Garage Air Conditioners: What You Need to Know

Best Window Air Conditioners For Garage

• Frigidaire Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner, 8,000 BTU

This Frigidaire window unit is perfect for small to medium-sized garages, providing efficient cooling. You can customize AC on/off timings using the programmable timer. The remote-control option allows you to control temperature and fan speed from across the room. 

Installation is simple with adjustable side panels that fit most windows. Washable air filters are convenient for garage use, where dust and fumes require more frequent cleaning.

• Midea 12,000 BTU Easy Cool Window Air Conditioner

The Midea Easy Cool window unit offers 12,000 BTUs of cooling power and is suitable for spaces up to 550 sq. ft. Easy to install and includes all necessary mounting accessories. LED display and remote control make it simple to adjust temperature and fan settings. Eco mode and the Easy Timer function help save energy by running the unit only when needed.

• LG Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner

This LG window AC features advanced inverter technology, which provides powerful cooling. It runs quietly at just 44 decibels on the lowest setting. It is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled via the LG ThinQ app. 

When it comes to installation, it fits standard windows or can be framed into a wall, making it a great option for garages without window access.

Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners

A through-the-wall air conditioner works similarly to a window unit but differs in how it’s installed. Instead of fitting into a window, it requires cutting a hole in an exterior wall and installing a frame to support the unit.

These ACs are typically more energy-efficient than window units as they fit inside the wall quite well and do not leak much air. They also leave your window free, allowing natural light or fresh air to enter the room.

Top Wall-Mounted Units

• Koldfront WTC8001W Through the Wall Air Conditioner

This Koldfront Wall AC provides cooling without blocking a window or taking up space. Includes an energy saver mode and tight wall installation to minimize air leaks.  You’ll need to cut a hole in the wall and frame it, making it a more permanent solution.

• LG Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner

This LG unit can cool down spaces up to 450 sq.ft. while maintaining efficiency. It comes with an installation kit and is compatible with a 115V outlet for hassle-free setup. It features an LED display and control panel, plus a remote for easy adjustments from anywhere in the room.

• Keystone Wall-Mounted Air Conditioner 

Keystone through-the-wall AC is a versatile cooling solution for large garages up to 700 sq. ft.This unit offers both air conditioning and supplemental heating capabilities, making it suitable for year-round use. It also features a built-in dehumidifier function to reduce excess moisture in humid conditions. For added convenience, it comes with a remote control, allowing you to adjust settings from across the room. 

Portable AC for Garage

A portable air conditioner is a compact, movable unit that cools and dehumidifies spaces, with some models offering heating and smart features. 

If you cannot install a permanent AC in the garage, you can use a portable unit. You just have to exhaust its hose out of the window and plug it in to start the cooling process. You can also use this garage air conditioner if there are no windows by drilling a hole in the wall for the exhaust hose.

Top Portable AC Units

• Black+Dcker Portable Air Conditioner With Heat

This portable unit by Black+Decker offers a 14000 BTU cooling capacity. It also has a heating function, which makes it one of the best garage portable air conditioners for all-year comfort.

This garage portable air conditioner comes with rolling casters and side carrying handles, making it easy to move around. The installation process is also simple; you just have to put the exhaust hose out of the double-hung or sliding window. In case your garage lacks windows, try boring a hole in the wall for the exhaust hose.

• Coolblus 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Coolblus 12k BTU portable AC cools spaces up to 550 sq. ft. effectively, making it ideal for small to medium-sized garages. You can easily control this AC using the front LED display and touch panel, or operate it from across the room using a remote control, which has a 33-foot range for added convenience. It comes with a window sealing kit for hassle-free installation. 

• Whynter Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter 14k BTU Dual-Hose portable AC can easily cool one or two-car garages, providing quick relief from the heat.

The unit features an activated carbon filter designed to help reduce unwanted smells and chemical fumes as it cools the space.

It works quietly at 56 dB, a perfect option if you are using your garage for work or pursuing hobbies like crafting. This portable AC comes with a thermostat for easy temperature control.

What to Consider When Choosing a Garage AC?

When determining the best way to cool your garage, the right air conditioner largely depends on the size of your space. Factors such as your budget, your energy efficiency requirements, and whether you want smart controls can all impact the decision.

