When summer is in full swing, that means one thing — it’s hot outside.
If you’re a person who spends a lot of time in the garage, installing an air conditioner can be a great way to keep cool while you work on your car, partake in a hobby, or just hang out.
But with so many different air conditioners on the market, which is the best air conditioner for garage installation?
In this article, we will discuss the best air conditioners for garages and help you decide which one is right for you.
Types of Air Conditioners
1. Ductless Mini-Split AC
Ductless mini-splits are a great option for garages, as they don’t require any ductwork.
Generally, a mini-split AC system consists of an indoor unit (the evaporator), which is mounted on your ceiling or wall, and an outdoor compressor/condenser. The two units are connected by a refrigerant line set that runs through your home’s existing exterior wall.
The main benefits of using this type of AC system for your garage include:
They are easy to install with no expensive modifications.
This air conditioner offers flexibility, as it can be used to cool a single room or an entire house.
Different cooling zones have different thermostats allowing you to cool only the space you want. This saves energy and money.
However, this conditioner also has its disadvantages.
Cost: This air conditioner costs two to five times more than the others. Homeowners will save money in the long run however, due to the high efficiency of this unit.
Installation: While they are easy to install, you must ensure that you have the right size unit and that the installation is done right. An oversized, undersized, or incorrectly installed AC will lead to energy loss and high energy bills.
2. Through-the-wall AC
Another great air conditioner for the garage is a through-the-wall AC. Just as the name suggests, it is inserted into the wall. This installation requires a rectangular hole to be made.
The following are the advantages of purchasing this AC for your garage:
Modern look: This AC has a streamlined and up-to-date appearance when compared to the others.
Price: The units are very affordable.
View: This type of AC does not interfere with your window space.
This AC also has a few disadvantages. They include:
Less efficiency: Although they are economical, they usually are not as powerful and efficient as the ductless mini-split AC.
Labor-intensive: Installing this AC is quite a hassle since it needs to be permanent. Also, if you want to remove it from the wall, it will leave a big hole behind.
3. Window AC
Window ACs are also a popular choice for garages, as they’re affordable and easy to install. In addition, these ACs can be used in other rooms in the house, making them a versatile option.
Even better, they are affordable. Affordability and practicability are among the main features that make a window AC an excellent air conditioner choice for a garage. It also comes with additional benefits, including high fan speeds, multiple cooling levels, oscillating louvers for airflow, etc.
However, it is not without its downsides. For example:
Window size: Apparently, most garage windows are not compatible with the window AC, meaning that they are limited to certain window sizes.
Noise: It is the noisiest of the three AC types.
This AC is only ideal for small garages.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing an AC for your Garage
With several AC options available for you, making the right choice is not always easy. For this reason, let’s look at the factors you should consider while choosing an air conditioner for a garage.
Garage Size
Garage size differs from house to house. Therefore, what may fit in someone else’s garage might not be ideal for you.
For this reason, working with a technician is the best move. It will help ensure that you choose the right unit based on your garage size and volume.
Installing Insulation
Surprisingly, almost all garages do not come with insulation. This is because some garages are used as mere parking areas.
But without insulation, your AC cannot maintain your desired garage temperature.
Cost Factor
When purchasing an AC for your garage, it is important to consider the pricing. Go for one that fits your budget and also meets your air conditioning needs.
Air Purifier
In most homes, garages are used to store everything, including harsh chemicals. These might include pesticides, paint, engine oil, and gasoline containers, among others.
All these can take a toll on you, leading to severe health issues. Therefore, it is important to consider an air-purifying system when purchasing an AC for your garage.
Key Takeaway
Getting the correct air conditioner for the garage will require some research.
Ensure that once you get the correct air conditioner unit for your garage, you do the installations properly. Also, understand the precautions thoroughly. This way, you can own a perfect air conditioner for your garage.
