What is the best garage air conditioner? It is obviously the one that keeps you and your garage cool. You will enjoy staying in your chilly garage with one of the top-rated AC units and evaporative coolers mentioned in this article below. Read the article and select the one that fits you the best.
Many people view their garage as more than a place to park their car or store holiday decorations. Garages can be used for workshops, mechanic shops, and many other everyday uses. People that spend much time in their garage know how the temperature level is important for their comfort and productivity.
However, even when the large garage doors are open, temperatures can rise to uncomfortable levels in the summer and spring. Your garage’s size, ventilation system, insulation, as well as the time of year, can all have an impact on how hot your space gets. You might be considering installing an air conditioner in your garage if this is the case. There are many air conditioners out there, and not all are the same. Some are simply too expensive or inefficient depending on how you use your garage.
We will discuss ways to cool your garage and review the top garage air conditioners available in 2021. Learn everything you need to know about cooling your garage below.
There are four types of AC units: portable, window, ductless mini-split, and evaporative coolers.
You’ll be able to make an informed decision about buying the best garage air conditioner, whether it has windows or not, by the end of this page.
Contents
- 1 What Types of Air Conditioners Are Best for Garages?
- 2 Review of the Best 10 Garage Air Conditioners
- 2.1 1. The best ductless mini-split air conditioner: Pioneer WYS018G-19 With Heat Pump
- 2.2 2. Best portable air conditioner: Whynter ARC-14S
- 2.3 3. Best Garage Window Air Conditioner: MIDEA U Inverter
- 2.4 4. Best Evaporative Cooler for Garage: Honeywell CO60PM
- 2.5 6. Best Blower Fan for Garage: STANLEY 655704
- 2.6 7. Best Air Conditioner for Garage with No Windows: Portacool Jetstream Evaporative cooler
- 2.7 8. The best garage gym air conditioner: Dyson Pure Cool Tower Fan
- 2.8 9. Best Air Conditioner for Small Garage: Midea MAP08R1CWT portable air conditioner
- 2.9 10. Best Air Conditioner for Large Garage: Hessaire MC37M
- 3 An Ultimate Guide for Buying Your Best Garage Air Conditioners
- 4 How to increase garage air conditioners efficiency?
- 5 Frequesntly asked questions
- 6 Conclusion
Do You Really Need an Air Conditioner in Your Garage?
Buy a fan and done. It’s cheap and easy. This is what you might think before. But read the below.
There are a few other reasons to install an air conditioner in your garage, aside from the obvious one of cooling and heating the garage to your desired temperature.
Most air conditioners work as dehumidifiers. It keeps moisture levels under control and prevents mold or condensation from growing.
It also prevents some of your stored items from deteriorating. It can be used to store items that are prone to deterioration due to heat, even if you don’t tend to garage wrench or spend much time indoors. You can store items like old electronic equipment, rare cars/motorcycles, and paint or lumber.
Finally, a garage air conditioner can be a selling point if you decide to sell your home.
An air conditioner in your garage can improve your quality of life, protect your belongings, and make your investment worthwhile. The main thing is that you will be able to work on your car from late spring through early autumn without getting soaked in sweat.
What Types of Air Conditioners Are Best for Garages?
You have a variety of options when it comes to choosing an air conditioner for your garage.
It is highly recommended that you do not use your central air conditioning system to extend ductwork from your garage into your house.
This solution may seem simple and straightforward, but side effects can include abnormal pressurization of the garage or dangerous haze entering your house via the ductwork (e.g. deadly carbon monoxide, paint fumes, etc.). It is also important to note that garages are not as isolated as houses and it will be much more difficult to cool your house due to the warm air from outside.
You should instead get a garage air conditioner. Here are some options.
Ductless Mini-Split Garage Air Conditioners
In general, the ductless mini-split air conditioners are reliable and efficient devices. Commonly, the system is split between the outdoor compressor and the indoor unit. This type of air conditioner is ideal for garage use that requires constant cool and dry air.
