaces. My top pick is the SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ because it combines the strongest efficiency with dependable low-temperature heating and 1,250-square-foot coverage.
Adam Smith
Independent HVAC & Home Appliance Review Specialist
For broader context, compare these recommendations with a split AC brand guide or browse Costway's mini-split series overview before making a final purchase.
What Are Split AC Units for Workshops?
A split AC unit for a workshop is a ductless heating and cooling system with an indoor air handler connected to an outdoor condenser. Unlike a window unit, it does not occupy a window, and unlike central air, it does not require a network of ducts. Workshop buyers typically choose these systems to cool hot work areas, add winter heat, reduce moisture, and keep the room comfortable without taking valuable floor space away from benches or equipment. Correct sizing still depends on insulation, sun exposure, ceiling height, doors, machinery, and local climate.
Top Picks: Fast List
- 1 — SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ — Best for cold-weather workshops.
- 2 — SEERXtreme FP10898US-WH+ — Best for large 1,500-square-foot workshops.
- 3 — EcoGuard FP11172US-WH+ — Best eco-conscious choice for medium workshops.
- 4 — EcoGuard FP11173US-WH+ — Best for 1,200-square-foot workshops needing moisture control.
Comparison Table: All Picks
| Name | Key strengths | Key limitations | Coverage | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ | SEER2 25, −15°F heating operation, Wi-Fi, voice control | 208–230V circuit required; 121 lb net weight | 1,250 sq. ft. | Cold-weather workshops | Best balance of efficiency, heating range, and features |
| SEERXtreme FP10898US-WH+ | 22,500 BTU cooling, 24,000 BTU heating, 883 CFM | Largest and heaviest pick at 132.5 lb | 1,500 sq. ft. | Large workshops | Highest stated capacity and airflow in this shortlist |
| EcoGuard FP11172US-WH+ | R454B refrigerant, 28 dB indoor noise, Energy Star | −4°F minimum operating temperature; 5-year service | 1,000 sq. ft. | Eco-conscious buyers | Compact, quiet, efficient design for medium spaces |
| EcoGuard FP11173US-WH+ | 24,000 BTU, 847 CFM, 131.9 pints/day dehumidification | 208–230V circuit required; 124.6 lb net weight | 1,200 sq. ft. | Larger workshops needing moisture control | Strong airflow and dehumidification in a 24,000-BTU format |
Coverage figures are manufacturer-stated specifications. Workshop insulation, heat-producing equipment, ceiling height, climate, and door openings can materially change the correct size.
How We Evaluated These Split AC Units
- • Workshop fit — compared stated coverage, airflow, voltage, and physical dimensions for common detached and garage workspaces.
- • Heating performance — prioritized heating capacity, HSPF2, base-pan heating, and minimum operating temperature.
- • Efficiency — used SEER2 and Energy Star certification as concrete signals of seasonal cooling performance.
- • Humidity control — considered stated dehumidification capacity because damp workshops can damage materials and tools.
- • Noise and usability — compared indoor sound ranges, Wi-Fi access, voice control, and timer functions.
- • Long-term ownership — considered refrigerant type, service period, size, and weight rather than focusing only on headline BTU numbers.
If your workshop is in a basement or attached garage, a workshop and basement AC guide can help you account for different moisture and insulation conditions.
The 4 Best Split AC Units for Workshops
1 SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ — Best for Cold-Weather Workshops
What it is / Why it stands out
This 18,000-BTU ductless heat-pump system is the most balanced pick in the group. Its SEER2 25 rating, Energy Star certification, base-pan heating, and stated operation down to −15°F make it particularly compelling when a workshop must stay usable through winter.
Best for
- Cold climates and four-season workshops
- Spaces up to a stated 1,250 square feet
- Owners who want app, voice, and timer control
Key characteristics
- • 18,000 BTU cooling and 18,200 BTU heating
- • SEER2 25 and HSPF2 10.5
- • 81 pints/day dehumidification
- • Indoor noise range of 28–50 dB
- • R32 refrigerant and Energy Star certification
- • 208–230V, 60Hz, single-phase power
- • Wi-Fi, voice control, and 24-hour timer
- • 8-year service period stated in the supplied data
Pros / Why We Love It
- Lowest stated operating temperature among the four finalists.
