Garage Air Conditioners: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you use your garage as a workshop or a hangout, you understand the appeal of keeping it temperature controlled.

In the summertime, sweltering heat can make for an uncomfortable environment. So, how do you cool a garage? With an air conditioner, of course!

However, you simply cannot purchase just any AC. This guide will offer insight on how to air condition a garage even if it has no windows, and will explore the following steps and options:

• Insulation that’s compatible with door
• Insulation for windows
• Window film or curtains
• Window unit
• Through-the-wall unit
• Mini Split
• Portable air conditioner

Why Install a Garage Air Conditioner?

Having a garage air conditioner may seem like a luxury compared to other house needs. However, it may be a necessity depending on what you use your garage for.

If you use your garage to store your prized possessions, such as a classic car or musical instruments, keeping your garage temperature controlled is a smart choice. Doing so will ensure your belongings stay in excellent condition and will help prevent issues such as rot and other damage. If you use your garage as a workshop, keeping your workspace temperature controlled is even more appealing — after all, no one wants to be uncomfortable while working.

Even if you only use your space to store basic items like paint and other household goods, keeping it cool is still a good thing to do. For example, lumber can warp if it’s exposed to high temperature and humidity. Temperature can also affect the quality of paints and varnishes.

Here are some important reasons to cool a garage:

✓ Protecting belongings: Excessive heat can damage items stored in the garage, including tools, paint, electronics, and even vehicles.

✓ Comfortable workspace: If you use your garage as a workshop or hobby space, cooling it will make it more comfortable to spend time in.

✓ Energy efficiency: A hot garage can increase the temperature of adjacent living spaces, making your home’s air conditioning work harder and less efficiently.

✓ Health and safety: High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Keeping the garage cool can mitigate these risks, especially if you spend significant time there.

Consequences of Not Cooling a Garage

Heat damage

Tools, equipment, and vehicles can suffer from heat-related wear and tear.

Increased utilities

A hot garage can transfer heat to your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder.

Unpleasant odors

Heat can cause chemicals and paints to emit odors, making the garage unpleasant.

Health hazards

High temperatures can create a dangerous environment, especially if you’re working in the garage.

How to Cool a Garage

There are several ways to go about cooling a garage:

Insulation

Keeping your garage cool starts with proper insulation, and the area that requires the most attention is the garage door. It’s important to purchase insulation that’s compatible with the type of door you have. Here is a general overview of the types of insulation that work best with certain kinds of doors:

• Steel garage doors – Compatible with any type of insulation. You can place batting insulation around the panels or install rigid insulation on the garage’s frame.
• Wood garage doors – Rigid insulation works best for wooden garage doors.
• Flat garage doors – Garage doors without panels work best with reflective insulation or foam board.

In addition to the garage door, you’ll also want to make sure any windows in your garage are insulated.

Window film can do wonders for your garage by significantly reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. You can also add blackout curtains for additional insulation. Of course, the best option is to invest in energy efficient windows, but if that’s not in your budget, the aforementioned options will certainly help keep your garage cool.

Air conditioning

Once your garage is properly insulated, the best way to keep it cool is with an air conditioning unit. A combination of insulation and a cooling system will keep your energy costs down. Many types of systems can be used in a garage. If you have a window in the space and are looking for a quick solution, a window AC is your best bet. Another quick solution if you’re wondering how to cool a garage is a portable AC. This is not the best long-term solution.

For a more energy efficient and permanent solution consider a through-the wall-unit or, even better, a mini split unit. Many through-the-wall and mini split units offer heating in addition to cooling. Mini split units are energy efficient and quiet making them the best overall choice.

What to Look for in a Garage Air Conditioner

1. Cooling Capacity

You’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is appropriately sized for your garage. Too powerful of an AC will be a waste of energy, while too weak of an AC will not keep you comfortable.

So, how do you know which size AC to get? The easiest way to determine AC size is with our handy BTU Calculator tool. Simply enter the dimensions of your garage into the tool and it will tell you how large of a unit you’ll need to cool your space.

2. Energy Efficiency

Look for units with a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). These ratings indicate the unit’s energy efficiency: the higher the number, the more efficient the AC unit.

3. Installation Type

Consider the layout and structure of your garage to choose the appropriate type of air conditioner. Options include window units, portable units, mini-split systems, and through-the-wall units.

4. Noise Level

If you use your garage as a workspace, opt for a quieter unit to avoid noise disturbance.

5. Ventilation and Exhaust

Ensure proper ventilation to avoid trapping hot air. Some AC units such as portable air conditioners require external venting.

6. Additional Features

Look for features like programmable thermostats, remote controls, and smart home compatibility. Some ACs also offer dehumidifying functions, to suit your regional climate.

Types of Air Conditioners for Garages

After taking the size of your garage into consideration, its specific layout will dictate what type of garage air conditioner you can install.

