It is not easy to maintain a garage cool, particularly during the hot season. A portable air conditioner is an easy way out without any permanent installation. We have compared the top portable air conditioners to use in garages below, such as single-hose, dual-hose, and evaporative coolers, high-powered high-BTU models, low-cost compact models, and energy-saving models. These picks will be appropriate to the American users since they fit in different garage sizes and requirements. This is a brief description of our best picks:
| Portable AC Unit | Type & Cooling | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Midea 14,000 BTU Inverter Portable AC | Dual-hose; ~12,000 BTU (SACC), 550 sq.ft. | Ultra-quiet inverter; Exceptional energy efficiency; Smart controls |
| Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose AC | Dual-hose; 14,000 BTU (9,500 SACC), 500 sq.ft. | High power cooling; Includes carbon filter; Proven reliable |
| Black+Decker 14,000 BTU Portable AC | Single-hose; 10,000 BTU (DOE), 350–700 sq.ft. | Large coverage; Simple setup; Popular budget pick |
| Dreo 12,000 BTU Smart Portable AC | Single-hose; 12,000 BTU (ASHRAE), 350 sq.ft. | 46 dB quiet operation; Wi-Fi & voice control; Drainage-free design |
| SereneLife 10,000 BTU Portable AC | Single-hose; 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE), 300 sq.ft. | Compact & lightweight; Easy to move; Great value |
| Hessaire 3,100 CFM Evaporative Cooler | Evaporative; 3,100 CFM, 950 sq.ft. | No exhaust hose; Low energy use; Ideal for dry climates |
#1 Midea 14,000 BTU Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
The portable air conditioner of Midea has an inverter that provides strong cooling and significant efficiency in a slim black design.
Midea Duo 14,000 BTU portable AC is unique in its high efficiency inverter compressor and dual-hose hose-in-hose design. It has a 12,000 BTU SACC (seasonally adjusted cooling capacity) which is capable of cooling a space of approximately 550 sq. ft. which is suitable to be used in a large garage or workshop. The inverter technology allows this unit to vary its cooling level at all times, hence it uses less energy (up to 40 percent less than conventional models) and is very quiet (noise levels can go as low as 52 dB on low) . People rave about how whisper-quiet it is so that it is not hard to work in the garage without a loud compressor turning on and off.
This model of Midea is equipped with a dual-hose system (industry-first hose-in-hose design) where one hose is used to bring in air and the other to exhaust it, so the unit will not draw hot air into the garage as is the case with single-hose ACs. The outcome is a better and balanced cooling with reduced negative pressure within the space. It has 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) of cooling capacity (approximately 12,000 BTU DOE) and it has no problem cooling a two-car garage or other space of the same size, even when the garage is not well insulated.
It is easy to install: the Midea Duo includes a window slider kit which fits the majority of standard windows, and its smart hose design is smaller than the conventional dual-hoses. Weighing approximately 77 lbs it comes with casters and handles to roll it into place. It also provides the latest amenities such as Wi-Fi connection and voice control (compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant) to monitor and change remotely. It is convenient to adjust to a preferred temperature (it has an inbuilt thermostat) using the digital control panel and the remote that comes with it. Moreover, the unit may be used as a dehumidifier, i.e. to eliminate excessive humidity in the garage, or in fan-only mode to provide basic ventilation.
Why it works so well in garages: The Midea has both the efficient dual-hose cooling and an inverter compressor, which makes it cool your garage more quickly and more cost-effectively than most portables . It is a great option in case you are going to work long hours in your workshop and you want to reduce the consumption of electricity and noise. Although it is more expensive than the basic models, its energy savings and high cooling performance justify its use in case of heavy usage of the garage. All in all, the Midea Duo is an excellent choice that offers silent, high-performance cooling in a compact and easy-to-use form that is ideally suited to garages where the noise and efficiency are important.
#2 Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The Whynter 14,000 BTU dual-hose portable AC is a tested beast, and it is perfect to use in large garages due to its powerful cooling and an in-built carbon air filter.
The Whynter 14,000 BTU Dual-Hose Portable AC (ARC-14S) is a long time favorite to those who require the most cooling power possible in a garage of up to ~500 sq. ft. . This traditional two-hose model is a powerhouse when it comes to blowing cold air, as it was named the best portable power in garage AC tests because it can quickly cool down a room . The Whynter has 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity (about 9,500 BTU SACC), which makes it outstanding at cooling larger or uninsulated areas such as two-car garages, where smaller units may not be able to keep pace.
