A garage air conditioner is by far the most efficient way to cool your garage. You can choose from the window, ductless split, portable, and evaporative cooling units. But which one to go for, as there are overwhelming brands and models available on the market?
We have developed this guide to reach your decision without wasting much time exploring different options.
Let’s dig deeper and find out which AC is the best fit for your garage.
Types of Garage Air Conditioners
Window Model
These units need to be installed in a window, and they are great for cooling small to mid-sized garages.
Portable Model
Portable models have a lightweight construction and are suitable for smaller garages. You don’t need to install them permanently.
Evaporative Cooling Model
You don’t need to connect these air conditioners to a window as they work with the help of pads that can absorb cold water and then evaporate it to cool the air.
Ductless Split Model
These types of AC come with two halves; one is permanently mounted on the garage wall on the inside while the other half is installed permanently outside. Only refrigerant lines and power lines are connecting the two. These units are great for larger spaces.
Blower fans
If you prefer portability and simplicity, this fan will work best. Plug these fans in like a normal pedestal fan, and its electrical outlet will blow cool air.
What Features to Look for When Buying a Garage AC
Size and capacity
You need to look at the capacity and size of a garage heater and air conditioner. Choose the right one according to the size of your garage.
Next, make sure the unit’s capacity and size are suitable according to the space you will install. Finally, you need to look for the right BTUs for this one.
Noise level
Look for a low noise level rating device. This rating is given in terms of decibels, and the lower it is, the better. Normally A rating of around 50 dB will prove to be very silent as it is lower than human conversation dB levels.
Portability
If you are looking to carry your AC and move it around different rooms in your house, you need to look for a portable design that is easy to carry as well.
Energy efficiency
Make sure you go for an AC that comes with a high energy efficiency rating. In most cases, you need to look for the DOE and EPA-approved Energy-Star certifications. Otherwise, you can also look for the EER (energy efficiency rating) of a unit.
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Click here to get a FREE Cheat-SheatWhat size AC should I consider for a 250-square-foot garage?
For a 250-square-foot garage, you need to go for a 6000 BTU garage air conditioner. A 5000 BTU device is better suited for any garage under 150 square feet. For the garages over 250 square feet, consider going for units that are over 7000 BTUs.
What is a recommended BTU AC for a 4-car garage?
For a 4-car garage, a 20,000 BTU garage air conditioner is recommended. For a 3-car garage, 16,000 BTU, while for a 2-car garage, 12,000 BTU. And for a single-car garage, an 8,000 BTU device is the ideal choice.
Top 5 Best Garage Air Conditioners Reviewed
1. GE Garage Air Conditioner – Best Overall
GE is the best garage air conditioner designed for garages that are up to 450 square feet in area. The smart window unit is effortless to install, and with its smart features, you can conveniently control it even from outside of your home.
This air conditioner for the garage is available in different BTU capacities. It also features an energy-saving mode and comes with three different fan speeds to allow you to alter the airflow according to your requirements.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Effortless installation. | No inbuilt dehumidifier. |
| Wi-Fi capabilities and user-friendliness. | |
| Three different fan speeds. | |
| Inbuilt energy-saving mode. |
2. Cooper & Hunter Garage AC – Best Mini Split
This premium-quality garage air conditioner has a mini-split design. Therefore, these are two sections of this AC. One will be installed permanently on the inside, while the other half will be installed permanently on the outside.
This ductless air conditioner for the garage is quite heavy. However, it can cover plenty of space with its powerful airflow. Therefore, this portable air conditioner for the garage is ideal for larger garages. This powerful AC comes with a 7-year warranty. This is a top choice for large 4-car garages. And its installation and maintenance are not a big deal either.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a 7-year warranty. | Slightly heavy. |
| Suitable for larger garages. | Technical know-how is a must for installation. |
| Powerful airflow. | |
| Different airflow speeds and wifi capabilities. |
3. Honeywell – Best Portable Garage AC
The Honeywell garage air conditioner is the best portable AC. It also features an inbuilt dehumidifier and a fan. This garage air conditioner unit can cool rooms that are up to 45 square feet in size.
Moreover, your purchase of this portable garage air conditioner will include a drain pan and insulation tape. So, you won’t have to purchase anything else separately. You can also go for the model that comes with a Wi-Fi feature and control the unit remotely. It is the best portable air conditioner for the garage.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to move. | It is loud when running at high speed. |
| Very simple to install. | |
| Features energy-saving mode. | |
| Maintenance is pretty simple. |
4. Hessaire Garage Air Conditioner – Best Evaporative Cooler
This is the best evaporative cooler garage air conditioner for a small garage that is around 500 square feet.
It is pretty mobile with its heavy-duty casters, and you can move it around in different spaces as per your needs. This AC has straightforward controls and it’s easy to maintain. Anyone with a little DIY experience and fix it up in no time.
This AC comes with a couple of modes that are only for fan settings. You can alter the airflow according to your requirements. You can also go for automatic and manual water fill to keep this unit going.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple installation, use, and maintenance. | Only suitable for smaller spaces. |
| It can be used manually in automatic mode. | Not for dealing with high temperatures on hot days. |
| Features high-quality casters for mobility. | |
| Compact and lightweight design. |
5. Koldfront Garage AC – Best Value for Money
Looking for the best bang for your buck, choose the Koldfront garage air conditioner. This window AC unit switches 8000 BTU capacity and is suitable for garages that are up to 350 square feet.
It comes with three different fan speeds, and you can change the direction of airflow with its louvers in four different ways. In addition, it comes with an automatic function. As well as dry mode, sleep mode, and an energy-saving mode.
Furthermore, this device comes with a notification light with a filter and an automatic timer. The unit is Energy Star certified, and you don’t need a wall sleeve to install it.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple installation, use, and maintenance. | Doesn’t cover much area (350 square feet). |
| Energy-Star certified. | |
| Automatic timer. | |
| Energy saver mode with three different fan speeds. |
Conclusion
In our opinion, the best garage air conditioner is the GE Garage Air Conditioner because it comes with different fan speeds, and it’s a good choice for all medium-sized garages. In addition, installation is a breeze, and you won’t have to go through much when using and maintaining this unit.
Download this FREE cheat sheet to find 28 tricks that can help you save on your electricity and heating bill each month.
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