The 8 Best Garage Air Conditioners | Reviews + Guide

While it is not as lived in as the other rooms of your house, a garage (residential) surely has its uses.

Besides storing your car, it can be used for different other activities. But whatever you intend to use it for, it is important to keep the garage cool, dry, and clean. This is where garage air conditioners come into the picture.

Now, the real question is - what is the best garage air conditioner? That’s what this review-based guide seeks to answer. So, if you want to learn about some of the top garage ACs available today, jump in!

Listed below are the Best Garage Air Conditioners:

• Senville LETO: The Senville LETO Air Conditioner is ideal for large garages with 24,000 BTU capacity and compatibility with Alexa. The issue includes unstable Wi-fi connectivity.
• Pioneer Diamante: The Pioneer Diamante Air Conditioner is known for easy installation and energy-saving ECO mode, it falls short in cooling larger garages with its 12,000 BTU capacity.
• Whynter ARC-14S: Whynter ARC-14S Air Conditioner specializes in quick cooling and high dehumidification, but it lacks a heating function.
• Cooper & Hunter Mia: Cooper & Hunter Mia Air Conditioner delivers powerful cooling and easy maintenance, but installation requires professional assistance.
• Olmo Alpic: The Olmo Alpic Air Conditioner is versatile with cooling, heating, dehumidification, and defrosting features, yet can be notably noisy during operation.

1. Senville LETO Air Conditioner - Best For Large Garages

When it comes to air conditioning solutions, Senville is a reliable brand. Its focus on quality is behind the popularity of the LETO series of air conditioners. In fact, this particular option is the best mini split air conditioner that you can get for a large residential or commercial garage.

This two-ton mini-split AC comes with a powerful cooling unit that has a rating of 24,000 BTU. Despite that, it is highly energy efficient and can save almost 40% more energy compared to other air conditioner systems. 

Moreover, the AC unit has been designed to be attractive and has a very silent operation. Because of these aspects, you can use it in any room of your house apart from the garage. And it is durable too, which keeps it protected from damage and improves its lifespan.

Another notable feature of this particular option is its 4-in-1 functionality. In addition to the air conditioning system, it comes with a heat pump, dehumidifier, and fan with a turbo function. So, it is fully equipped to take care of any air-quality issues in your garage. 

Besides, the unit is compatible with Alexa, which makes it highly convenient to use. You can make use of digital and voice control systems to operate it from anywhere in your home. However, the wi-fi connectivity of the unit is a bit erratic at times, especially when you are in another room. But it shouldn’t be an issue if you are close enough.

2. Pioneer Diamante Air Conditioner - Best Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

Pioneer is another renowned brand in the domain of air conditioning and similar HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The Pioneer mini-split ACs are particularly popular due to their high efficiency and robust performance. That’s why I have included the Pioneer Diamante air conditioner on my list, which is possibly one of the best ductless mini-split ACs that you can get today.

The ductless design of the indoor unit makes it easy to install. Conversely, the outdoor unit is made from durable galvanized metal and coated with epoxy paint. Moreover, it comes with automatic double-swing air louvers and permanent washable air filters, which help to improve user convenience.

Speaking of convenience, I noticed this model features an attractive front panel LED display with dimmable light intensity. It works well with the wireless LCD remote, which allows you to control the different functions of the unit conveniently. You can swap between heating, cooling, ventilation (architecture), and dehumidification functions, giving you full control over the air quality of your garage.

The appliance comes with a DC inverter compressor with a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized spaces. It is not that effective for larger rooms and garages, though, which is a drawback of this particular option.

Furthermore, I noticed that it comes with a unique ECO mode that optimizes energy usage without compromising cooling efficiency. So, if you use it in this mode, you can keep your monthly electricity bills in check.

3. Whynter ARC-14S Air Conditioner - Best Portable Air Conditioner

Whynter is a brand that specializes in manufacturing compact but powerful air conditioning systems. Because of this reason, the ARC-14S is widely regarded as one of the best portable air conditioners for indoor spaces. It is a dual-hose air conditioning unit that offers sufficient cooling for small to medium-sized garages.

The dual hose system offers quick and effective cooling, which gives it an edge over other similar options available today. This portable AC unit has a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU, which effectively covers an area of 500 square feet. It recycles the moisture collected from the air and uses it for the cooling process, which improves its functional efficiency.

Aside from that, the unit comes with a fan and dehumidifier, which gives it a fair bit of versatility. There are three fan speeds available, and the dehumidifier can remove almost 71 pints of moisture from the air every day. Here, I noticed that it comes with an auto drain feature, which eliminates the need to drain the wastewater manually, improving convenience.