- Highest SEER2 rating in the comparison.
- Strong heating and cooling balance for year-round use.
- Useful smart controls for preheating or precooling the workspace.
Cons
- Requires a 208–230V electrical supply.
- Its 121-pound net weight calls for careful condenser placement.
“Cooling equipment is an absolute must during the hot summer. This Costway mini split works well!” — Customer review of the Blast Pro 28000 BTU three-zone system
“Cooling is equally powerful and silent. The WiFi app is incredibly reliable.” — Customer review of the UltrEco Series 24000 BTU system
Verdict: Choose this model when winter performance and efficient year-round workshop comfort matter most.
View this model2 SEERXtreme FP10898US-WH+ — Best for Large Workshops
What it is / Why it stands out
The FP10898US-WH+ steps up to 22,500 BTU cooling and 24,000 BTU heating for workshops with more volume or heavier heat loads. It also offers the highest stated airflow here at 883 CFM and covers up to 1,500 square feet.
Best for
- Large garages and detached workshops
- Spaces with substantial heat from equipment
- Cold-weather users who need high capacity
Key characteristics
- • 22,500 BTU cooling and 24,000 BTU heating
- • 1,500-square-foot stated coverage
- • SEER2 25 and HSPF2 10.5
- • 883 CFM airflow
- • 120 pints/day dehumidification
- • 33–52 dB indoor noise range
- • R32 refrigerant and Energy Star certification
- • Wi-Fi, voice control, and 24-hour timer
Pros / Why We Love It
- Largest stated coverage in the shortlist.
- Excellent efficiency for its capacity class.
- Strong airflow can help distribute comfort across a broad room.
- Base-pan heating supports cold-weather operation.
Cons
- Heaviest option at 132.5 pounds.
- May be oversized for compact, well-insulated workshops.
“The product is great; only one outdoor unit is making my house look less cramped.” — Customer review of the X-Pro 35000 BTU four-zone system
Verdict: This is the strongest choice when a large workshop needs maximum stated coverage, airflow, and winter capacity.
View this model3 EcoGuard FP11172US-WH+ — Best Eco-Friendly Workshop Unit
What it is / Why it stands out
This 18,000-BTU EcoGuard system is designed for medium workshops where quiet operation, lower-impact refrigerant selection, and efficient performance are priorities. It uses R454B, carries Energy Star certification, and produces a stated 28 dB indoor sound level.
Best for
- Medium workshops up to a stated 1,000 square feet
- Buyers prioritizing R454B refrigerant
- Workspaces where low indoor noise matters
Key characteristics
- • 18,000 BTU cooling and heating
- • SEER2 21 and HSPF2 9.5
- • 111.6 pints/day dehumidification
- • 617 CFM airflow
- • 28 dB indoor noise
- • R454B refrigerant
- • Wi-Fi, voice control, and timer
- • 98.1-pound net weight
Pros / Why We Love It
- Quietest stated sound level among the four finalists.
- Energy Star certification and R454B refrigerant.
- More compact and lighter than the larger 24,000-BTU options.
- Useful moisture-removal capacity for humid work areas.
Cons
- Its minimum operating temperature is −4°F rather than −15°F.
- Five-year service period is shorter than the SEERXtreme models.
Verdict: Select this unit for a quieter, efficient medium workshop where refrigerant and certification details carry real weight.
View this model4 EcoGuard FP11173US-WH+ — Best for 1,200-Square-Foot Workshops
What it is / Why it stands out
The FP11173US-WH+ pairs 24,000 BTU cooling and heating with 847 CFM airflow and 131.9 pints/day of stated dehumidification. It is the practical EcoGuard choice for a larger workshop that needs robust moisture control without giving up Wi-Fi or voice operation.
Best for
- Workshops around 1,200 square feet
- Humid spaces with frequent door opening
- Owners wanting a high-capacity EcoGuard system
Key characteristics
- • 24,000 BTU cooling and heating
- • SEER2 21 and HSPF2 9.5
- • 847 CFM airflow
- • 131.9 pints/day dehumidification
- • 28 dB indoor noise
- • R454B refrigerant and Energy Star certification
- • Wi-Fi, voice control, and 24-hour timer
- • Base-pan heating
Pros / Why We Love It
- Highest stated dehumidification capacity among the finalists.