Here are different garage AC options to suit different layouts and placement locations.

1. Window Air Conditioners

An inexpensive cooling option, window ACs are good for smaller garages with a window.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Affordable
• Effective for small to medium-sized garages.

Cons

• Requires a window for installation
• Emits more noise than other AC types

Recommended Garage Window Air Conditioner:

Friedrich KCL24A30A 24000 BTU Kuhl Series Cooling Only Smart Window Air Conditioner, 230V – Energy Star – 

A commercial grade air conditioner that can perform in even the toughest of climates (temperatures up to 115° F). This Friedrich window AC comes with Smart technology that allows the unit to be operated through WiFi. This unit has a 24 hour timer, four cooling and four fan-only speeds, easy filter access, and quiet operation.

2. Portable Air Conditioners

Portable ACs offer the freedom of movement, perfect for garages that only need occasional cooling.

Pros

• Easy to move
• Does not require permanent installation
• Suitable for garages without windows.

Cons

• Requires a venting kit
• Takes up floor space
• Least efficient compared to other ACs

Recommended Portable Air Conditioner for Garage:

Friedrich ZCP12DB 11000 BTU Class ZoneAire Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner with Built-In WiFi

This 3-in-1 portable air conditioner combines the functions of an AC, fan and dehumidifier in one. With a cooling capacity of 11,000 BTU, it can service a garage or space up to 400 sq. ft.

This unit also includes built-in WiFi for on the go control through the FriedrichGo app. It also works with Amazon Alexis and Google Home. With built-in WiFi. Finally, it is future -proof and uses the latest R32 refrigerant standard.

3. Mini-Split

For garages used as workspaces or those located in warm regions, mini splits provide the highest energy efficiency without requiring windows, vents or ductwork.

Pros

• Highly efficient
• quiet operation
• provides both heating and cooling
• does not require window or vent

Cons

• Higher initial cost
• Professional installation required

Recommended Mini Split for Garage:

Friedrich FSHW363 36000 BTU, 18.0 SEER2 Floating Air Select Series Single Zone Mini Split – Heat and Cool

This 36,000 BTU single-zone mini split system includes both the FSHSW36A3A wall unit and the FSHSR36A3A outdoor compressor. It will cool a room that is about 2000 sq. ft.

It features high efficiency ratings including a 18.0 SEER and 8.2 EER. The built-in low ambient cooling capabilities will cool your space when outside temperatures are as low as 0°F. The unit also comes with a 34,600 BTU heat pump, and its low ambient heating capacity can continue to provide heat even with temperatures down to -4°F.

4. Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners

Through the wall ACs don’t require windows for installation. They are also ideal for garages with thick walls.

Pros:

• Permanent installation
• Does not occupy window or floor space

Cons: 

• Requires a wall cutout
• Professional installation recommended

Recommended Through-the-Wall Air Conditioner for Garage:

GE AJCQ14DWJ 14000 BTU Through-the-Wall Room Air Conditioner – 208/230V – WiFi Enabled

Built-in, through-the-wall air conditioners are ideal for windowless garages. This slim-profile model requires less space with only a minimal 5″ extension into the room with front, while competitor units require a 7.5 minimum extension into the room, eating up precious garage space.

It features 14,000 BTUs of cooling, 9.3 CEER, and EnergyStar certification. It is also WiFi enabled with a built-in GE SmartHQ communication card built right in.

5. Evaporative Coolers

Also known as swamp coolers, this type of AC also restores humidity, making it a good choice for garages in dry, arid regions.

Pros:

• Energy-efficient
• Adds moisture to the air
• Ideal for dry climates

Cons: 

• Less effective in humid climates
• Requires water source

Other Things to Consider

Here are some things to keep in mind for your garage air conditioner:

• Consider purchasing a commercial air conditioner. These types of air conditioners are designed for use in industrial spaces (including garages), making them perfect for household garages.
• Filters. If you are using the space as a workshop you would want something with easy to access and replace filters since there might be a lot of sawdust.
• Temperature range. You might not want to keep the space at 70 degrees but instead maybe 80 degrees. Not all units have a high temperature that can be set.

Aside from an air conditioner, you may also want to purchase a dehumidifier, especially if you live in a particularly hot and humid climate. High humidity can cause the air to feel warmer than it actually is, and a good dehumidifier will effectively remove moisture to keep you comfortable and protect the belongings in your garage.

Browse our Garage Air Conditioners today!

Choosing the right air conditioner for your garage involves understanding your cooling needs, the size of your garage, and the type of air conditioner that best suits your space. By considering factors such as cooling capacity, energy efficiency, durability, and installation requirements, you can ensure a comfortable and protected environment in your garage no matter the season.

And whatever kind of garage you have, we’re bound to have the perfect garage air conditioning solution. Check out our selection today only at Total Home Supply!