Is a Window AC or Ductless AC Better for Your Garage?

If you have a garage that needs to be cooled you’ve got two main options: a window air conditioning unit or a ductless mini-split air conditioner. Both have their pros and cons.

Advantages of window air conditioner units

A window air conditioner sits in your window, pulls air in from the exterior, cools it, and blows it inside. The main advantages of this option is that they’re relatively affordable and they’re easy enough to install without hiring a professional.

The disadvantages of window air conditioner units

Most people agree that window air conditioner units are not particularly attractive to look at and they can be incredibly noisy. To get the right level of cooling, you need them close to the area you want cooled but the noise can make that unbearable. They also block light from coming in through your windows and they only cool a single room. They generally don’t work particularly well in large rooms so if your garage is more than a two-stall unit, this may not be a good choice.

Advantages of a ductless mini-split system

Ductless mini-split air conditioners work similarly to a central AC unit but without the necessary ductwork. Essentially, you have a compressor outside that attaches to an indoor compressor through a three-inch-wide tube. They are very small, unobtrusive, do not need to be installed in windows, and are virtually silent. They can cool a single room or they can cool several rooms. You can certainly get a set-up that handles a huge garage very easily.

They’re also good at booth heating and cooling, which makes them great for temperate climates, and they’re much more energy efficient than either portable air conditioners or central AC. They last much longer than a window AC and they generally come with excellent warranties too. AC-World offers a wide range of options so you can find exactly what works for you.

Disadvantages of ductless mini-split system

The main disadvantage is that most mini-split ductless systems are more expensive than window air conditioners. However, the savings in utilities and the fact that they last for many more years makes them a better overall value. They also require professional installation to run the lines between the units but this is a one-time expense.

The right choice for you depends largely on the amount of space you want to cool, whether you want to heat it as well, and how long you want it to be cooled. If you’re looking to just cool off your garage for a few days a year then a window unit may be an okay choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best value, a power horse that can handle both heat and cold, and an energy efficient option, than you need to work with AC-World.