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Garage Conversion: Which AC Option Is Best?

10/23/18

Are you considering converting your garage into a living space? If so, one important aspect to consider is how to regulate the temperature. You will need to decide which air conditioning option will be best for your space. Your needs will depend on the location of your garage, how secure the room is, and your budget.

An efficient air conditioner is not only important to keep the room cool, but it also helps keep any appliances you have in the room from overheating during hot weather. Here are some things you should know about air conditioners and garage conversions.

How Do You Prepare for the Installation?

Before you can begin installing an air conditioning unit, the room has to have proper insulation. Not all garages have indoor insulation, and no air conditioner will properly cool the room optimally without it. Proper insulation will leave the air within the room rather than letting cool air out of different gaps within the room. An insulated garage conversion will also help you save money on cooling bills.

If you have no knowledge in insulation installation, consider subcontracting the work to a professional to ensure the room has good insulation and will have maximum cooling.

Also, go through the garage and inspect for any air gaps where your cool air could escape. If you plan to leave the garage door in place, seal the areas around the door and at the bottom, as these spots are a major source of leaked air.

Can the Existing Ductwork Go to the Garage?

If you have an attached garage, you can opt to have the ducting routed to the garage. This is going to be the best cooling option in most cases regarding efficiency. The ducting can connect to a wall in the garage and through a new vent installed in the room. You will need the assistance of a professional HVAC technician to ensure the ducting is correctly installed.

Are Window Air Conditioning Units an Option?

If you have a detached garage or if you do not want to run your existing ducting to the garage, a window air conditioner is an option. The window unit is best for smaller spaces. This is also an affordable option for many as window units are much less expensive than the installation of ducting.

However, this option does have some disadvantages. First, you must have a window in the garage. Otherwise, you will have to cut a hole in the wall to install the unit. A window unit is also not the most efficient way to cool a room.

What About a Split System?

A split air conditioning system refers to the system’s setup. It requires two different units, including a coil and a condenser. The coil and condenser are connected by copper tubing which moves the refrigerant between the two parts.

No ducts are with this system, but it does take more space. The condenser is outside with the indoor component installed on the wall. You won’t have to worry about sacrificing floor space in your garage conversion though.

The price to install the system is higher than a window unit, but it makes up for efficiency and output. You may also receive tax credits when you install this system as it is more energy efficient than other options.

If you need help with your air conditioner installation in a converted garage, please contact us at HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains. We have provided excellent service to our customers for almost 80 years, and we are happy to help you with any of your plumbing and HVAC maintenance.

Posted in: Air Conditioning, Cooling

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