This system is efficient and practical and has the highest SEER and EER ratings of any air conditioner. The indoor unit is mounted high on the wall to free up floor space. This ductless unit is easy to install and requires only a small hole in the wall.
Ductless mini-split air conditioners tend to be more expensive than other models and require regular maintenance – washing and less often replacement of filters. You might need to hire a certified HVAC technician for installation as the process has some specific challenges.
Through-the-wall Air Conditioners
This type of air conditioner (also called the wall conditioner) is installed into a rectangle hole in the wall.
Wall air conditioners have a modern, sleek look that is unmatched by other types. They are also significantly cheaper than the mini-split ductless system, and they look more like window conditioners except that they don’t block windows. It is therefore one of the most efficient and cheap garage AC systems.
The installation can be labor-intensive, as you will have to pay additional money for cutting a hole in your wall. Additionally, removing the unit will leave a large, unfilled hole in your wall that will need to be covered up. Wall conditioners can also be very noisy and may make cleaning and repairs difficult due to their restricted access and odd placement.
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners work in the same way as through-the-wall conditioners but are mounted on a window and not in a wall hole. If you have a garage with a window that can fit the AC unit in, this is the easiest way to install an air conditioner system.
The main advantages of window air conditioners are their affordability and easy installation and maintenance.
The window air conditioner is not a choice for small garages. Even if the garage has fitting windows for the unit, it is unlikely that it has a sill. Therefore, a bracket must be installed to support it. It is not silent, but it is quieter than other systems on the list.
Portable air conditioners
Portable air conditioners, just like their name suggests, are small and portable. These air conditioners are usually placed on the ground and come with an installation kit. They are usually on wheels so they can be moved around easily and placed in the place you want.
It will work well in other rooms but the portable AC type should not be used if you need a cooling or heating solution for your garage. Because it can be carried around, it has a higher mobility value than fixed-mounted options.
They are inefficient energy users and take up valuable floor space. This is a problem for small garages. Even in a larger garage, they may not be powerful enough to lower the temperature. Overworking your air conditioner can cause it to wear faster than it should. They must also be vented from a window. If your garage does not have one, you might need to drill a hole in the wall. It makes it less portable and, frankly, reduces its portability.
Review of the Best 10 Garage Air Conditioners
1. The best ductless mini-split air conditioner: Pioneer WYS018G-19 With Heat Pump
- Save money all year-round with a highly efficient ductless mini split inverter+ heat pump system
- Ultra-silent and beautifully built: perfect for home or light commercial use
- Use for both cooling and heating: 18000 BTU/hour, with 19 SEER and 10 HSPF efficiency
- Comes with every needed component in the box, including an easy-install 16ft. copper piping kit
- Free tech support and a 5 year coverage on the parts and compressor
Pioneer has reached new heights in order to offer you the latest high-tech air conditioner. Pioneer has combined power, efficiency, quality to create a superior appliance. The Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS018G-19 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ is no exception. This model offers exceptional heating and cooling performance, making it an outstanding choice.
The all-in-one, ductless mini-split air conditioner unit uses the most advanced technology. This unit is ideal for providing comfort in all rooms of the home, including the garage. The system comes with an indoor unit ductless AC unit, outdoor heat pumps, a remote controller, and a complete installation kit. The indoor section’s high-efficiency inverter is elegant and efficient. The inverter looks great in any home with an attractive front panel and dimmable LED display. The fan motor is multi-speed and the louvers automatically swing as the air discharges.
The outdoor heat pumps are built to last and work efficiently. It has a powerful DV Inverter compressor. The galvanized metal makes the casing suitable for outdoor units. This ductless air conditioner comes with everything you need to install it. This AC includes a multi-functional wireless remote control unit that can be used to control the AC from anywhere in the room. It also has an LCD backlit display that allows for easy monitoring and control.
There are six sizes available. You can choose the right power for your garage.
