The Best Garage Air Conditioner for 2022

Garages are more than just covered parking slots. They can be workshops, hangouts, storage spaces… even birth places for entrepreneurial ideas.

Whatever purpose you use your garage for, one thing is certain: this enclosed part of the house can get very hot, very fast. Just ask anyone who’s ever had to do some spring cleaning, or repair a broken lawnmower in the summer.

So how do you make up for this? With a garage air conditioner, of course!

Why Do You Need a Garage Air Conditioner?

Temperature control

Soaring summer temperatures can turn the garage into a baking oven, particularly for southern states. A garage AC unit helps keep temps to a comfortable level, especially if you use the garage as a workshop or stay for extended periods of time.

Humidity control

Excessive humidity in the summer can cause a number of garage issues, including:

• Cracking and warping of wooden beams and supports
• Formation of mold and mildew
• Storage items and cardboard boxes can become damp and rot

Safety

A garage AC unit that’s separate from the central house AC is actually safer for indoor air quality. This is because a central air duct that gets extended into the garage can create abnormal pressurization, making the rest of the house slightly depressurized. 

When this negative pressure happens, the house will draw air from outside to compensate, which can bypass the HVAC system and allow pollutants and allergens in.

Efficiency

At the same time, this negative pressure makes it harder to keep the home cool, due to the constant flow of warmer air coming from outdoors. This can strain the central AC and thermostat, shorten their operational lifespan, and lead to higher utility bills.

Types of Garage Air Conditioners

Portable – Compact and wheeled, these have the advantage of being moved to other areas when not needed in the garage. However, they are less efficient and are not suitable for many garage spaces.

Through-the-wall – A more permanent unit, these are more efficient than portable garage ACs, and some offer heating in addition to cooling for the colder months.

Mini-splits – The most energy efficient and quiet option, however they also carry the highest price tags and require the most difficult installation.

What to Look For When Choosing a Garage AC Unit

1. Sizing

Make sure the AC’s BTU can handle the size of your garage. Use our handy BTU Calculator to determine what capacity you need, based on your garage dimensions.

2. Heating and cooling options

If you live in a region with large seasonal temperature swings, consider getting a garage AC that also offers heating. That heating pump will come in handy once the colder season starts.

3. Inverter technology

Inverters or variable compressor technology allow the AC unit to adjust its power consumption based on demand. This allows it to be much more efficient, emit less noise, and last longer than traditional non-inverter ACs.

4. Newer refrigerant

Most AC units use R410A, a refrigerant for cooling. However, newer models use a new type of refrigerant, R32, which is more efficient and friendly for the environment.

5. SEER2 rating

The SEER rating measures the AC unit’s seasonal energy efficiency. Beginning in 2023, the EPA has a new standard, SEER2, which provides a more accurate measurement of efficiency, so look for a SEER2-ready AC.

For more garage AC shopping tips, check out our guide to garage air conditioners. 

The Best Garage Air Conditioners for 2022

Best portable AC unit 

Friedrich ZCP12SB 12000 BTU Class ZoneAire Portable Air Conditioner with Built-In WiFi

This 3-in-1 portable air conditioner delivers 12,000 BTUs of cooling, perfect for small to medium-sized areas up to 550 sq. ft. 

It features strong dehumidification functionality, capable of removing 2.7 pints of moisture per hour. Additionally, it features 3 distinct modes (air, fan, and dehumidification). Other features include a 3-speed fan, as well as integrated sleep control functionality that gradually increases the temperature by 2° every 4 hours for comfort while you sleep. 

For enhanced convenience, it has built-in WiFi, enabling full-control of the unit via the FriedrichGo App, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.

Best through the wall garage AC

GE AJHQ12DWH 12000 BTU Thru-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner with Heat Pump – 280/230 Volt – WiFi Enabled

This through the wall AC unit offers both air cooling and heating, perfect for keeping the garage comfortable during the cold season. It packs 11,800 BTUs of cooling power, with 9,000 BTUs reverse cycle heating (heat pump) plus electric heat of 10,600 BTUs. 

Features include a 24-hour on/off delay timer, an energy saver function that temporarily shuts the AC off when the desired temperature is reached, and WiFi connectivity that allows it to be controlled via smartphone or web app.

This compact unit offers a true built- in look with only a minimal 5″ extension into the room with front, whereas competitor units require a 7.5 minimum extension into the room with front. 

Best single-zone mini split

Daikin FTXV12AVJU9 / RXT12AVJU9 12000 BTU Class Aurora Series Single Zone 20.0 SEER Heat / Cool System – Built-In WiFi – Energy Star

This EnergyStar rated single-zone mini split system is 12,000 BTU-class, delivering 10,600 BTUs of cooling with a powerful 13,500 BTUs of heating through the reverse-cycle heat pump. This makes it ideal for small to medium spaces up to 550 sq. ft. 

Advanced Inverter technology, paired with a variable-speed compressor, ensures the unit’s output dynamically adjusts to match the space’s demands. This technology allows the system to achieve impressive energy-efficiency ratings of 20.0 SEER2, 12.0 EER2, and 10.2 HSPF2. 

The heat pump provides reliable heating down to 5°F, while low ambient cooling capabilities enables efficient cooling performance in temperatures as low as -4°F. Other features include corrosion protection treatment, as well as Econo and Stand-by modes and a specialized hot-start function to prevent cold drafts.