However, there is no heating functionality in this portable air conditioner, which makes it unsuitable for use in cold climates. But if you live in warm regions, that won’t be much of an issue. Apart from that, the machine comes with a remote control that makes it convenient to use.

The ARC-14S uses a CFC-free green R-32 refrigerant, which makes it environmentally friendly. To further improve on this aspect, Whynter has used lead-free, RoHS-compliant components for this product.

4. Cooper & Hunter Mia Air Conditioner - Best Efficiency

For this review, I bring you the Mia air conditioner from Cooper & Hunter. It is known for its energy-efficient cooling solutions, and the Mia series is the most popular single-zone air conditioner sold by the brand.

This one-ton air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU, which makes it a great choice for garages, living areas, or other light commercial buildings. However, I found that despite being a ductless AC, it has a relatively complex installation process that can only be done by a professional.

When it comes to functionality, this option meets all of the expectations. The AC uses inverter technology for powerful cooling and highly efficient energy use. Similarly, the heating functionality works at temperatures as low as five degrees Fahrenheit, which keeps your garage adequately warm during the winter months.

The fan comes with multiple speed settings, which improves the versatility of this option. There is also a turbo function which improves the ventilation provided by this unit. Despite that, it has a pretty silent operation to reduce disturbance.

Another thing I noticed about this air conditioner is its self-cleaning function, which makes it easy to maintain. Likewise, the activated carbon filters ensure you get clean and hygienic air inside the garage.

The AC unit is wi-fi ready, which makes it compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Nest. But you will need to purchase an additional USB adapter for this purpose, which can be a mild inconvenience for users.

5. Olmo Alpic Air Conditioner - Best Versatility

Olmo is a relatively lesser-known brand that manufactures HVAC equipment. It specializes in combining new-age technologies in conventional HVAC systems to improve their usefulness. The Alpic air conditioner is one such example, which is why I have included it on my list.

This ductless, mini-split air conditioner has a heating capacity of 9,000 BTU, which makes it a perfect choice for small garages. That said, I found its cooling power to be suitable enough for medium-sized rooms too. Besides cooling, the unit provides heating, dehumidification, and defrosting functions, which improve its overall versatility.

The air conditioner comes with intelligent defrosting and pre-heating features, which help to improve user convenience. It also has a self-diagnosis feature, which makes it easier to maintain. There are other convenient features as well, such as the inclusion of an LED display panel and remote, auto-restart functionality, turbo mode, sleep mode timer, and others.

Its compressor utilizes a power inverter to provide energy-efficient cooling and heating. The energy usage for this model is roughly 25% to 50% less than other electric zonal HVAC systems. Its heat pump is equipped to provide adequate heating and cooling under most temperature conditions - hot or cold.

Another notable aspect of this air conditioner is the outdoor condenser, which has a unique GoldFin coating to protect it from corrosion. Furthermore, it comes with a two-way drainage connection on either side, which makes for a flexible installation. However, I noticed that this unit is comparatively noisier than other air conditioners, which can be annoying for many users.

6. Midea Portable Air Conditioner - Best For Small Spaces

Midea is a globally renowned brand that manufactures a wide range of electrical home appliances, ranging from lighting to refrigeration solutions. It has considerable expertise in the domain of manufacturing HVAC systems like air conditioners. In that context, the Midea Portable air conditioner is one of the most popular products of this brand.

This particular option comes with a highly compact design that makes it perfect for small spaces. You can easily set it up in the corner of your garage, and you will still have ample floor space for keeping other things. 

The installation is pretty straightforward too, and you can easily do it yourself without any professional help. On that note, it comes with a window kit that allows you to install it on your garage window. Thanks to that, it can be effectively used as a window air conditioner as well.

This portable air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 8,000 BTU and can cool an area of 150 square feet. If you have a small room or garage, this won’t be much of a problem. But if you have a medium or large garage, you will find this option to be highly inadequate.

You also get a dehumidifier and a fan with this model, which should take care of the air quality in your garage. However, I found that the lack of a heating function reduces its usability when the weather is cold. Nevertheless, it has a very silent operation, which gives you a peaceful ambiance. And it is easy to use and maintain, which further improves user convenience.

7. ApooDr Mini Split Air Conditioner - Best For Silent Operation

Here, I have reviewed the ApooDr Mini-Split air conditioner, which is a frequently overlooked option for a garage AC. This ductless option comes with a powerful and efficient inverter system and offers five different operational modes for increased versatility.

