Transforming your garage into a workspace can prove difficult, especially during summer. For instance, the stifling hot air inside makes the heat unbearable, even with a fan running. So how can your garage become a workspace without causing heat stroke?
One viable solution is to use a garage air conditioner. However, it’s wise to hire a professional AC repair company for correct installation.
Why use one?
First, a garage air conditioner protects your stored items, such as an old car from heat damage. Intense heat can quickly degrade these items over time. Second, with a garage air conditioner, you can use your garage as a gym, workshop, and game room as it cools the space.
However, creating an inviting atmosphere in your garage isn’t as simple as creating a window unit into a spare room. Garage air conditioners come with their set of problems and challenges.
Garage cooling challenges
1. Never use your home’s central AC
If you have an attached garage, avoid using your home’s central air conditioning unit to cool your garage. If your ducts go to your garage, any fumes from chemicals or running engines stored in your garage can spread into your house through the ductwork.
While a ductwork extension may seem like an affordable and easy fix at the time, it’s not a good idea since it violates your housing inspector’s code.
2. Volume
Cooling your garage can be difficult because it contains a large volume of air. Additionally, most garages don’t have finished ceilings, meaning your AC also has to cool air in the rafters and roof itself.
3. Lack of proper insulation
Since most garages aren’t insulated, keeping them cool can be impossible, even with the most powerful air conditioning systems. Hence, you’ll have to insulate your garage first before installing an air conditioner.
Types of garage air conditioners
Some excellent air conditioner options for your garage include:
• Window air conditioner – they’re cheap and effective and are easy to install when you have windows. If you don’t, unfinished walls make installation painless.
• Exhaust fan – this sucks out hot air from your garage, letting cool air inside.
• Portable air conditioner – although it’s less efficient and less effective, it’s an excellent option for a garage with no other way of being cooled.
• Ductless “mini-split” air conditioner – these are ideal garage air conditioners as they’re versatile and highly effective. But they’re slightly expensive.
Indoor air pollution in your garage
Garage spaces are prone to intense and dangerous air pollutants due to all the items stored in them. From old cars and pesticides to paints and chemicals, your garage can harbor harmful air pollutants, making it unlivable.
Luckily, you can improve the ventilation in your garage using an exhaust fan or a mechanical filter. You can also add a purifier into the mix to keep your garage air fresh and clean throughout the day. However, replace your filters often as the large concentrations of pollutants in your garage can strain your air purifier.
While using garage air conditioners can be challenging; with these steps, you can keep the air inside cool and clean.