Its dual-hose system pulls the outside air to cool the compressor, and then releases the hot air outside, thus it does not generate negative pressure and does not suck warm air through open doors. The effect is more efficient and quicker cooling of the garage particularly during very hot weather. Practically, users report that the Whynter is able to reduce garage temps by 10+ F in less than an hour, even when it is scorching hot outside. It has a variable thermostat (61°F to 89°F) so that it can be set and forgotten, and it will turn on and off to keep the desired temperature. It is not the silent one when running full blast (about 56 dB on cooling mode) but the sound is a deep hum that can be likened to a fan and most people are okay with it in a workshop.
The Whynter ARC-14S was designed to work in a workshop setting and has a washable pre-filter and an activated carbon filter to assist in the absorption of odors and fumes . It is an excellent addition in case you are using paint, solvents, or car exhaust in your garage because the unit will filter some VOCs and clean the air as it cools. It also provides a dehumidify setting (up to 71 pints/day) to dehumidify sweaty garages, and a fan only setting to circulate air. It has a simple control panel that has an LCD display and a full-function remote.
The Whynter weighs in at about 80 lbs (it even has a protective storage bag). Luckily, it is mobile with side handles and rolling casters. Installation involves opening up the two hoses to a window or a wall hole; Whynter has a window kit that can be adapted to suit a slider window or a double-hung window. The hoses are 5 feet long and this gives them some flexibility in the garage. Simply ensure that the two hoses are fitted on – this is a dual-hose model and hence will perform best with two hoses.
Why it works in garages: The Whynter provides dependable high-BTU cooling that is perfect in garages that often become extremely hot or in the hands of users who need to cool down quickly (e.g. when the garage is being used as a home gym or workshop). It is slightly less energy-efficient than more modern inverter units (it consumes about 1250W), but its unadulterated cooling capacity is excellent . The Whynter ARC-14S is a good option in case you can live with a moderate fan noise and need a portable AC that can withstand harsh conditions of the garage. The fact that it has an added carbon filter is an added advantage to ensure that you have a better air quality as you work. All in all, this is a unit of pure cooling muscle and durability, a real workhorse of big garages.
#3 Black+Decker 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The well-known Black+Decker portable AC is simple, efficient cooling (and heating on some models) of a garage or workshop up to approximately 500 sq. ft., and easy-roll style and controls.
The Black+Decker 14,000 BTU Portable AC is one of the most popular, inexpensive options that provide reliable cooling in medium-sized garages. This one-hose model is 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) or about 7,700 BTU DOE cooling capacity and Black+Decker markets it to areas up to 700 sq. ft. (though in practice, it works best in garages of about 300 to 500 sq. ft.) . It is a combined unit that does not only cool, but also serves as a fan and dehumidifier and some models (BPACT14HWT) have a heat mode to be used all year round.
The ease of use is one of the largest benefits of this B+D model. The installation is simple enough, only vent the one exhaust hose out a window or door. The window kit provided is horizontally or vertically fitting and the installation is also simple and takes a few minutes. It is approximately 28-30 inches high and compact in nature, so it can be placed against a wall of a garage and not occupying much floor space. It can be rolled around easily due to side handles and caster wheels, and it weighs ~68 lbs, which is light compared to dual-hose units.
This portable AC blows a continuous cool air through its top vent. According to the users of a standard 2-car garage, it is able to cool the garage down to a tolerable mid-70s in the high 80s, with time, which is not as quick as a dual-hose model, but adequate to do some garage work or exercise. It has three fan speeds and 24-hour timer that allow you to adjust the operation to find the balance between the noise and cooling. At the lowest, noise is approximately 51 dB (a background hum) and at high, it is more like 55-57 dB. It is not whisper quiet, but about the same as a box fan, most people will be okay with it in a garage setting.
The unit (and the remote that comes with it) has electronic controls that enable you to set a desired temperature. The Black+Decker will turn the compressor on and off to keep that temp. A thing to remember: being a single-hose AC, it will blow out the hot air but may produce a bit of negative pressure, drawing some warm air inside the garage through the outside. In garages that are not well sealed this is normally not a large concern (at least leave another window cracked to provide makeup air).
It is easy to maintain: there is a self-evaporative condensate system in cooling mode (so you do not have to drain water too often). A drain port is provided to drain off accumulated water in case it is operated at very humid conditions or in dehumidify mode. The filter is washable in order to maintain the unit in a running condition.
Why it is so good in garages: The Black+Decker 14k is a no-frills, efficient cooler, at a decent price. It would be ideal to someone who wants to cool their garage when they need to do some DIYs, tinker, or exercise, but does not want to spend money on a high-end model. You have the freedom of a portable AC that can be moved or stored away in case it is not in use. It might not be as efficient as inverter models or as fast as dual-hose ones, but it is a sure method of supplying a garage with comfort during summer. To most users, the cooling power, ease of installation and the price are the factors that make this Black+Decker a favorite and a best-seller on Amazon in its category.
