When it's hot and stuffy outside, the garage can get even muggier. However, it is too expensive to install central air conditioning. At this time, you may need a portable air conditioning unit. Not only does it keep your garage cool, it also keeps you comfortable for as long as you need it. But if you don't have a lot of experience in using it in the garage, you may encounter problems such as poor ventilation. Therefore, it is very important to understand such common problems before purchasing and installing. Luckily, we have this complete guide to help you choose the best portable air conditioner for your garage and we will also help you better use it. Now, we'll take an in-depth look at what can go wrong with a portable garage air conditioner and give you the most practical advice. let's start!
How to Choose The Best Portable Air Conditioner For Your Garage
When choosing a portable air conditioner for your garage, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best:
- Cooling capacity- Determine the size of the garage and choose an air conditioner with a suitable cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). Generally speaking, you will need about 20 BTUs per square foot of space. So, be sure to measure the size of your garage first, and then calculate the BTUs needed accordingly.
- Portability- Look for portable air conditioners that are easy to move around. Consider its weight, size, and whether it has built-in casters or handles for easy mobility. This will allow you to place your device where you need it most and tuck it away when not in use.
- Noise level- Consider the noise level of the air conditioner. If it is too loud, it will have a big impact on your life and you may face complaints from neighbors. In addition, the quieter device can also be used indoors. So be sure to look for devices with lower decibel (dB) ratings or features like "quiet mode" or "sleep mode."
- Energy Efficiency- Energy-efficient models can save you money on electricity bills. Look for portable air conditioners with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating of 10 or higher, as they meet the strictest guidelines for energy efficiency can save you a lot of money.
- Features- Consider additional features that increase convenience and usability. These may include remote controls, programmable timers, adjustable fan speeds, dehumidification modes, air purifiers, or smart connectivity for remote operation via a smartphone app. Such features will bring you a lot of convenience.
The Best Portable Air Conditioner For A Garage In 2023
With our buying guides out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the highly-rated portable air conditioners that are often recommended for garage use:
Whynter ARC-14S
Known for its powerful 14,000 BTU cooling capacity, this portable air conditioner is ideal for larger garages or areas up to 500 square feet. It features a dual-hose design, one for intake and the other for exhaust, helping to improve energy efficiency. The unit also includes a carbon air filter and washable pre-filter for improved air quality. It has three operating modes: air conditioner, fan and dehumidifier. Plus, it comes with a digital display and a programmable thermostat, which makes setting and adjusting the temperature easy. There's also the included remote control for added convenience, allowing you to operate the unit from a distance.
Honeywell HL14CESWK
With its sleek design and 14,000 BTU of cooling capacity, this portable air conditioner is perfect for larger garages or spaces up to 550 square feet. Notably, it has a built-in dehumidifier that removes up to 111 pints of moisture per day, effectively controlling humidity levels. The unit offers three cooling modes, including a sleep mode that gradually adjusts the temperature for a comfortable night's sleep. It also has a digital display with touch controls and remote for easy operation. The unit also has a washable filter and a filter indicator to alert you when it needs to be cleaned.
Black+Decker BPACT14WT
With a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTUs, this portable air conditioner is ideal for medium to large garages or areas up to 350 square feet. It has three modes of operation: cooling, fan and dehumidifier. The unit has an hour programmable timer that allows you to set a specific cooling schedule. It also has a sleep mode, which means it will be virtually silent when using it in the garage.
LG LP1419IVSM
This portable air conditioner features dual-inverter technology for more precise and efficient cooling while running quietly. It has a cooling capacity of 14,000 BTU and is suitable for larger garages or spaces up to 500 square feet. The unit has a built-in dehumidifier that removes up to 3.1 pints of moisture per hour. It also offers three cooling modes, including a fan-only mode for air circulation. The unit features a digital display and touch controls, and can be controlled remotely using the included remote or via a smartphone app. It also features a programmable 24-hour on/off timer and an energy-saving sleep mode, which means you can use it for a longer time in this mode.
Common Issues With Using Portable Air Conditioners In Garages
Like we mentioned above, there are a few issues you can run into when purchasing and installing a portable air conditioner -
Garage Ventilation Concerns
Garages often have limited ventilation, which can affect the performance of a portable air conditioner. Insufficient ventilation can trap hot air in the garage, making it harder for the air conditioner to effectively cool the space, causing the air conditioner to fail and the temperature in the garage to rise. This requires you to open the windows frequently for ventilation. It is best if you can install an exhaust fan or vent to help improve air circulation and enhance cooling.
Garage Size Matters
The size of your garage is an important factor to consider when using a portable air conditioner. Larger garages require an air conditioner with a higher cooling capacity to adequately cool the space. If the air conditioner is underpowered for the size of the garage, it may struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature. For example, if your garage is large, more than 60 square meters, then it is likely that the portable air conditioner will not bring you very effective results.
Insulation
Garages are often poorly insulated compared to other living spaces, which can cause external heat transfer and affect cooling efficiency. Poor insulation allows hot air to seep in and cool air to escape, making it harder for a portable air conditioner to maintain the desired temperature. So adding insulation to your garage, such as weatherstripping or insulation boards, is a must to help reduce heat transfer and improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Accessibility To Electric Outlet
The availability of electrical outlets in a garage can sometimes be a challenge. Powering a portable air conditioner directly from the garage's electrical system can be inconvenient if the garage doesn't have an outlet available. An efficient solution in this case is to use a portable power source. It is plug and play, very convenient. But remember, since the air conditioner is a high-power electrical appliance, it is necessary to purchase a large-capacity one like 2048Wh when purchasing a charging station.
However, given the battery runtime constraints, it is important to ensure that the battery pack has sufficient capacity to support the air conditioner's electrical needs. So if you don't want to constantly charge the charging station, then you can buy an extended battery. For example, Anker 760 Extended Battery has a large capacity of 2048Wh and has a lifespan of 10 years. This battery pack can be used with the Anker PowerHouse 767 and expands the battery capacity to 4096Wh.
Wrap-Up
While a portable air conditioner for the garage has some major advantages, it will take some time to consider. Before you buy one for your garage, you need to assess your needs and consider your lifestyle. When choosing the perfect air conditioning system, make sure you always keep insulation, noise levels, energy efficiency and the size of your space in mind! Armed with all this information, we believe you are now able to make an informed decision when purchasing a portable air conditioner for your garage.
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