Tips For And Benefits Of Garage Air Conditioning

18 April 2023
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Your circumstances determine whether you need to cool your garage. The circumstances also determine the best cooling system to deploy, which might or might not be an air conditioner (AC). The general advice for AC installation and use, including correct sizing, applies to garage ACs. However, the following tips are critical for garage AC choice and installation. 

Don't Tap Into the Central AC

On paper, the easiest way to cool the garage is to extend the main dwelling AC into the garage. However, the reality is different, and the arrangement is bad for your AC and house. This idea is unwise because the lack of return air from the garage to the main house can create a pressure imbalance between the two parts of your home. The arrangement might trigger a negative air pressure in the main house and force unfiltered air into the house. In addition, if you connect your garage and home through the AC ducts, dangerous fumes from the garage, such as those from the car's exhaust system, might infiltrate your house. Finally, an AC you designed for the main house might not have enough cooling capacity to serve the garage as well. Improper sizing can trigger inefficient cooling, accelerated AC wear and tear, and energy inefficiency.

Get a dedicated AC for the garage. The common options include ductless systems, window ACs, and portable units. Your garage size, budget, and desired cooling efficiency determine the best option.

Carefully Consider Placement

AC placement significantly affects its cooling efficiency and energy draw. For example, an AC near a heat source experiences reduced efficiency since the heat causes it to overwork. Placement is a major challenge in the garage since some of the best placement areas might be inconvenient. For example, placing an AC in the middle of the garage is impractical, even if the placement provides the most efficient cooling. Work with a contractor to help you choose the best placement for the AC, depending on your garage's design and size.

Insulate the Garage 

Insulation improves cooling and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, many people don't design their garages with cooling efficiency in mind. Insulate various parts of the garage to improve the AC's efficiency. For example, insulate the doors, ceiling, and walls. Avoid glass doors or large windows, especially if they face the sun. Alternatively, cover up the windows with blinds.

All AC systems require professional sizing and installation by an experienced contractor. Contact a contractor to assess your garage and install your chosen system. After installation, use the system as advised and ensure regular maintenance to maintain its efficiency and durability.

Contact a local air conditioning service to learn more.