Garage Air Conditioning
Garages are poorly insulated and often have large metal doors, so they need more cooling capacity than an insulated room of the same size. A 12,000+ BTU unit is the usual starting point, and a split system is best if you use the garage as a workshop or gym year-round.
For a detached garage you only use in summer, a high-BTU portable vents through the wall or door and needs no installer.
What to look for
- 12,000+ BTU to overcome poor garage insulation
- Split systems suit garages used as workshops or gyms
- Portable units work for seasonal, no-install cooling
- Reverse-cycle heat pumps warm a cold garage in winter
Best units for garage air conditioning
Sealey Industrial Spot Cooler Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier & Air Cooler 12,000Btu/hr SAC12001
Belaco 12000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Samsung 12000 BTU Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
TCL 18000 BTU Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
TCL 24000 BTU Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
Toshiba RAS24 24000 BTU A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
Toshiba RAS16 16000 BTU A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
LG DualCool EZ24 Deluxe A++ 24000 BTU Smart Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump & Voice Control
electriQ iQool 24000 BTU WiFi Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump - Black
Midea Comfee 12000 BTU Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
Midea Comfee 18000 BTU Smart A++ Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
LG DualCool Pro A++ 18000 BTU Smart Wall Mounted Split Air Conditioner with Heat Pump
Garage Air Conditioning — frequently asked
Can you put air conditioning in a garage?
Yes. The main consideration is insulation and door type — a bare single-skin garage needs more BTU. A split system can be mounted on an exterior wall; a portable unit can vent through a wall kit.
How many BTU to cool a garage?
Typically 12,000–18,000 BTU for a single garage, more if it’s uninsulated or has a metal door. Use the BTU calculator and treat it as a poorly-insulated space.
Will a portable AC vent work in a garage?
Yes, using a through-the-wall vent kit rather than a window, since most garages have no window. Confirm the unit supports wall venting before buying.