Dealing with a hot garage in the summertime is never fun. Unless you have an AC unit installed, you are probably going to have a miserable time working on your vehicle or spending time out there.
Luckily, there are a few portable AC units that do a very good job at cooling down a garage and even a house. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you easily find the best AC unit for your garage.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD Swamp Cooler | Best Overall |  |
| LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner | Budget Pick |  |
| Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS036G-17 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD Swamp Cooler
Pros:
- Big size
- Well-constructed
- Perfect for large rooms
- Inexpensive
- Works well
Cons:
- Heavy
- Difficult to install
- Louder than other models
- Weak motors
Our top pick for portable AC is Cool-Space’s AVALANCHE-36-VD. It’s an outdoor air conditioner and has a lot of unique features that make it versatile, efficient, and powerful. It has a great price, and delivers excellent cooling results.
This model can cool air up to 3600 square feet, making it perfect for larger indoor areas like garages or back patios. It’s powered by a 13,000 BTU (by 3,000 D) compressor. This allows it to function in an area up to 180 square feet. Its high power capacity generates cool, luscious airflow up to 1.8 tons per hour. It can cool a room from 104 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
For cooling comfort, this model is also equipped with an integrated electronic control panel. This comes with a soft filter for clean air output, and seven installation levels for optimal comfort. You have the option to choose between high, medium, low or auto settings. This model works on 115 volts of electrical power.
2. hOmeLabs 12,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Pros:
- Strong and efficient
- Powerful and good for small and large garage spaces
- Portable and compact
- Adjustable thermostat
- Efficient and cost-effective
- Automatic power-on and power-off
- Cools up to 450 sq ft
- Three-speed adjustable fans
- Durable and lightweight
- Good for the price
Cons:
- Needs a good vent or the smell of the motor could get to you
- Sometimes the unit gets louder after a few hours
- Loud on high setting
- The water in the tank is at a dangerously low level by the time it's filled up
- Needs a lot of power to run
A portable air conditioner is an air conditioner that can easily be moved from one room into another. Most portable air conditioners can typically sustain a room that is up to 450 sq. ft. in size. Portable air conditioners are more cost efficient as they do not run as long as central units do.
One of the most beneficial things about the hOmeLabs 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner unit is the energy efficiency. The hOmeLabs unit is able to run at an incredible energy efficiency of 22.
3. Honeywell 525 CFM Indoor Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler
Pros:
- Very good air conditioning capacity, even in large spaces.
- Very good portability.
- Might just leave you in awe of its functionality.
Cons:
- Might be a little loud for you.
- Not very portable.
- Very expensive.
The Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner is one of the most popular products in this category. It supplies 525 CFM Air Conditioning power, which is more than enough for small to medium sized spaces. It can cool areas, up to 250 square feet in size.
The Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner is one of the most efficient and well rated products in this niche. It would be unfair not to mention that the Portable Air Conditioner from Honeywell is one of the highest rated and most popular products in this niche. From the customers’ point of view, the Portable Air Conditioner from Honeywell is one of the most efficient, reliable and well versed products in this niche. It uses a very high technology to provide you with the highest quality service, and that is the reason why a lot of customers return to buy this Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner over and over again. The Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner isn’t just a very good product in terms of performance, but also in terms of quality of materials used, and efficiency of operation.
4. 12k BTU 19 SEER MrCool Advantage Ductless Heat Pump Split System 3rd Generation
Pros:
- Unit immediately cools upon startup
- Oversized condenser
- Quiet operation
- Easy to install with detailed instructions
- Large handle
- Included window panels for both sides
- With the remote control, there are several functions for the user to control, including minimum and maximum temperatures, temperature differential, upflow and downflow, and dehumidify.
If you want to add a little bit of extra feel good to your day, then you might consider a mini-split AC installation. This model is known as the ‘Quietest Mini Split in America’, which gives you an idea of the noiseless operation. The unit is equipped with a very powerful 12,000 BTU evaporator and 19 SEER compressor for maximum cooling efficiency. It’s also argon gas-filled and certified by the FDA, so you wont face any health issues with your installation.
5. hOmelabs Portable Air Conditioner
Pros:
- Very easy to install
- Provides a whole-room cooling experience
- Reasonably priced
- Includes a remote control
- Area can be programmed according to the size of the room
- Extremely well-made
- Quieter than most models in its class
- Wide temperature control
- Easy to drain
- Works better than window units
Cons:
- Units are a bit on the heavier side
- It takes a bit longer to cool the room
- Warranty isn’t the best
Energy Saving Cooling at Camping, Office, Garage, RVs, Etc. Motorized Window Shutter
Air conditioning is something we all need from time to time. If you’re looking for a unit that’s both powerful and portable, then the hOmelabs portable air conditioner is just what you need!
6. Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS036G-17 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Reversible airflow design
- Available in 4-way and 24-way systems
- Works in either heating or cooling mode
- Energy star certified
Cons:
- Available only in model WYS036G-17
- Not versatile
7. Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler
Pros:
- Fully portable
- Doesn’t require electricity
- Quiet operation
- 6 speed settings
- Easy-to-carry design
- Came with remote control
- Fully enclosed
Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler, 3100 Cubic Feet per Minute, Cools 950 Square Feet is a powerful air conditioner and amongst the best portable air conditioners that you can buy. The portable features of this air conditioner helps to cool you down, no matter where you go.
