Perhaps you like to use your garage as a workshop, or as a place to store temperature-sensitive items? Whatever your reason for needing a cooling system for your garage, it is important to choose the right one. Garages are prone to overheating, so you need the right kind of air conditioner to combat the heat. We Care Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning helps many customers make this important decision.
Many of our customers choose to use either a portable AC or a mini-split system to cool their garage. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Portable Air Conditioners for Garages
The key advantage of a portable air conditioner is that you can start using it to cool your garage right away. There is no complicated installation process. However, it is important to have somewhere to vent the unit. You can use a window if your garage has one. If it does not, then you need to make a hole in the wall to provide a vent for the air conditioner.
Portable air conditioners can rapidly bring down the temperature in a garage. They are ideal for situations in which you need only a modest amount of cooling. However, if your garage gets extremely hot, then a portable air conditioner might not keep up. The unit could burn out relatively quickly, leaving you out of pocket and without a good solution to your overheated garage.
Portable air conditioners are often free-standing. You can place them anywhere you like in your garage, as long as you can vent the unit to the outside. You can even move the unit around so it doesn’t get in the way of your work. During the cooler season, you can remove the portable air conditioner to keep it secure and give you more space in the garage.
If you don’t want to spend too much money, then a portable air conditioner could be a good solution for now. However, if you plan to work hard in your garage every day in summer, then it might be time to look for a more permanent option. Plus, portable air conditioners tend to not last for very long and are not all that energy efficient.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mini-Split Systems for Garages
A mini-split system combines an indoor and an outdoor unit, which work together to cool the interior space. The indoor unit is typically mounted high on the wall, giving you plenty of space to use your garage for whatever you like. The outdoor unit is compact. It houses the compressor, which is the part of the unit that cools the air.
If your garage is especially large, then you might like to choose a system that has multiple indoor units for better cooling. Each unit is compact and easy to maintain.
The main disadvantage of a mini-split air conditioner is the cost. The units can be relatively expensive to purchase, compared to portable air conditioners. The installation cost is also a factor, as a mini-split must be installed by a certified professional. The installation requires making a hole in the wall to connect the outdoor and indoor units. However, installation is simplified by the fact that there is no need to install ducts. A power line and refrigerant line pass through the hole, while a condensate drain removes wastewater.
Although upfront costs are high, mini-splits have the potential to allow you to save money over time. They are highly efficient, which means that they use less energy than a portable air conditioner. Over time, the energy savings could add up to offset the initial cost.
If you plan to use your garage a lot during the summer, then installing a mini-split could be worthwhile. It’s a great option for making your garage as cool and comfortable as possible, and what we recommend as an energy efficient, permanent solution!
Reliability, Efficiency, and Dependability
Ductless mini-splits are highly reliable. If you are looking for a low-maintenance option that should rarely need repairs, they’re a good choice. You can expect to get many years of service from a garage mini-split, which could make it worth the initial cost. With incredibly high energy efficiency, these systems are also great on your wallet. They’re eco-friendly, too!
Don’t forget that installing a mini-split is an investment in your home. If you plan to sell your home, then a garage mini-split could be an attractive feature to many buyers. You might be able to recoup some of the installation cost through a higher sale price.
How to Make the Most of Your Garage Air Conditioner
To minimize energy usage and maximize cooling, you can install insulation. Insulating the garage door and walls reduces heat transfer between inside and outside. As a result, the cooled air inside your garage stays cool. Your air conditioning system uses less energy trying to keep the garage at the desired temperature. Overall, the space will be cooler and your energy bills less high.
Perhaps the most important tip is to choose the right air conditioner for your garage. We strongly believe that mini-splits are the best option for dependable, effective cooling in your home. Of course, there are plenty of factors to consider. We Care Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you to select the perfect air conditioner for your garage.
Your Local Air Conditioning Experts
We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air provides air conditioning installation in Southern California for garages and homes. Founded more than 20 years ago, our company sticks to its slogan of “We Care To Go the Extra Mile.” With highly trained technicians and a commitment to first-class service, we aim to make all our customers happy. We support a range of fantastic organizations, including Michelle’s Place, Big Brothers, and Big Sisters. We have an A+ rating with the BBB as well as EPA certification. We’ve even been awarded ACCA Contractor of the Year.
Contact We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air when you need a NATE-certified technician to handle your garage air conditioning installation. We are a Mitsubishi Electric Preferred Diamond Contractor and a Lennox Premier Dealer. No matter how big or small your garage, we are sure to find the perfect air conditioner to suit it. With NCI certification, we’re the only company you need to help with your home cooling needs. Whether you are in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, or Riverside County, we are ready to help. Please call our office in Orange, Murrieta, or Temecula to speak to a member of our team today.
Mini-split systems are ideal for cooling a garage! Call We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air today to find out more!