- 9000 BTU 200 to 350 square feet
- 12,000 BTU from 300 to 450 sq. ft
- 18,000 BTU from 400 to 650 sq. feet
- 24,000 BTU from 600 to 850 square feet
- 30,000 BTU from 900 to 1100 sq. feet
- 36,000 BTU from 1,100-1,300 sq. ft
The 18,000 BTU is the most common size. Because it covers the most garage square footage, it is the most sought-after size. It’s also very quiet at 45 dBA, so it won’t disturb neighbors or you when it’s in use.
2. Best portable air conditioner: Whynter ARC-14S
- Portable AC Unit: Our portable room air conditioner keeps your room cool while aligning with better environmental standards and helping reduce your energy consumption
- Multipurpose: Portable AC air conditioner with dehumidifier features a cooling range of 500 square feet and 3 operational modes: air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier
- Auto-Drain Technology: Our dual-hose portable ac units for rooms use and recycle moisture collected during the cooling process to produce cool air and feature a dehumidifying capacity of 71 pints per day
- Powerful, Efficient, and Quiet: This Energy Star Rated 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner features CFC-free Green R-32 refrigerant and lead-free RoHS-compliant components; Noise is kept to under 56 dBA
- Includes: Portable air conditioner comes with protective cover, window kit, remote control, activated carbon air filter and washable pre-filter, and user manual; Exhaust hose extends up to 60 inches; Window kit measures 6.5 inches W by 20-46 inches L
The Whynter ARC-14S portable air conditioner is a good option if you need a temporary setup. This AC does cooling, dehumidification and ventilation in a fan mode.
The massive 14,000 BTU delivers an exceptional performance with airflow of 253 CFM, and dehumidification at 71 pints/day. The fan mode will provide adequate ventilation and air circulation to your garage, as well as sufficient cooling.
It can be difficult to transport and set up, despite its weight. You will also notice a louder sound in the fastest setting. This is only a problem if you spend a lot of time in your garage.
The air conditioner has two hoses, one for the intake and the other for the exhaust. This makes it more efficient at cooling the area. This portable air conditioner automatically removes condensation, so you don’t need to drain it every few hours.
3. Best Garage Window Air Conditioner: MIDEA U Inverter
- ULTRA QUIET - The Midea U Smart Inverter AC unit is 9 times quieter than traditional units. The U-shape design uses your window to blocks noise outside and the high efficiency Inverter system warrants ultra low noise and vibration. This design allows for extremely quiet operation as low as 42 dBA - almost as quiet as a library – so you can get a restful night’s sleep or binge your favorite shows undisturbed.Controller type:Voice Control,android,ios.Air Flow efficiency:202.94 CFM
- MORE THAN 35% ENERGY SAVINGS - With the advanced DC Inverter technology, Midea U achieves over 35% energy savings compared to other traditional units, and it's the first window AC to obtain the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2022 Certification. You may also get exclusive benefits from your local energy distributor.
- FLEXIBLE WINDOW OPENING - Midea U-shaped design allows your window to open, bringing fresh air into your home anytime and allowing you to maintain more of your view even when the unit is installed. The Anti-Theft Mechanism locks the closed window for added security
- SMART CONTROL - The Midea U Smart Inverter Air Conditioner is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from anywhere through the cloud using the MideaAir app on iOS or Android. You can also use voice commands throughout your house, office, or apartment using Alexa or Google Assistant.
- ROBUST INSTALLATION - Install the included quick-snap bracket, set the unit on the bracket, and secure the sidearms. After that, you are all done and ready to enjoy. Available for single-hung or double-hung windows with size: 22"-36", minimal height at 13.75".
It’s a smart idea to install an air conditioner in your garage if it has windows. Because it allows you to continue accessing your garage windows, the MIDEA U Inverter makes a great choice. Its unique U-shaped design means that you don’t have to uninstall it when you need to open the window to let in the fresh air.
The garage’s u-shape design blocks noise from the cooling system and gives it a quiet level of 42 dBA.