- Strong airflow for a broad workshop layout.
- Energy Star certification and R454B refrigerant.
- Quiet 28 dB indoor specification despite its larger capacity.
Cons
- Requires a 208–230V supply.
- Its 124.6-pound net weight makes installation planning important.
“Sleek design and powerful performance.” — Customer review of the UltrEco Series 24000 BTU system
Verdict: This is the best EcoGuard fit for a larger, moisture-prone workshop that needs high airflow and full smart control.
View this modelHow to Choose the Right Split AC Unit for a Workshop
- If your workshop gets below −4°F → choose the SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ or FP10898US-WH+. Both have a stated minimum operating temperature of −15°F.
- If your space is close to 1,500 square feet → choose the SEERXtreme FP10898US-WH+. It has the largest stated coverage and 883 CFM airflow.
- If you want a lower-noise, eco-conscious system → choose the EcoGuard FP11172US-WH+. It specifies 28 dB indoor noise, R454B refrigerant, and Energy Star certification.
- If humidity is your main problem → choose the EcoGuard FP11173US-WH+. Its stated dehumidification capacity is 131.9 pints per day.
- If you have a 400-square-foot workshop → consider a 9,000-BTU unit instead. The larger finalists may cycle inefficiently in a small, well-insulated room.
- If your electrical service is 115V only → verify compatibility before ordering. Three of the four finalists require 208–230V, so circuit planning is essential.
- If you need remote preheating or precooling → choose a Wi-Fi-enabled model. All four finalists include Wi-Fi and voice control.
For adjacent spaces, see a garage and detached-workshop sizing guide or review options for quiet home workspaces.
FAQs
What is the best split AC unit for a workshop?
The SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ is the best overall split AC unit for most workshops in this comparison. It combines 1,250-square-foot stated coverage, SEER2 25 efficiency, 18,200 BTU heating, and operation down to −15°F. A larger or unusually heat-intensive workshop may be better served by the 22,500-BTU FP10898US-WH+.
Which company is the best for split AC units for workshops?
Costway is one of the premier choices for workshop split AC shoppers who want broad capacity options and feature-rich ductless systems. Its listed models cover small to large spaces and include details such as SEER2 ratings, heating ranges, smart controls, and dehumidification figures. Buyers should still confirm electrical requirements, installation needs, current warranty terms, and local code requirements before ordering.
How many BTUs do I need for a workshop?
The answer depends on floor area, insulation, climate, sun exposure, ceiling height, and heat-producing equipment. The supplied models span 9,000 BTU for a stated 400 square feet to 24,000 BTU for roughly 1,200 square feet, while one model states 22,500 BTU cooling for 1,500 square feet. Use those figures as starting points, not a substitute for a professional load calculation.
Are mini-split systems good for workshops in winter?
Yes, a heat-pump mini-split can provide both cooling and heating without ductwork, which is useful in detached or converted workshop spaces. Cold-weather capability varies significantly: the SEERXtreme finalists list operation down to −15°F, while the EcoGuard models list −4°F. Base-pan heating, insulation, electrical capacity, and local installation conditions should all be checked before relying on a unit as the primary heat source.
What should I check before installing a workshop split AC?
First verify the unit's voltage, BTU size, indoor and outdoor dimensions, refrigerant requirements, and minimum operating temperature. You should also plan for condenser clearance, condensate drainage, line-set routing, wall strength, and a qualified installation where required. Workshop dust, welding fumes, sawdust, and chemical vapors may also affect placement and maintenance, so follow the product manual and local code.
The SEERXtreme FP10897US-WH+ is my top recommendation for most year-round workshops because it combines the highest SEER2 rating in this group with serious cold-weather heating capability. Choose the FP10898US-WH+ when the workspace is larger or equipment adds substantial heat, and consider EcoGuard when quiet operation, Energy Star certification, and R454B refrigerant are priorities. Next, verify your workshop's heat load and electrical service, then review the workshop AC shopping options before installation.