#4 Dreo 12,000 BTU Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner
The 12,000 BTU smart portable AC by Dreo has an inverter technology that makes it quiet and steady. It is a slim single-hose device powered by Wi-Fi to be controlled by an app or voice.
The Dreo TwinCool 12,000 BTU Smart Portable AC is a new model that focuses on the quietness of operation and smart features. It is a one-hose portable air conditioner with a rating of approximately 250-350 sq. ft. (suitable to a one-car garage or a small workshop). The Dreo is special in that it has TwinCool inverter technology and dual fan motors that enable it to cool effectively and maintain noise levels as low as 42-46 dB on the lowest setting, which is impressively low on any AC. In actual garage tests this unit was capable of reducing the temperature of 80 degrees F to 70 degrees F in 45 minutes, even on a 98 degrees F hot day outside.
Although the Dreo has only one exhaust hose, the superior design of the product replicates some of the advantages of the dual-hose, as it optimizes the airflow. It has a drainage-free cooling (works normally) which means it is efficient in evaporating condensate and you will hardly have to empty water (perfect in humid regions). It has a potent air throw of up to 16 feet, which means the cool air will cover your garage area . The fact that it has a built-in dehumidifier mode to maintain the humidity in the garage (which is important to tools or cars to avoid rust) and a fan-only mode to circulate air without cooling is also valued by users.
This Dreo AC is really smart: it has access to Wi-Fi and can be controlled with the help of the Dreo app or by voice (it works with Google Assistant and Alexa) . You can turn the unit on/off, manipulate temperatures, create schedules or switch modes by using your phone. Just think of how nice it would be to be able to turn your garage into a cooler environment by tapping your phone on the way to work on a project. It has a convenient physical remote as well as an on-board touch panel that can be used locally. The unit is clean, minimalist in appearance with an easy to read LED display which displays the temperature and settings.
The size of the Dreo is another great advantage: it is rather slim and compact, thus, will not occupy much space in your working place. It is one of the most portable units, and it has smooth caster wheels. The window vent kit is also adjustable (suitable to fit window openings of approximately 17 to 53 inches), and since the Dreo only requires a single hose, it is a cinch to set up and install (only one hose to connect and seal in the window ). The filter can be washable and accessed, and the unit will remind you when it is necessary to clean it.
Why it works in garages: The Dreo 12,000 BTU AC is a great option in case you are interested in silent and unobtrusive cooling during your work in the garage. It has a low noise level (similar to a white noise machine) and so you can easily have conversations, listen to music or concentrate on detailed work without a loud background noise. The intelligent connectivity also enables you to incorporate garage cooling into your life without any hassles (say, voice-command it on when you have your hands full). Although it has only one hose, so it is not as ultra-efficient as the dual-hose Midea or Whynter in extreme heat, the inverter technology used by the Dreo reduces the difference, as it keeps the cooling performance steady. It is a balanced, high-end unit that is ideal with tech-savvy users or any person who would like a quieter garage air conditioning system.
#5 SereneLife 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The portable AC (marketed as a 3-in-1 device) by SereneLife is a lightweight cooler/dehumidifier that does not hurt the wallet. It is ideal to use in small garages or when one wants to cool off occasionally in a small size.
The SereneLife 10,000 BTU Portable AC is one of the best options to consider in case you need a cheap, small-sized cooling unit to use in a small garage or tool shed. This unit has a reputation of being lightweight (about 55 lbs, much lighter than most 14k units) and small footprint – about 17 inches wide and 27 inches tall . It is a 10,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity, and is appropriate in a space of approximately 200-300 sq. ft., or a one-car garage, or a part of a larger garage where you may have a workbench.
The SereneLife can significantly contribute to comfort even though it has a lower BTU rating. It will not make an uninsulated hot garage into an ice box but it can reduce the temperature by a few degrees and take the sting out of the heat which is all that is required most of the time when doing occasional projects. It also serves as a dehumidifier and fan, which is why it has the name of a 3-in-1 Portable AC (cooling, fan-only, and dehumidify modes) . It can remove a decent amount of moisture in a day, which is beneficial when you want to get rid of the sticky effect in a humid garage, in dehumidifier mode. All you will have to do is connect a drain hose or drain the water tank every now and then in case you use that mode frequently.
The control interface is very simple: there are soft-touch buttons and LCD temperature display at the top. You may adjust a particular temperature or simply run it all the time. It also has an easy remote control. The automatic swing louver is one of the nice features that can be used in the garage and it helps to distribute the cool air more evenly (moving vents to direct airflow) . This implies that you do not need to readjust the direction of the vent manually every time you change the location in the garage; the unit will oscillate to reach a wide area.