The air conditioner can also blow cool air 20 feet in front of it. This helps cool garages down quicker.
There are three sizes available and each size is best suited to a different size garage.
- 8000 BTU for 300-350 square feet
- 10,000 BTU for 350-450 square feet
- 12,000 BTU for 450 to 575 square feet
This air conditioner has Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a great feature. You can turn it on and off, as well as access all the features via your smartphone. You can link it to a smart assistant such as Google Home, Alexa, or Amazon Echo, so you can control it with your voice.
The garage air conditioner is easy to set up and comes with a bracket that holds it in place while the window is open or closed.
It is also extremely energy-efficient, using 35% less electricity than an ordinary air conditioner unit. This will help you keep your energy costs lower and your carbon footprint under control.
4. Best Evaporative Cooler for Garage: Honeywell CO60PM
- Ideal for large open rooms, patio/ BBQ areas, garage, deck, backyard, warehouse
- Best used in typically hot and dry climates where humidity levels are <60%
- Not just a fan – air cooler reduces temperature through water evaporation
- Moist, cool breeze can cool you down without spraying floor & furniture with water
- Low power consumption, continuous water supply connection – operate all day long. Portable swamp Cooler is easy to move around with smooth rolling wheels (Sound level at high speed: approx. 65dB)
Honeywell’s CO60PM evaporative cooler works by using evaporation in order to cool the air inside a space. This makes it different from traditional air conditioners.
The unit uses thick pads to absorb water from an internal reservoir. The hot air is pulled in and the water molecules evaporate, which causes the air temperature to drop. This is one of the best ways to reduce the temperature in an enclosed space like a garage, which doesn’t have its doors open often.
Extra-thick honeycomb pads that cover three-quarters of the machine are three-quarters thick. 16-inch fan blades ensure cool air distribution. These features allow the evaporative cooler to cover garages up to 850 square feet.
The hose connection allows you to run your air conditioner continuously, without needing to refill the water reservoir. Even more, the air conditioner has an innovative ice compartment that speeds up cooling on hot days.
The machine’s 15.9-gallon tank is located at the bottom. This will save you from having to empty the cooler as often. You can also access it easily so that when you do have to empty the cooler, you can get it back up and running in no time.
The evaporative cooler can be moved easily between rooms and garages thanks to its wheels. The cooler is easy to set up and requires only a plug into a wall outlet. The cooler can be stored away in the cord storage.
6. Best Blower Fan for Garage: STANLEY 655704
- 3 High Velocity Speeds - makes this small but powerful blower fan ideal for a range of applications. Perfect for a job site, garage, around the shop, and around the house. The powerful blower provides a cooling breeze wherever you need it.
- Pivoting Head to Direct Air Flow & Circulation - allows you to direct the high velocity air where you need it. A wide pivot angle lets you aim the air towards the floor, ceiling, or anywhere in between.
- Twin 120-Volt Accessory Outlets & Built-in Circuit Breaker - means no more reaching for extension cords while you're working. With 2 industrial outlets located on the side, you'll be able to plug in power tools and charge your phone within reach. Built-in circuit breaker protects against overloading.
- Cool, Ventilate, Exhaust, & Dry - with this versatile blower fan. The high velocity power provides concentrated air to cool you down on a hot day and is also great for providing ventilation, or even acting as a dryer for wet areas.
- Fully Assembled - and ready to use right out of the box. Simply plug the cord into an electric outlet and you're ready to go. This portable utility fan is perfect for the home or the job site.CFM:289
Sometimes all you want is something simple to set up and be ready for use when you need it. The STANLEY 655704 blower fans are a great choice.
You don’t need to arrange for an air conditioner technician or window installation. You can simply plug the unit into an electric outlet, and it will work.
You can control how fast you cool space with the three fan speeds. The pivoting head allows you to direct airflow and circulation exactly where you want it. This speeds up cooling.