The cooling capacity of this particular option is 12,000 BTU, and it can easily cool up to 550 square feet of space. Thus, it can be used for small and medium garages. Aside from cooling, you get heating and dehumidification modes with this model. There is also a fan with a turbo function that provides quick and efficient air circulation.

For enhanced user convenience, the AC comes with an auto mode. You can easily switch between these five modes with the LCD backlit remote. Furthermore, I noticed that it has a silent operation, which makes it great for other living areas besides your garage. 

This AC unit uses a tube that has a large number of groove teeth. That, in turn, increases the heat transfer area, which ultimately improves the cooling efficiency. What’s more, the heat exchangers have a golden fin coating that prevents corrosion and keeps microbes away.

The packaging includes an installation kit for convenience. However, I noticed that the installation instructions in the manual are a bit hard to follow. So, if you have limited DIY experience, you might find it challenging to set up. With that being said, the unit is easy to maintain, thanks to the washable air filter.

8. Daikin Mini Split Air Conditioner - Best Warranty Coverage

Daikin is another globally renowned brand that makes high-quality air conditioning solutions. The Daikin Mini-Split air conditioner is a product that has a great energy efficiency rating for its class. It has a cooling capacity of 9,000 BTU and a SEER efficiency rating of 19. Due to this reason, it is a great choice for those who are looking to cut down on their monthly energy bills.

The unit has a coverage area of 350 square feet, which makes it ideal for small and medium-sized garages. It uses smart inverter technology along with a variable-speed compressor for optimal cooling and heating within a single room. And thanks to the turbo mode, it can reach the desired temperature within minutes.

To enhance user comfort, the AC comes with a wide-angle louver that dissipates cool or hot air over a large area. There is an auto-swing function that not only eliminates the need to control the airflow manually but also distributes the air uniformly inside the room.

While in use, I noticed that the indoor unit generates very little noise, making it great for your bedroom or living room as well. Conversely, the outdoor unit generates only 51 dB (decibel) of noise, which makes it a lot more silent than other models.

Additionally, the product comes with a lengthy 10-year warranty on the parts, along with free technical support. With that being said, you will need professional support to install the unit because it is a fairly complicated process for a DIYer.

What Are the Best Garage Air Conditioners?

The quest for the best garage air conditioners necessitates a comparative analysis of various air conditioning units' critical features and performance characteristics. This article presents a comprehensive comparison table of several top-rated garage air conditioners, particularly focusing on their Type, Capacity (measured in British Thermal Units, or BTU), Voltage (measured in Volts, or V), Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating, Noise Level (measured in decibels, or dB), and Coverage Area (measured in square feet, or sq. ft).

Buying Guide For The Best Garage Air Conditioner

A. Type

This is the most important aspect to consider when looking for a good garage AC. There are several types of air conditioning units available today, and I have discussed each of them briefly in this section.

1. Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

The ductless mini-split AC consists of an indoor unit pumping warm or cool air inside the room and an outdoor condenser unit that contains the compressor. A supply line circulates refrigerant from the outdoor to the indoor unit, while an exhaust line drains the excess water generated from condensation out of the garage. 

In a central heating and cooling system, you have ducts that need to be placed according to the room size. A ductless mini-split AC needs no such considerations, which makes them a lot more convenient by comparison. And on top of that, they have good heating and cooling efficiency. However, mini-split air conditioners are generally quite expensive, which deters most users from buying them.

2. Portable Air Conditioner

A portable AC is a compact unit to heat and cool your garage. Unlike a ductless mini-split AC, a portable unit can be easily transported between different rooms, and does not need to be mounted on the window, wall or the ceiling which increases its versatility. Besides, most portable air conditioners have a fairly reasonable cost, which makes them a decent choice for your garage.

However, their smaller size means that they have limited cooling capacities. Moreover, they need to be placed on the floor, which can eat up some of your garage space, no matter how small. Thus, you may have difficulty storing your car or other things in the garage. Not only that, but it also increases the risk of being bumped into, which can damage the unit.

3. Window Air Conditioner

As you can guess from the name, such an AC unit needs to be installed on the garage window. The window unit contains the compressor, refrigerant, fan, and thermostat in a single compact package. On that note, window air conditioners are quite affordable, which offers excellent value for your money.

However, you will need wide garage windows to set them up, or else the installation process will become a lot more complicated. And if you have a windowless garage, you will not be able to install a window AC at all.

4. Evaporative Cooler

This is another viable type of air conditioner that you can use in your garage. Evaporative coolers reduce the temperature inside a room through the process of evaporation. In addition to being affordable, they are extremely energy efficient, which makes them a great investment. Besides, they can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing dust and allergens from the air.

