10 Best Garage Air Conditioner Systems Reviewed

Garage Air Conditioners Compared

How To Find The Perfect Garage Workshop AC

Size Vs. Space

The first thing you need to consider is the size of the space you are going to be cooling down. Larger spaces will obviously need more powerful air conditioners. However, if you are working in a smaller area of the garage, a small & portable AC unit can keep that area cool.

You not only need to decide how much area to cool but also how much space the air conditioner itself will take up.

Portable air conditioner units can vary in size, and their overall footprint may be too large for the space you have designated for them.

Proper measurements should be taken of the space the air conditioner will be mounted or sit, as well as the overall dimensions of the air conditioner.

Related Article – What Size of Air Conditioner Should I Get?

Efficiency (EER) & Power Source

Next, you should consider the efficiency rating of the air conditioner. Portable air conditioners are rated using the EER method.

This is the total BTU (see below) divided by the number of kilowatts consumed by the AC. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

An energy star certified AC will use less energy to cool the space and save you money on your monthly energy bill as a result.

While the energy efficiency isn’t the final deciding factor, it should come into play, depending on your power source options.

Some of the best air conditioners have multiple power supply options. Most will have an AC adapter or outlet plug for direct connection to your home’s power supply.

However, you may also purchase a unit that runs on battery power. The batteries will determine how long the air conditioner will run, and recharging them will cost you on your energy bill.

However, a battery-powered portable air conditioner won’t consume as much electricity by charging the batteries as it would be plugged into a wall outlet.

The trade-off, though, is that you have a limited amount of time before the battery needs to be changed or charged. This also results in more maintenance and care for the machine.

Related Article – How Much Electricity Does a Portable AC Use?

Power Rating (Garage Air Conditioner BTUs)

So, how many BTUs of AC unit do you need? Most air conditioners have a rating measured in BTUs. A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is the measure of energy needed to melt one pound of ice.

Heaters and air conditioners use this measurement system to determine how efficient and powerful they are at heating or cooling a specific sized area.

The higher the BTU, the more square feet that can be cooled off efficiently. For portable or battery-powered air conditioners, the BTU rating isn’t as critical as the EER rating (See above).

As long as the air conditioner is rated to cool the square footage you desire, or at least the area you will be in while working in the garage, the actual BTU measurement will mean little.

Appearance & Noise

While the aesthetics of the unit may not initially mean a whole lot, they are worth considering. If you plan to have the unit permanently mounted or in a place where guests will see it, you may not want it to be an eye-sore.

The noise is another factor to think about. Most portable air conditioners, window units, and swamp coolers will make a lot of noise.

They must provide cooling air from a compact frame. While most portable units are relatively quiet, the decibel rating may be too high to carry on a conversation.

If you are using the air conditioner in a shop setting where you will be working with power tools, the noise created by the air conditioner won’t be much of an issue for you.

However, if you plan to use the air conditioner to cool the garage for use as a living space, hosting a party, or otherwise entertaining, the noise level may become a factor.

Related Article – Can You Make a Portable Air Conditioner Quieter?

Storage & Portability

Something else to keep in mind is how portable you require the unit to be. A portable AC can be more permanently mounted, but it will still need to be accessible. The weight and size of the unit will come into play.

On the other hand, if you wish to store the unit often and only use it on an as-needed basis, the size of the unit will dictate where and how it can be stored.

Make sure you have the required space for a more permanent mount or for storage depending on your planned usage of the air conditioner.

As mentioned, you will need to be able to access the unit easily. Regular maintenance is required for these machines.

You will need to clean out the drip tray, hoses, and change air filters. If you mount the unit in an inaccessible area, this process will prove difficult.

Related Article – Can You Lay a Portable AC on Its Side When Stored?

Features

Next, you will want to look over all of the available options and features. Some features are copyright protected and only available through certain brands.

If you require a feature, such as a programmable thermostat, you should ensure your chosen model either comes with one upon purchase or is compatible with an aftermarket thermostat.

Other features to consider are a dehumidifier and an auto-drain system. Both of these features are often forgotten about, but an air conditioner is responsible for keeping the humidity down in the area is at cooling.

Some portable units aren’t capable of dehumidifying your space. If this is something you require, you need to ensure your model can function in that capacity.

Auto-drain systems will save you on some maintenance routines and can be crucial in a permanent mounting of a portable unit. Without the auto-drain, you will need daily or weekly access to the machine.