This blower fan can be attached to any wall outlet. It is one of our most portable options and can be moved anywhere you want it to.
You get a few extra features to make it more affordable.
Two 110V outlets are integrated into the first. These outlets can be used to plug in tools and turn the blower fan into a long extension cord.
The blower fan has a built-in circuit breaker that protects against overloading and keeps you safe while it runs.
It comes fully assembled and ready for use right out of the box.
7. Best Air Conditioner for Garage with No Windows: Portacool Jetstream Evaporative cooler
- Air delivery - 12,500 CFM / 21,238 m3/hr
- Cooling Capacity: 3,125 s.f. / 290 m2
- Velocity: 25 mph / 40 kph
- Speeds: Variable
- Made in the USA with domestic and global parts. Lifetime warranty on evaporative cooler housing against manufacturing defects and three year warranty on all electrical components
Garages and workshops may not have windows. This can make it harder to find an air conditioner that will keep the garage or workshop cool in the summer.
The Portacool Jetstream is now available.
This air conditioner is designed for garages or workshops that have no doors or windows. Portacool is well-versed in the challenges of cooling a garage without windows and has created the ideal size unit to meet everyone’s needs.
You can choose from these sizes, regardless of how big or small your garage is.
- Portacool 220 For 700 square feet
- Portacool 230 For 900 square feet
- Portacool 240 For 1,125 square feet
- Portacool 250 For 2,125 square feet
- Portacool 260 For 3,125 square feet
- Portacool 270 For 5,625 sq. feet
The evaporative cooling process is used to cool the air. Hot air passes through a series of pads that absorb cold water. This eliminates the need to access a window and allows the air to cool quickly.
It is easier to refill the cooler frequently due to its extra-large 50-gallon tank. It can run for hours and even days without needing to be refilled.
The decibel level will vary depending on how large the unit is. For example, the Portacool 220 measures 62 decibels at low fan speeds and 68 at high. The Portacool 220 measures 65 dBA, while the Portacool 262 measures 78 dBA.
This is the ideal air conditioner for any garage that has no windows and can fit in any space.
8. The best garage gym air conditioner: Dyson Pure Cool Tower Fan
- The latest Dyson purifying fan. It senses pollution and allergens, captures them in a sealed HEPA activated carbon filter, and projects purified air around the room
- CONNECTED: Wi Fi connected. See real time reports, remotely control your machine and create schedules around your day using the Dyson Link app
- SENSES: Automatically senses & reports air quality levels on LCD display on air purifier, including ultrafine particles (PM 2.5), allergens (PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) & Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- CAPTURES: The sealed HEPA filter captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns makes this an ideal air purifier for allergies, pets, dust, pollen and mold spores
- PROJECTS: Projects purified air throughout the whole room. Air Multiplier technology delivers over 77 gallons per second of smooth, yet powerful airflow. Up to 350° of oscillation directs airflow where you need it
The Dyson Hot +Cool is the perfect solution if you have a garage that you want to turn into a home gym.
Its Jet Focus feature makes it a great choice in gyms. You can direct the airflow to a particular area so that even when you lift heavy weights or run fast on the treadmill you will have cool air.
This air conditioner is also a great choice for garage gyms because the tower fan design allows you more control over the temperature so that you don’t feel too hot or cold while you train.
The thermostat is also intelligent and monitors the temperature in the room to maintain the desired degree. You can set a temperature and not have to touch the thermostat.
Its tower fan design makes it portable and doesn’t require permanent installation. You can plug it in to a wall outlet and set your preferred temperature.
This air conditioner has both a cooling function and a heating function, as its name implies. This is possible thanks to the patented Air Multiplier Technology. It can be used all year round. This gym air conditioner doubles as a heater, so you get more for your money.
This air conditioner doesn’t have any heating elements so you don’t need to be concerned about safety. The machine will shut off if it is accidentally tipped.
The unit is elegant and attractive and would look great in any garage. You can choose from either white or blue colors and the remote control makes it easy to operate.