On the flip side, they are not as versatile as conventional air conditioners. They do not work well in humid environments either, which is due to the presence of excess moisture that interferes with the evaporation process.

B. Size Or Cooling Capacity

If you want the air conditioner to heat or cool your garage effectively, you will need to consider its cooling capacity, which is typically measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit). It is also referred to as the size because the dimensions of your room (such as the length, width, and height) play an important role here. 

For instance, if you have a large garage, you will need an AC that has a high BTU output. If you don’t, your garage air will not be adequately conditioned. On top of that, the machine will become overloaded, which will reduce its lifespan.

C. Energy Efficiency

Running your AC requires energy because it is an electrical appliance, after all. And if you require a lot of heating or cooling, your AC’s energy usage will naturally be higher. In this regard, it won’t be very feasible if you have to spend a sizable amount of money on your monthly energy bills. That is why you need to consider the energy efficiency of your garage AC unit. 

To achieve that goal, you need to check the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating or Energy Star rating. An AC with a high SEER rating consumes little energy to heat or cool your garage. This, in turn, reduces your monthly energy spending, which will benefit you in the long run. On a side note, it will reduce your carbon footprint and improve environmental sustainability.

D. Additional Features

If you want the best value for your money, you should try to get an option that comes with different extra features. For example, if an AC has wi-fi connectivity, you can control the app via your smartphone, which will improve convenience. Likewise, if it is compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest (smart speakers), it will be even easier to use.

Some air conditioners use air quality monitors to eliminate dust, allergens, and harmful gasses (such as carbon monoxide) from the air. They also prevent the growth of mold and mildew, giving you a clean and fresh air supply. This is even more beneficial for a garage since most garages have comparatively poor air quality compared to the rest of the house.

Similarly, if your AC comes with maintenance features like washable filters and automatic drainage, you will be able to keep it in top shape for a long time.

Is getting an air conditioner for your garage worth it?

Yes, it is absolutely worth it to use an air conditioning system inside your garage. In fact, it is strongly recommended by experts that you do so, given that the garage tends to get hot more quickly than the rest of your home.

And if you live in a region with a humid climate, the high moisture levels in the air will make it even more uncomfortable inside your garage. But with an AC, you can keep the temperature and humidity levels in check.

Can you use a central air conditioner inside the garage?

Using a central air conditioning system inside your garage is not safe, which is why I would strongly advise against that. A central AC uses a system of return air vents to circulate air throughout your home.

If you put these air vents inside your garage, they can suck in exhaust fumes from the vehicles that you keep here. These fumes will then be circulated throughout the house, which can be potentially dangerous for the inhabitants.

How to increase the efficiency of a garage air conditioner?

Increasing the insulation of your garage is the best way to improve the efficiency of your garage AC. The greater the insulation you provide, the more efficient your system will be. For this purpose, you need to insulate the garage doors, windows, and walls against ambient heat.

Use heat-resistant paint to keep the walls and doors cool. Likewise, install shades over the exterior walls and windows of the garage so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Subsequently, seal all the cracks or gaps in the windows and doors.

How to vent your garage air conditioner?

If you have a portable air conditioning unit, then the best way to vent it is through the garage window. Pass the exhaust pipe through the window opening during installation, which will take care of the venting needs. However, if your garage lacks windows, then you will have to cut a hole in the walls or under the garage door for the venting pipes.

In the case of a window or a mini-split AC, you won’t need to vent them manually, as they come with built-in exhaust channels.

How often do you need to maintain your garage AC?

Since this room tends to get dirty quickly, you will need to maintain your garage AC at frequent intervals. Ideally, I would suggest that you clean your AC at least once every six months. However, you can pick a schedule that suits your usage habits better.

Of course, the above routine should be followed for the internal components, such as the filters, fans, water trays, and so on. I would suggest that you keep a hand duster near your AC at all times. With it, you can clean the external surface of the machine at least once daily.

Many people use the garage as a workshop for their do-it-yourself projects, while others use it for music practice or as a garage gym. In any case, its versatility makes it an important part of your house.

That is why you shouldn’t ignore the air conditioning in your garage. And I hope that with this guide, you can purchase the best garage AC to eliminate air pollution and humidity, and make this room comfortable enough for your needs.

Before I wrap it up, though, I would like to mention my personal favorites from the list. The Senville LETO is a great pick for those who have large garages. Besides, I found its smart features to be highly convenient.

Apart from that, there’s the Pioneer Diamante, which is the best ductless mini-split AC, thanks to its efficiency and cooling performance. Or you could go with the Whynter ARC-14S, which is the best portable air conditioning option.