You should also consider options that come with some models and not others. Things like remote control, voice controls, or even automatic shut-off can help you during setup and use.

Warranty

Finally, you should look for a good warranty. Most units on our list below will come with a return period (usually 30 to 90 days) as well as an extended warranty to cover the unit after the return period has expired.

The important thing to remember is that all warranties are different. Not only will they cover certain aspects of the air conditioner (craftsmanship, motors, fans, etc.), but they will also require different things for making a claim.

Reading the warranty portion of the user’s guide is crucial. This will tell you if you need to retain the original packaging, hold on to your purchase receipt, or if you have a limited time to register the purchase with the company.

Suitable AC Units For Cooling A Garage

Aside from installing ducting and ventilation for your home’s central air conditioner system into the garage during original construction, you are limited in the number of ways to effectively cool your garage. Air conditioning comes in many forms, and some are suitable for garages and workshops.

Here are various air conditioner types:

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are the second-best method of keeping your space cool, behind a central AC system.

Portable ACs don’t require a lot of setup, maintenance, or special tools or parts. You can bring them into the garage or workshop, plug them in (or install the battery), turn them on and forget about it.

Most portable ACs will require a ventilation hose that needs venting out a window.

However, in a garage setting, you can face the hose towards the open doors and leave it lying on the ground.

Portable air conditioners will also save on your energy bill because they don’t require installation, and you will only use them when needed.

If you aren’t in the garage, you won’t need to turn them on to maintain a constant temperature as you do with your house.

Related Article – How Does a Portable AC Work?

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners or through-the-wall air conditioners are also a popular option. You can permanently mount these in a window, insulate around them and then turn them on as needed.

The biggest problem with a window AC unit in a garage is that space can be a concern. Where a portable air conditioner can be placed right next to your work area, a window unit must be strong enough to cool the entire space.

Less efficient models will require longer run times to cool a garage down to temperature, and you will need to have all other doors and windows in the space closed.

If it isn’t practical or possible to close the doors, the air from the window unit is wasted. Your energy bill can increase because of the usage amount.

Related Article – How Does a Window AC Work?

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

Mini-Split systems are growing in popularity because of their simple set up. You can mount them in any room, including the garage, and control them with a central thermostat, remote control, or a mobile app.

Ductless mini-split ACs are more efficient than a window unit, but the initial cost is higher, especially if you need to pay for professional installation.

However, in the long term, these heat pumps will help keep your monthly energy bill lower than a window AC and can cool a larger space like a garage more effectively.

Related Article – What Exactly is a Mini Split AC?

Evaporative/Swamp Cooler

For sheer power and cooling ability, there is little else that can quickly cool a large garage or workshop better than an evaporative air conditioner.

Also known as a swamp cooler, these large units produce high-speed airflow using ice, water, or a combination to cool the air and push the hot air out.

Swamp coolers can be expensive and difficult to set up. You will also lose a lot of space, depending on the size and type of cooler you purchase.

Evaporative air conditioners, as opposed to the other options mentioned above, also require more maintenance, constant supervision for water levels, and fan damage.

While they may be the most effective alternative to central AC, they are also the most cumbersome and high-maintenance of the bunch.

Further, instead of removing humidity from the space, they add to it. This humid air moving around is what has given the nickname “swamp cooler” to the evaporative cooler system.

Related Article – Best Evaporative Coolers on the Market

Other Garage/Workshop Cooling Options

If you aren’t quite ready to use air conditioning in your garage or are looking to help your portable AC in the garage to be more efficient, there are a few tips you can try.

Sizing Garage Air Conditioners

When choosing your ideal portable air conditioner for your garage, the size of your garage and the power of your air conditioner (how many BTUs) will be the most critical factors.  If you do not know the square footage of your garage, it is easy to measure.

To get the square footage of your garage, you just measure the length and the width and multiply the numbers together. So for example, if your garage is 20 feet long and 14 feet wide, you have a square footage of 20×14 = 280 sq. feet.

When comparing this to the BTU power of the AC you have in mind for purchase, you should keep in mind the amount of insulation, the height of your garage, and what is kept inside.

If you store your car in the garage, for instance, the total area needing to be cooled by the AC will be less.

Likewise, if you have poor insulation (see below for tips), you will need a more efficient or powerful AC to combat the loss of colder air.

Why Does A Garage Get So Hot?

Several factors can cause our garage or shops to become too hot to work in, especially metal garages. Most of the temperature increases will have to do with the time year. Late spring and into the summer months will be a lot hotter than in the winter. The sun’s heat is only one reason, though.

