The Best Garage Air Conditioner for 2022 Posted on May 25, 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 ZCP12DB 12000 BTU Class ZoneAire Portable Air Conditioner with Built-In WiFi This 3-in-1 portable air conditioner combines the power and functionality of a Friedrich window unit with the flexibility and no-installation convenience of a portable AC unit. The ZCP12DB has a cooling capacity of 11,000 BTUs and can service up to 400 sq. ft. This unit boasts three modes: air, fan and dehumidifier, and includes built-in WiFi for on the go control through the FriedrichGo app. It also works with Amazon Alexis and Google Home. This allows you to control it from virtually anywhere so no matter when you can walk in the door, your garage will be ready for you! Other features of this portable air conditioner unit include a 3 speed fan with Auto setting, auto restart after a power outage, and a washable anti-microbial air filter for easy maintenance. Price: $799.00 Friedrich ZCP12DB 11000 BTU Class ZoneAire Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Built-In WiFi - R32 Refrigerant ... View Product 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. Price: $949.00 DISCONTINUEDGE AJHQ12DWH 12000 BTU Thru-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - 208/230 Volt - WiFi Enabled The AJHQ12DWH offers the comfort of air conditioning and the added bonus of a heat pump for heat during the colder months. The AJHQ12DWH offers ... View Product Best single-zone mini split Panasonic XE12WKUA 12000 BTU Class ClimaPure XE Series Single Zone 24.6 SEER Heat Pump System – Built-In WiFi – Energy Star This package includes both the CU-XE12WKUA Outdoor Condenser and the compatible CS-XE12WKUAW indoor wall unit, giving you 11,500 BTU cooling capacity and 12,000 BTU heating capacity, plus 24.6 SEER, 14.2 EER and 13.0 HSPF ratings and an Energy Star Qualified system. It boasts Panasonic’s ClimaPure XE mini-split systems specifically engineered for the post-Covid era. It uses Nanoe X Technology, which has been found to be highly effective at inhibiting the Novel Coronavirus at up to 91.4% after 8 hours of running, and up to 99.7% after 24 hours of operation. It uses nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles rich in hydroxyl (OH) radicals, to inhibit 5 pollutants that may find their way into the garage, including bacteria and viruses, mold, allergens, pollen and hazardous substances. Other standard features include low ambient operation and built-in WiFi. Low ambient operation includes cooling capabilities down to -0°F and heating capabilities down to -15°F. You will never be too cold or too warm – everything can be controlled at the unit or through WiFi from anywhere you have an internet connection! This item includes both the indoor and outdoor units. You only need to add the line sets! Price: $1,299.00 Panasonic XE12WKUA 12000 BTU Class ClimaPure XE Series Single Zone 24.6 SEER Heat Pump System - Built-In WiFi - Energy Star Panasonic proudly introduces the new ClimaPure XE mini-split systems for cold climates! The ClimaPure Series includes many new features t... View Product Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
