Considering a window AC unit in the Garage?
 

I have a 2 + Golf cart garage about 600 Sq ft, block construction with insulated garage doors. I m considering adding a window AC unit to cool it infrequently ( Estimate usage about 1 or 2 hrs max, up to 3xs a week and I'm sure several weeks where I don't use it at all ). A Mini Split is way to expensive for my intended use and not easy to add since I only have a single window in the garage. A portable unit, from what I've read, is not very efficient. I've asked the company who installed the main AC unit in the house if they could vent into the garage and they said they wouldn't do it, perhaps check with a private contractor. That leaves me thinking a window AC unit would fit my situation. BTW the power outlet is not far away from the window.

I'm looking for opinions from someone who has installed one or others who have considered a garage window AC unit or looked into it.

Have looked into a mini split to cool our garage. Will be making a decision this week.
Looking at a 2 -2.5 ton unit to lower the temps in there. We already have insulation above the garage and insulated doors. No windows in the garage for window unit.



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You may wish to check your deed restrictions as window AC units may not be allowed. If they are not allowed and you install one then you should be prepared for someone to file a complaint with Community Standards.

A window unit capable of cooling your garage would require a 220 volt outlet.

Not allowed in our CDD, as noted above check your deed restrictions.

What you could do instead of a window unit (since as far as I can tell they aren't allowed on any deed restrictions in any part of the villages), is get a portable AC unit. You'd still have to vent it out the window, but the restrictions that I've seen don't forbid that.

If anyone is putting a mini-split in their house, I would suggest getting a multiport unit-this way you can a/c or heat both your lanai & garage

Window AC Units not allowed
 

THanks for the responses. I checked with The Villages Community Standards and >>> No Window AC units allowed anywhere in the villages. :blahblahblah:

Definitely look into a portable unit and an industrial fan that rises on its own stand.

I agree it's insane that people can have these huge awesome garages, with the marketing reminding everyone that they could use it for storage, workshops, extra refrigerators, with laundry facility hookups (and machines) and you can't breathe when you open the door.

Imagine how much energy an extra refrigerator/freezer would use up, if it had to freeze things in a room that is usually well over 90 degrees for most of the summer, and parts of the rest of the year.

The only time a window should be able to be used is during an emergency, where a small genset is used for power

Imagine how much energy you would use up cooling a garage so your extra refrigerator/freezer doesn't use up so much energy.. lol

Based on our refrigerator specs and the cost of electricity, the typical costs are $5 per month. It is probably a bit higher in the summer because of longer runtimes. It is a small percentage of our electric bill and we find the extra refrig to be very handy. Refrigerators are extremely efficient appliances.

OP, I remember seeing a house in TV that had a "portable" unit, that was setup with a flexduct that went to the attic, as I recall the owner did this for security reasons. Look around, you may find some other options other than window A/C.

After running a portable AC in the garage all day your better half comes home and opens the door, back to square one.

Don't even bother with the Free Standing Units that vent out of a window. They are an enormous waste of money and will not help in your situation one bit. There was one that came with my house on the lanai. A total waste.

A Mini Split is probably the only legit shot you have.

I just test fitted a window unit. 10,000 BTU'S. It worked fine but looks like a sore thumb. It's for an emergency strictly.

Just my opinion. Best to do whatever you are going to do with a permit and approval instead of having to fix it when you go to sell. Good Luck.

Good point about the fridge/freezer cost. I still found it unbearable having to do the laundry in those garages when we've rented or done the Lifestyle visit. Our new home doesn't have a garage, just a carport and the laundry is in a shed attached to the house. It's a lot less horrible doing the laundry in there, but it's still pretty rough.

You might consider a unit like they put in motels that are near the floor and vent outdoors. Not strictly a window unit, but a lot less expensive than a split unit.

check to see if you can put a casement unit high in the garage, if its low it can interfere when parking a vehicle

Also check with building codes, if you get too high or too wide you may interfere with the roof support.

Attachment 80528We have one in our glass enclosed Lanai and it works great but doubt it will help much with a garage.

Portable Ac unit in garage didn't work
 

DEcided to try a portable AC unit venting out the window with flex hose. The garage is insulated and so is the garage door.
Bottom line I'm returning it - it just didn't cool the garage more than a degree or two even with a powerful aux fan. Tested opening the attic steps a but to help and keeping the kitchen door open with a fan blowing the house ac into the garage. It was the largest portable ac unit you can get. BTW opening the garage door and blowing the house air into the garage did as much or more than the portable ac unit.

A lesson learned.

Installed a 2.5 ton dehumidification/mini split unit last week. Total game changer for being able to work on the garage with the door closed.

Very pleased with the results. County signed off on the install last Friday.




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Is that an inside installation, or...? Just wondering if anything is in the window or has some other feature needing ARC approval.

It is two separate units. One is an outside unit like the one you already have for the house but smaller. The other unit goes inside on a wall and blows out the cold air. The two units are connected to each other by tubing.

So nothing in a window. You do need a permit. If used on for a garage or a lanai it technically is not an air conditioner, it is considered a dehumidifier but the effect is the same. Building codes here do not allow airconditioners in garages or lanais.

If you mount anything outside, you better check with Community Standards first.

I was told this didn’t require ARC approval. It is an inside unit with a line set to an outside unit.


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Well then it will be my issue to be worried about wont it. It doesn't affect you or your house so just move on.

The county approved it and there are hundreds of mini split units in operation throughout TV. I am not encroaching on my neighbor and they are considering a unit as well when they enclose their Lanai. My other neighbor is also considering a unit for their house as well.

Look. Some of us are trying to help you avoid trouble. No need to get snippy.

Anything on the outside of your house will need to be approved. You don't get to use your own judgement.

Last time I try to help. Good luck, to you and your neighbors.

:1rotfl: Who spends all day in garage. How bout portable swap cooler or big fan?

Yes, you are correct, you don't need ARC approval for a mini-split (outside condensing unit). Been there, done that ...

Your standing unit might have been defective. I have one in our glass enclosed lanai with no sun shades and it keeps it 8 degrees cooler than the outside air and it also dehumidifies so mid-day 80 dry degrees out there is just fine for this time of year, mornings and evenings it keeps it in the low to mid 70's. It has a built in thermostat and when the set temperature is reached it can be put into quiet mode, also has a remote. I had to build an exhaust panel that is portable and fits in a sliding door, total cost for the unit and everything else was around $400 which is a huge savings over a Mini-split and serves our purpose well.