1. Size 

Narrow down your search for the best garage AC units by matching the AC’s BTU rating to your garage size. An air conditioning unit, be it of any type, can only cool/heat according to its size. British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a metric that can help you determine the correct AC sizing. BTU shows how much energy your AC unit uses to remove heat from a place within an hour.

For quick reference, a standard one-car garage measures around 150-250 sq. ft., and a two-car garage is 350-450 sq. ft. For a 150-250 sq. ft garage, 8000 BTU is needed to cool a garage; a window or portable unit will do the job. A two-car garage requires 10000-12000 BTU; window or ductless mini-splits work well here.

2. Budget

AC options range from affordable to premium. If you’re on a tight budget, go for a window or portable unit; both are easy to install and cost-effective. For a more permanent and mid-range option, through-the-wall ACs offer better performance. Mini-split systems cost more upfront but offer superior efficiency, quieter operation, and long-term energy savings.

3. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is highly important when it comes to long-term savings. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures your AC performance over an entire cooling season, with most units falling between 13 and 21. 

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) indicates how effectively a unit converts electricity into cooling. A 9 EER is considered above average, and 12 is deemed excellent. Mini-split systems offer the highest SEER ratings. You can also go for units that are ENERGY STAR Certified, as they have higher efficiency. 

There’s also the Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER), which is a more comprehensive metric as it also takes into account the standby power usage. 

4. Smart Controls

Garages aren’t typically climate-controlled all day, which makes smart control a game-changer. A smart thermostat for mini-splits, also known as a smart AC controller, can automate your garage climate. It can easily be paired with your mini-split, window, or portable AC. You can control your AC using your phone and make adjustments from anywhere. You can turn on your AC a short while before your work starts or set a schedule so it automatically turns on at your preferred time.

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5. Noise Levels

Noise can be a concern, especially if your garage doubles as a home office or gym. Mini-split systems are the quietest, with indoor units producing very little sound. Window and portable ACs tend to be noisier and may not be ideal if you’re working or relaxing in the garage.

Which Cooling Systems Should You Avoid in a Garage?

Not all cooling systems are ideal for garage spaces. Two common types, central air conditioning systems and evaporative (swamp) coolers, may seem convenient but can actually result in various issues. 

Central Air Conditioners in Garages

• The central air conditioner is designed to take a certain amount of load. Adding the extra burden on it will overtax the unit and can result in different problems.
  
• Cause pressure imbalance—most garages lack return ducts, leading to depressurization in your home. This pulls in unfiltered outdoor air, introducing dust, allergens, and pollutants.
  
• Spread harmful fumes—gasoline, paint, or car exhaust fumes (including carbon monoxide) can backflow into your living space through shared ducts.
  
• Violate building codes in many areas, as extending ductwork into garages poses health and safety risks.
  

Evaporative (Swamp) Coolers in Garages

Evaporative coolers add moisture to the air, making them less effective in humid climates. In garages, they can:

• Increase humidity levels, especially in enclosed spaces.
  
• Lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage your tools, walls, and insulation.
  
• Provide inefficient cooling in areas with poor airflow or no exhaust outlet.

Benefits Of Garage Air Conditioning

Let’s explore the key benefits of having AC in the garage:

• Air conditioning can help you stay comfortable and enjoy your time in the garage without worrying about temperature fluctuations.
•  If your garage is connected to your home, hot air can easily seep through the shared wall, door, or window. An air-conditioned and insulated garage can help to keep your surrounding home area cooler. It creates a pocket that prevents the penetration of outside heat into your home.
• When excess heat isn’t getting absorbed in your home, the central air conditioner does not have to work hard, ultimately lowering energy bills.
• Excessive heat and humidity in the garage can affect your storage stuff, such as paints, electronic items, or furniture pieces. Garage air conditioners can help remove moisture from the air and protect your sensitive items.

Final Thoughts

A garage air conditioner is the most effective way to lower the temperature, regardless of whether you use the space for leisure activities or work purposes. If you have a small garage, a window, or a portable unit can keep the environment comfortable. If you want a more efficient system, consider opting for a mini-split AC in the garage. With any of these garage air conditioning options, make sure that your garage is properly insulated to prevent loss of cool air. To take the garage climate control to the next level, a smart AC controller paired with your garage AC unit is a perfect solution.

Frequently Asked Questions