Dealing With Furnace Problems

Dealing With Furnace Problems

3 Features To Look For When Buying A Window AC For Your Home's Garage

by Eliza Chapman

Do you need air conditioning for your garage? If your home's central cooling system doesn't serve the garage, you need a separate unit for the job. One of the best units is a window AC. You can install a window AC on a wall or window in your garage. Most modern units on the market can cool the space as effectively as central AC systems. However, before you invest in one, here are three key features to look for.

Air Conditioner's Cooling Capacity

The cooling capacity of your window air conditioner should meet your garage's demand. The capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTU) per hour. According to research, you need at least 20 BTU per square footage. Thus, a standard 200 sq ft garage, for example, would require a window unit of at least 4000 BTU. Other factors to think about are:

  • Is the garage shaded, or does it get a lot of sunlight during the day?
  • Do you use heat-generating appliances and tools in the garage?
  • Does the garage have insulation and ventilation?

For example, if the space receives a lot of sunlight during the day, it could gain a lot of heat. It would need more cooling than a garage with heavy shading. Similarly, if you use heat-generating power tools, you need a bigger unit to cool the space. Have these factors in mind when calculating the required cooling capacity.

Energy Efficiency Factor

An energy-efficient window AC can significantly lower your garage's cooling costs. If you spend a lot of time in the garage or store temperature-sensitive items in the space, you have to run the AC for an extended period. An efficient unit will consume less energy while delivering adequate cold air. Thus, as you buy, look out for an Energy Star label, indicating compliance with the DOE's efficiency standards. Alternatively, get a window air conditioner with a high energy efficiency rating (EER) of at least 10.

Smart Features

A modern window AC with smart features can bring about incredible convenience and ease-of-use. One feature you shouldn't skimp on is a smart thermostat. This device has features that allow you to program your unit. You can set the AC to turn on and off at specific times. You can even control it from your mobile phone!

Other smart features to look out for include:

  • Adjustable fan speed to save energy during low-demand periods
  • Air direction control
  • Easily removable and washable filter

Your garage's air conditioner is just as crucial as the whole-home system. Thus, make an informed purchase to increase convenience and save energy. Contact an AC contractor for the installation of your new unit, or for air conditioning services.


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About Me

Dealing With Furnace Problems

A few years ago, I could tell that we were having serious furnace problems. In addition to dealing with a house that was constantly too cold or too warm, we were also plagued by a noisy, smelly furnace that seemed to have trouble on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough about furnaces at the time to spot the problems quickly. One day, the entire system died, and it was beyond repair. After having that experience, I learned a lot about HVAC systems, so that I could troubleshoot future systems. This website is all about teaching you what you need to know so that you don't end up in the same situation.

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