9. Best Air Conditioner for Small Garage: Midea MAP08R1CWT portable air conditioner
- EASY COOL - The Midea Portable Air Conditioner, ASHRAE rating 8,000 BTU (5300 BTU 2017 SACC standard) delivers fast, effective cooling for spaces Up to 150 square feet while simultaneously providing fan and dehumidification functions in any home, bedroom, office or cabin; creating a relaxing and comfortable environment.Controller type:android,ios.Air Flow efficiency:277 CFM. Amazon Alexa Compatible-No
- EFFORTLESS OPERATION - Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of digital controls. The portable AC features an easy-to-read LED display and includes a compact remote control (batteries included) to easily set the time, temperature, and mode, from across the room. Its 24-hour adjustable timer can cool a room to a temperature between 62°F-90°F and has 3 modes to choose from - cooling, dehumidification, fan only.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Roll your air conditioner to the preferred cooling area, attach the 5ft hose and adjustable window brackets (fits openings from 26.5-48“), turn the unit on and let your cooling begin. An exhaust hose and window kit are included, no extra tools are needed for assembly. Installation instructions are simple and can be done by anyone.
- WASHABLE AIR FILTER - To provide clean cool air, we designed a removable and reusable air filter to protect your family and living space from dust and pet hairs. We recommend you clean the filter every week of operation in order to extend the life and performance of this unit.
- WORLDWIDE - Midea is the world’s largest provider of air conditioning products. As a testament to our dedication to quality, we offer a one year parts and labor on this product
Portable air conditioners, as you can see in our #2 review are popular choices for garages because they are simple to install and transport.
The Midea MAP08R1CWT garage door opener is a great option for small spaces. There are four sizes available, so you can choose the right size for your garage.
MAP08R1CWT For 150 square feet
MAP08R1CWT For 200 square feet
MAP08R1CWT For 275 square feet
MAP08R1CWT For 330 square feet
This air conditioner is portable, so it can be placed in your garage without restriction. You also
have the option to vent it in the three methods we discussed in our #2 review.
This gives you more control over how the air conditioner is installed.
This air conditioner has three modes of operation: cooling, dehumidification, and fan-only. You can change the modes quickly to obtain the cooling you want.
You have full control over the temperature range from 62°F to 90°F and can set a 24-hour timer to turn the air conditioner off after a specified time.
This unit comes with remote control for easy operation.
You can also upgrade to the Wi-Fi version if you want to make your home more modern. You can control your air conditioner with your smartphone or voice through Alexa.
10. Best Air Conditioner for Large Garage: Hessaire MC37M
- PORTABLE - 4 heavy duty locking casters for cooling home, patio or workshop spaces up to 950 square feet
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL – 38x16x24 inches; 3, 100 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM); 3 fan speeds and oscillating louvers to ensure even distribution, wide coverage and comfort
- EASY TO OPERATE & SIMPLE TO MAINTAIN – 3 simple rotary controls allow the fan (Off, Hi, Med, Low), pump (On, Off) and oscillation motor (On, Off) to be controlled independently
- MANUAL & CONTINUOUS FILL – Utilize the Continuous Fill option by attaching a household hose with the included float adaptor, eliminating the need to manually watch and fill the water tank
- SUPERCHARGED, ECONOMICAL COOLING – 3-sided rigid high-density cooling pads for increased evaporative surface area generating cooler air
Do you have a large garage? The Hessaire MC37M can be a great choice, it covers up to 950 sq. feet.
It is an evaporative cooler-style air conditioner, so you don’t have to worry about installing permanent ventilation or hot air. The large reservoir tank holds 10.3 gallons of air. This allows for maximum portability. You can attach a garden hose to the brass fitting to provide continuous cooling, without running out of cold.
The three-sided pads have a greater evaporative surface area to generate cooler air.
This unit does not need to be installed permanently. It can be placed anywhere there is an outlet in your garage. The built-in wheels can be used to move the unit around. They can also be locked in place to ensure that the air conditioner remains in its proper position.
