Insufferable heat can be produced in your garage by summer heat waves, inadequate ventilation, and hot car engines. It might not be enough, even if your garage has good insulation. In some circumstances, adding air conditioning might be your best choice. The best garage air conditioner is one that uses the least amount of energy and is just a tiny bit bigger than is required for your space.
Types Of Garage Air Conditioners
We’ll discuss a range of price points and the most common systems because there are several ways to cool a garage. Although a portable air conditioner for the garage might be the most cost-effective option, you may need a more powerful unit depending on how you plan to use the room. Discover the ideal garage air conditioner for your setup by reading on.
An AC unit also needs ventilation to get rid of the warmer, humid air from the area. When choosing your garage AC, take into account your priorities: cost, energy efficiency, or quality.
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
The outdoor compressor and the indoor air unit make up a mini split, which is similar to a central air conditioning system. They can be mounted on the wall or ceiling, and typically only require a 3″ hole through the wall to run the conduit between the two parts. The best part is that because they lack ductwork, they are the most energy-efficient kind of garage air conditioner.
Portable Air Conditioner
If you don’t want to permanently install a garage AC unit, another option is a portable air conditioner. They frequently have wheels, allowing you to move the item or store it for the winter. However, contrary to popular belief, portable air conditioners are not as portable as they seem.
An exhaust hose that is included with the unit needs to vent outside. If there is a garage window available, use it to exit the building rather than run the hose under the garage door. Without an exhaust hose, it will be challenging to cool the room because the warm air is not being drawn out of the area.
Window Air Conditioner
If there is a window available in the garage, a window-mounted air conditioner might be a choice. It might be the most straightforward kind of garage air conditioner to install, excluding portable AC.
When selecting the ideal window air conditioner, refer to the BTU size chart above. Make sure the unit you buy has enough power to cool your garage.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner
Hotels and motels frequently have packaged terminal air conditioners. The device, which has the ability to heat and cool a space, is typically mounted beneath a window.
Due to the compressor and condenser being mounted outside and a portion of the unit being inside, it is comparable to a mini-split. A PTAC isn’t typically as energy-efficient as a mini-split, and it requires a much larger opening in the garage wall to install.
A PTAC should be taken into consideration by homeowners who require additional ventilation; while a mini split AC for the garage can cool a room, it cannot effectively ventilate it.
How To Buy The Best Garage Air Conditioner
You probably already have a general idea of what kind of air conditioning system would be most effective for your garage if you’re still reading, which is great.
Before pulling out your credit card, it’s time to further refine your search and consider some features and specifications.
Air conditioning systems are made to last for many years. When maintained properly, many can last for decades. A system that fits your needs and your budget is crucial because you’re making a sizable investment.
Cooling Capacity
When we discuss the size of an air conditioner, we are actually referring to its cooling capacity.
The British thermal unit, or BTU, is a common unit of measurement. There won’t be a test on this later, so don’t be concerned.
The EnergyStar program in the US.gov provides a cheat sheet that shows roughly how many In order to cool a room, you’ll need BTUs.
Going up one size from this chart is advised because garages aren’t as well insulated as other rooms in your home.
The most crucial aspect to take into account, aside from type and affordability, is probably selecting the right size air conditioner for your space.
Price
As we have already seen, the cost of air conditioners varies greatly depending on the model, capacity, features, and even the manufacturer.
Portable and smaller window air conditioners are frequently the least expensive models. The most expensive HVAC systems and mini-split or ductless air conditioners are also the most potent and adaptable.
Expect to spend between $300 and $500 on the majority of portable or window air conditioners. Some might cost more than that. Additionally, you might strike it rich and discover a good one on sale. However, a reasonable range is between $300 and $500.
In some cases, you do get what you pay for, it’s important to remember that. The least expensive options frequently also have the weakest capabilities and lowest effectiveness.
Energy Usage
The cost of an air conditioner is ongoing. Each time you use them, they also cost money. So it makes sense to consider a unit’s energy consumption and potential savings.
If not, you might experience sticker shock and end up having to pay an astronomical electricity bill on a monthly basis.
In the US, every electrical appliance is sold with an Energy Guide sheet (those yellow cards). That will provide you with an estimated operating cost for each unit. Take that cost estimate with a huge grain of salt! It is merely an estimate and depending on how you use it, you might end up spending significantly more or less.
Noise
The noise level of every air conditioner varies. The more noise the fan makes, the higher the setting.
When the compressor is operating, the typical air conditioner produces 50 to 60 decibels of noise. In some cases, higher fan speeds will increase that to 70 dB or more.
Ease Of Use
Even though simple air conditioners might seem like the best choice, they may actually be the wiser choice. Complex air conditioning units typically cost more than simpler models and use more electricity as well.
At its most basic level, a garage air conditioner only requires two features: an on/off switch and a way to change the temperature.
When considering an air conditioner with numerous additional features, use caution. I am aware that I frequently become sidetracked by numerous bells and whistles and end up spending more money than necessary.
Maintenance
Your air conditioner will occasionally need some TLC, regardless of the type you have.
Common AC maintenance tasks include cleaning and replacing unit filters, checking the evaporator coil for ice and dirt, and ensuring that the unit is on a level surface.
Usually, an air conditioner will need more maintenance the bigger it is. It can be very difficult to maintain outdoor air conditioning compressors because they tend to gather a variety of yard waste. The most convenient to maintain and clean are usually the small, portable units.