This portable cooler features a four-fan, high-powered motor for an efficient cooling performance. You just have to plug-in the AC to run it and have it cools your room or office.
The amazing property of this air conditioner is that it doesn’t require electricity to operate. It is 100% portable and easy to carry. Yet, it can cool an area of 900 sq ft. This portable AC comes with a remote control too. So, you can change the AC settings on the go.
8. LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner
This is a window ac unit brings comfort to any room in your home. It’s specially designed to match the size of many standard windows in the US. It’s easy to install, with no need for extra parts. It’s also easy to operate with the 24-hour on/off timer and temperature gauge.
This unit also features an auto evaporation system, which means that it’ll shut down if your water tank runs dry. This is much safer than letting it run, and it will also help to protect the integrity of your machine.
This unit is ideal for rooms up to 250 square feet. It also has 3 speeds, so you can choose the right level of cooling for the sake of your energy bill. It’s also whisper quiet, so you can put it in your living room without disrupting your favorite TV show. It’s very compact, so you can tuck it away in a corner of your room without taking up too much space.
9. Frigidaire FFRA0811R1 8000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Mini-Compact Air Conditioner
Looking for a tiny-sized air conditioner you can store for future use? Well, you can stop your search right here. The Frigidaire FFRA0811R1 is compact, but powerful enough to cool any small-sized space.
The Frigidaire air conditioner is spill-proof and will keep you cool when temperatures are heating up. It’s also easy to install. You just need to connect it to a power source and vent to release hot air. It’s perfect for your garage, car, and works great as a temporary AC unit in your bedroom.
The air conditioner is in fact versatile enough to be used indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for cooling down your patio or seating area, too! It’s also very safe to use at home. The air conditioner will automatically shut off if it’s moved or knocked around. In addition, it won’t start unless it’s placed on a stable, flat, and level surface.
10. Zero Breeze Z19-B Portable Air Conditioner
Pros:
- Can fit tents as large as ~ 20×20
- Extremely portable – weighs only 18 pounds
- Misting feature for cooling off in summer
- Ultra-light and compact
- Powerful cooling for small spaces
- Efficient and easy to use
- Can be used in spaces as large as ~ 400 sq feet
- Uses only 12 amps (240V, 50 Hz), which is not affected by voltage fluctuation
- Packed with features
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Heavy for its size at 18 lbs, but can be made easier to carry with a cart
- Won’t work well in spaces larger than 400 sq feet
Many people want to know where they can buy a portable air conditioner that’ll fit in a tent, but few know where to look. For those of you looking for a practical, portable, and efficient air conditioner, look no further than the Zero Breeze Z19-B. The Zero Breeze maintains efficient operation at all times, regardless of the temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a portable air conditioner in my garage?
Yes, all portable air conditioners are suitable for placement inside the garage. However, you do not need to place it right next to the vehicles. You can easily install it on the wall, or even on a window you can open to increase the airflow.
Some air conditioners are designed for installation directly in the garage. Since they are not portable models, they are cheaper but are harder to install. If you want to create a more complete home environment with heating and cooling capabilities, you can install one.
What is the best portable air conditioner for a garage?
Most people assume that an air conditioner needs to be mounted on the wall in order to work properly. That’s not true. There’s no reason you can’t use a portable AC, as well. It will just work better in certain spots. In contrast, mounted air conditioners are generally more energy-efficient and work in a more uniform manner than portable air conditioners.
Portable air conditioners are convenient if you only need air conditioning in certain rooms, or if you need to cover a big space without mounting multiple units. But, to work with a portable air conditioner, you need a window older than 1981. The older AC window unit is no longer used by modern construction, since it’s less energy-efficient. That makes it easier for a portable AC to fit in.
How do you install a portable air conditioner in your garage without a window?
Before purchasing an air conditioner, you need to ensure that one is actually necessary. Check the Home Depot website to see if your city or state is listed for “extreme heat alerts.” If so, temperature and humidity guidelines suggest you get an AC installed or build an AC into the garage design.
Another factor is how many times a year you close off the garage. If you’re using it for storage and then once or twice a month to work out, you may not need an AC. If you use it as a mudroom or for crafts or gardening, it’s a good idea.
How big of an air conditioner do I need for my garage?
If you’re using your garage for storage, the answer is not very big. If you’re using it for other purposes, such as for a workshop or for hobbies, you’ll want to get a larger one. Garage air conditioners are available up to 5000 BTUs, so a person who’s using their garage for storage would be fine with one in the 1000 cubic feet range.
Conclusion
If you’re like the millions of Americans who live in a hot climate and work on vehicles in their garage, you’ll agree that getting a portable air conditioner is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you own a classic muscle car that’s being restored in your garage or a street rod that you restore on the weekend, a portable air conditioner will make working on them a whole lot more comfortable.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Cool-Space AVALANCHE-36-VD Swamp Cooler | Best Overall | |
| LG LW6017R 6,000 BTU 115V Window Air Conditioner | Budget Pick | |
| Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS036G-17 Wall Mount Ductless Inverter+ Mini Split Heat Pump | Upgrade Pick | |