SereneLife is excellent in terms of installation and portability. Its “easy installation” is frequently commended upon- it takes 10 minutes to set it up. It has an easy fitting exhaust hose to the back and to the window slider kit (fits most standard windows). It is so small that you can store it in a corner or a closet when you are not using it, so it is ideal in garages which are also used as living quarters or when you only need to cool in the summer. The slick white/black casing of the unit does not yell industrial and some even use it inside in small rooms when they are not needed in the garage.
The sound is decent considering it is a low-end model, so about 55-57 dB on high should be expected, like most portable air conditioners. It is obvious, but one can still work over it or engage in a casual conversation. The SereneLife is a little quieter than larger BTU units, given its size, and is in fact used by many people in bedrooms at night on the lower fan setting.
Why it is so good in garages: The SereneLife 10k is convenience and value. It is also one of the most portable ACs that you can roll to any place where you need spot cooling whether it is your garage gym, a workstation or to blow cold air towards your vehicle when detailing it. It is also cheap and consumes less energy (approximately 1000W) hence can be used occasionally. This unit will give relief to the hobbyists or renters who use a garage and do not want to make a huge initial investment. Although it will not be able to compete with larger units in the raw cooling power, it occupies a niche in the market of small garages or buyers on a budget who need a cooler that is reliable and easy to work with. To conclude, SereneLife is a convenient method to bring comfort to your garage during hot days, and it shows that you do not require a huge air conditioning device to make a significant change.
#6 Hessaire 3,100 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler (Swamp Cooler)
The Hessaire MC37M is a high capacity evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) capable of cooling large areas of garage space by blowing air through water-saturated media. It does not have a compressor, which makes it efficient in dry climates, and it arrives on durable casters that can easily be positioned.
To complete our list we have another cooling solution namely the Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler. This portable unit is also known as a swamp cooler and it is powered by the natural process of evaporation of water to cool the air, rather than refrigerant. It is an excellent alternative to garages located in hot, arid regions (like the Southwest U.S.), or when it is hard to ventilate a traditional AC. The Hessaire will cool down places with 3,100 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow to a few degrees, to a size of ~950 sq. ft. when the humidity is low. This qualifies it to be used in very big garages, workshops or even in outdoor covered spaces.
The cooling effect is achieved through pumping of water in its 10.3 gallon tank through high density cooling pads. Then hot air is drawn through these wet pads by a powerful fan, and the water is evaporated and the temperature of the air is reduced. The fan of the Hessaire forces that cooled air out to your garage with a high velocity and gives you a feeling of a breeze. It can be a big temperature relief in a dry garage (relative humidity less than ~50%), such as making a 95 F garage feel much cooler, in the low 80s F apparent temperature. There is no compressor like in ACs and hence very minimal power consumption (approximately 250W on high) which is about the same as a couple of light bulbs! This implies that you can use it over a long duration and it will not affect your electric bill much.
Being not a conventional air conditioner, the Hessaire does not need an exhaust hose or a closed space. Actually, it should be used properly by providing some ventilation (a door or a window) so that the moist air could go out and the fresh air could come in . This can be perfect in the case of garages, you can crack the garage door and wheel this unit close to your workspace and blow cooled air through it. It is constructed on rolling casters and is fairly rugged having a dense polypropylene body to absorb bumps. It also has a garden hose connection to keep the water flowing in case you are not interested in manually filling the tank (a full tank can last 3-4 hours of cooling).
- Cooler Type: Evaporative (utilizes the evaporation of water, best in dry heat)
- Maintenance: Occasionally clean the pads and make sure that there is water in the tank. No parts to service of the refrigerant or compressor.
- Cooling Effect: It increases the humidity in the air thus cooling it and to some extent wetting the air in the garage. Not good in already humid climates.
- Noise: Like a big fan on full blast, as that is what it is basically. Not very loud, compared to most compressor ACs, only a whoosh of air.
Why it is so good in garages: Hessaire evaporative cooler is a revolutionary product in open or half-opened garages where normal ACs cannot be applied easily. To give an example, when you are working with the garage door open (car repairs, woodworking with ventilation) a regular AC would not cope well, but the Hessaire will constantly provide a stream of cooler air with no necessity to trap air inside. It is also a remedy to those garages that lack windows that can be used to vent a portable AC. Remember, it works best in dry climates; in a humid climate a swamp cooler will not have much cooling effect (and may make it feel sticky). However, under the right circumstances, this Hessaire is capable of lowering temperatures by a large margin and it only costs a few pennies to operate . It is also wonderful when it comes to outdoor garage-adjacent use (such as cooling down a patio or driveway workstation). To conclude, the Hessaire is a good choice of airflow and cost-effective cooling of large garage spaces, and the only significant compromise is that it requires dry air to do its thing.