Insulating Your Garage

Transforming your garage into a living space or entertainment zone doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

However, you will need to install insulation. According to Home Advisor, the average cost for garage insulation on unfinished garages is between $1,029 and $2,364.

However, most of this cost is labor charges. If you are capable of working with a few tools and buying the materials yourself, you can save quite a bit of cash.

The materials needed to insulate your garage properly are:

If you have exposed beams, the insulation will fit between the beams from floor to garage ceiling. A staple gun is recommended to hold the insulation in place.

Once you have a section insulated, cover with drywall, and repeat. Finish up by taping the seams and painting the drywall.

Insulation should cover the walls, as well as around the garage windows and even the garage door. Professional garage door insulation may be required depending on the type of doors you have. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $600.

Related Article – Garage Door Insulation Reviews

Installing A Garage Air Conditioner

Installation of your garage air conditioner will depend on the type of AC you purchase. It will also depend if your air conditioner will be permanently mounted or if it is going to be a amount that will only house the air conditioner while in use.

For window and through the wall air conditioners, you will place the AC unit in the garage window or wall square.

There will be a guard to latch onto the bottom sill so you can screw the frame into place. Once the air conditioning unit is in the garage window, you will use the fan-style wings to extend out to cover any leftover open window space. These will also be screwed in place.

From there, you can use the included rubber or foam insulation strips to go around the indoor unit where any air may be able to escape. Plug the garage AC unit in, and you are good to go.

For portable units, having a more permanent mount is preferable. This will keep them out of the way of your work and help prevent them from getting damaged.

For portable AC unit systems, a semi-permanent mount may not be feasible. If you get the larger models on wheels, you can build a stand for them. For the smaller hand-held style air conditioners, though, a shelf or table mount is ideal.

You will want them to be off of the ground, but close enough to a window or door to vent the exhaust hose. If your portable AC has a drain line, it will need to be appropriately routed as well.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How often should I clean garage air conditioners?

Garage air conditioners have a tenancy to require more maintenance than other ACs. Because they are more exposed to dirt, dust, and debris from the workshop, car exhaust, and the large open doors, regular cleaning is crucial. At least weekly, the units should be wiped clean, fan blades (if applicable) cleaned off, and the air filters cleaned or exchanged. Every month the exhaust vents and drain lines need to be inspected and cleaned as needed.

What is the difference between an AC and an evaporative cooler?

The main difference between an air conditioner and an evaporative cooler is that air conditioners use chemicals, oils, and refrigerants to cool the air. Evaporative coolers use only water. The other main difference is that air conditioners remove humidity from the surrounding air while evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers, add to the humidity levels.

Related Article – Swamp Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Differences Explained

Why is it not ideal to connect one’s garage with a central air conditioning system?

There are several reasons not to connect the central air conditioner to the garage — first, the cost. Adding ductwork to run from the AC unit to the garage will cost thousands. You will also need to access most of the walls and ceiling areas between the garage and air conditioner.

Second, the lack of proper insulation in the garage will cause significant air leaks causing your monthly energy bill to skyrocket. Finally, Because of the ample space, the central air conditioner will work harder to cool a space that won’t be adequately cooled. This will result in most of the home being too cold while the garage is a more nominal temperature.

Can I vent an AC into my garage?

While you can vent an air conditioner into the garage, it isn’t recommended. The air conditioner will need to vent the exhaust outside to be the most effective. If you vent into the garage, the hot air will only add to the temperature and humidity levels, the very thing the air conditioner is trying to remove. Making the air conditioner work harder will not effectively cool the space and will shorten the lifespan of the AC.

Related Article – What are the Venting Options for a Portable AC?

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in a garage?

Installation costs will be determined by the type of air conditioner you purchase, how well insulated the garage is, professional labor costs versus a DIY project, and any additional items needed to install the unit properly. On average, professional installation of a window or through the wall unit will be less than $1,000. For a more permanent solution with the addition of insulation and drywall, the cost can exceed several thousand.

Conclusion

For cooling down your garage, you have a lot of options. Portable garage air conditioner units make the process quick and easy, while evaporative coolers are energy efficient.

If you want the best air conditioner and a permanent solution, a window air conditioner may be what you are looking for.

We can’t recommend the hOmeLabs portable air conditioner highly enough. With an energy-efficient rating, efficient cooling, controllable cool fresh air, and super fast set up, there is nothing to be disappointed about.