Project Overview
Garage-to-office conversions have become one of the most popular home renovation projects, and climate control is the piece that makes or breaks the space's usability. A converted garage presents unique HVAC challenges: it was originally designed as an unconditioned space, so even after insulation, it has different thermal characteristics than the rest of the home.
The Fujitsu 15RLS3Y was selected specifically for this application. Its inverter-driven compressor adjusts output continuously rather than cycling on and off, which provides precise temperature control and whisper-quiet operation — essential for a workspace where the homeowner takes video calls throughout the day. The unit's heating capacity remains strong down to -15°F, ensuring the office stays warm even during the coldest Massachusetts mornings.
The installation was completed in a single day with minimal disruption. The homeowner was working from the new office the very next morning, and reported that the space now feels like a fully integrated part of the house rather than a converted garage.
The Challenge
When remote work became permanent, this Brookline homeowner converted their attached two-car garage into a dedicated home office. The renovation included insulation, drywall, flooring, and electrical — but no HVAC. Without heating or cooling, the office was unusable during temperature extremes. In winter, temperatures dropped below 45°F despite a space heater running constantly (which was also a fire hazard and was tripping the circuit breaker). In summer, the space reached 95°F with no ventilation, and the homeowner resorted to working from the kitchen table on hot days.
Our Solution
We installed a Fujitsu 15RLS3Y single-zone mini-split system — a premium cold-climate model with hyper-heat technology. The indoor unit was wall-mounted at the optimal height for even air distribution across the 480 square foot office space. The outdoor condenser was installed on a bracket on the side of the house, positioned away from the neighbor's property to comply with Brookline's noise ordinances. The refrigerant line set was routed through the garage wall with a clean exterior cover for aesthetics. We also installed a condensate pump to handle drainage since gravity drainage was not feasible given the slab construction. The system was sized precisely for the space using Manual J calculations that accounted for the garage's unique thermal characteristics, including the large insulated garage door wall.
Results & Outcomes
- Office maintains 70–73°F year-round regardless of outdoor conditions
- Energy cost for the office: approximately $35/month
- Noise level under 19 dB — quieter than a whisper
- No more circuit breaker trips from space heater overload
Project Details
Service
Ductless Mini-Splits
Location
Brookline, MA
Duration
1 Day
Equipment
Fujitsu
Scope
Residential
Result
Completed Successfully
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