Its 59 dBA noise level will keep it running at a relatively low volume, so it won’t disturb your work.
You can also use it right out of the box, as it comes fully assembled.
An Ultimate Guide for Buying Your Best Garage Air Conditioners
This section will provide additional information on choosing a garage air conditioner.
How to Find the Perfect Garage Air Conditioner?
There are several things to consider before you rush out and grab your wallet. We have listed a few things to consider when purchasing a garage air conditioner.
Size vs. space
The size of the area you will be cooling is the first thing to think about. A larger space will require a more powerful air conditioner. A smaller unit will be able to keep a garage’s smaller areas cool.
Another thing that you will need to consider – how much space your air conditioner will take up in the garage. You may not be able to fit them in the space you have available. It is important to measure the area where the air conditioner will be installed or sat and the overall dimensions.
Efficiency (EER) and Power Source
The efficiency rating of your air conditioner is the next thing to consider. Portable air conditioners can be rated by using the EER method. This is the sum of the total BTU (see below), divided by the number of kilowatts used. The more efficient an air conditioner is, the higher its EER rating.
A more efficient air conditioner will consume less energy to cool your space and help you save money on your monthly energy bills. The EER rating should not be considered the final determining factor. It depends on the power source you have.
Many portable air conditioners can be connected to multiple power sources. Many air conditioners will come with an AC adapter or an outlet plug that can be connected to the home’s power source. You can also buy an air conditioner that runs on batteries. The battery will determine the life length of your air conditioner and how much you will have to recharge them.
A battery-powered air conditioner will not consume as much electricity charging the batteries as if it is plugged into a wall socket. However, you will only have a short time to change or charge the battery. This means that the machine requires more care and maintenance.
Power Rating (BTU)
BTUs are the most common measurement for air conditioners. BTU (or British Thermal Unit) is the energy required to melt 1 pound of ice. This measurement system is used by air conditioners and
heaters to measure how powerful and efficient they are at cooling or heating a certain area.
The more efficient cooling can be achieved, the higher the BTU rating. The BTU
rating of portable or battery-powered air conditioners is not as important as the EER rating. The actual BTU measurement is not important as long as the air conditioner can cool the space you want or the garage area that you will use while you work in it.
Appearance and Noise
Although the aesthetics of the unit might not be very important at first, they are worth thinking about. It is important to consider whether you intend to mount the unit permanently or place it in an area where guests will be able to see it.
Another factor to consider is the noise. Many portable air conditioners, swamp coolers, and window units will make a lot of noise. They need to provide cooling air from a small frame. Although most portable units can be heard, it is possible that the decibel rating might not be loud enough to maintain a conversation.
The noise generated by the air conditioner will not be a problem if you’re using it in a workshop setting where you use power tools. The noise level can be a problem if the garage is being used as a living area, party space, or other entertaining space.
Storage & Portability
Another thing to consider is how portable the unit must be. While a portable AC can be mounted more permanently, it still needs to be easily accessible. It will also affect the weight and size.
However, if the unit is large and you plan to keep it there, it will determine where and how it can go. You will need to have enough space for either a permanent mount or storage, depending on the intended use of your air conditioner.
You will need to be capable of accessing the unit as mentioned above. These machines require regular maintenance. Regular maintenance will include cleaning out drip trays and hoses as well as changing air filters. This will be difficult if the unit is mounted in an inaccessible location.
Features
Next, look at all the options and features. Certain features are protected by copyright and can only be obtained through certain brands. You should check that your model comes with a programming thermostat or can be used with an aftermarket thermostat.
A dehumidifier or an auto drain system also features worth considering. These features are often overlooked, but an air conditioner is responsible to keep the humidity in the area down. The portable air conditioner may not be able to dehumidify your space. This is something you will need, so make sure your unit can do it.
An auto-drain system will help you save time on maintenance and be essential in the permanent mounting of a portable unit. You will still need to have access to the machine daily or weekly without the auto-drain.
Also, you should consider the options that are available with certain models. You can use remote control, voice commands, and even automatic shut-off to aid in setup and usage.
Warranty
A good warranty is also important. The majority of units in our list will have a 30-90 day return policy. If the return period expires, an extended warranty will be provided to protect the unit.
All warranties are unique. They will not only cover the air conditioner’s workmanship, motors, fans, and other aspects. They will also need different items to make a claim.
It is important to read the warranty section of the user’s manual. This section will inform you if the original packaging must be retained, if you have a limited amount of time to register your purchase with the company, and if you are allowed to keep the receipt.
How to increase garage air conditioners efficiency?
A garage air conditioner can do a great job of cooling your garage during summer and removing the hot air, but you might have efficiency problems if your garage is not insulated.
We’ll be discussing the most important aspects to consider when looking to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Garage Door Insulation
Garage doors absorb large amounts of heat throughout the day. This means your air conditioner will need to work very hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Insulated garage doors can help reduce heat loss and make your air conditioner more efficient.
Also, you should replace the insulating strips around your garage doors. Make sure that cracks are closed.
Ceiling Insulation
A garage that has an additional room can absorb heat from the space.
Roll insulation can be installed on your garage ceiling to prevent this. This will keep your garage cool and keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
Walls Insulation
Insulating your garage walls can also be a great way to keep it cool in the summer.
I recommend that you start with walls that are most exposed to sunlight and then move on to shaded walls if you have a limited budget. This will help keep heat out of your garage, which will allow your air conditioner to work efficiently at all times.
Windows Insulation
Many garages do not have windows. Even those with windows, only provide a small amount of heat.
To keep your air conditioner running efficiently, it’s worth keeping as much heat as you can.
Cover the windows with plywood or blackout curtains. This will prevent light from entering the windows and generating heat. You can also use reflective films to keep the light in your garage windows or allow it to reflect back into the house.
Adding an Air Purifier
Your new air conditioner will make you feel more comfortable in your garage, which could lead to you staying longer. Garage air pollution must be addressed more seriously.
Some extremely dangerous air pollutants can be produced by garages. These are volatile organic compounds. They can be found in gasoline containers, car exhaust, oil, paint, and other chemicals. They are not only unpleasant to inhale, but also extremely harmful to your health.
Consider installing an air filter system in your garage to purify the air. This could include a HEPA purifier to remove dust particles or a PECO filter to reduce volatile organic compounds to a molecular level.
Frequesntly asked questions
Many people find it difficult to choose an air conditioner for their garage. It is crucial that they are clear about all questions in order to make the right decision. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions from other users.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
What is the Average Cost to Air Condition Garages?
A new device can cost you between $250 and $1,500 depending on its size, features and quality. To hire someone to install a vent through a wall, an additional $500-$750 will be required. For professional help, expect to pay $250-$500 if you are not proficient in installing the device.
Can my central AC be used to cool my garage?
It is strongly not recommended. Most central air conditioners do not provide warm air to the garage unless they have an intake duct. It builds pressure because the walls are insulated and may not have windows.
This will result in lower pressure throughout the house, which can lead to major problems. Make sure you have adequate ventilation to handle the extra air.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Garage Air Conditioner?
Your air conditioner’s performance can be affected if you don’t clean it regularly. How often you clean your air conditioner will depend on how much you use it. You should check it every few weeks if you run the unit constantly to remove dust and maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion
It can be a hassle to get an air conditioner for your garage. The benefits and satisfaction that you receive in return are worth it.
Make sure you choose the correct air conditioner for your garage. Also, make sure to follow all instructions and be aware of any precautions. This will allow you to have a fully conditioned garage.
There are many options, but the ductless mini-split system seems to be the most attractive. It is the most expensive, but it has been the quietest and efficient.
There is no one right way to air condition your garage. Every garage is different. You can save lots of money by understanding your needs.
