How To Cool A Garage With No Windows - HVAC How To

Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan may not help to cool a garage down much, but can move air which can add some comfort.

If you are looking to cool things down, then an air conditioner or evaporative cooler is a better option.

Ceiling fans can often be used with other options to help move air about, which can keep the entire garage at an even temperature.

Evaporative Swamp Cooler

Evaporative swamp coolers work very well in dry climates and are low-cost to operate.

The only downside to a swamp cooler is they do not work when the humidity level is high.

They are very common in the American Southwest but almost nonexistent in southern states.

If you live in a very dry climate, a swamp cooler is a very good option, but if you live in a humid climate, another option will need to be found.

A hole will need to be cut in the garage to install a unit as well as a water line run.

There are many types of swamp coolers with the main options, including a downdraft and side-draft.

Downdraft blows the air downwards and is good for a roof-mounted unit.

Side draft blows the air sideways and is the most commonly used unit in garages.

Read here for more on swamp coolers.

Mini Split

Mini Split units are by far the best option but also cost the most.

The units are very efficient, making them low-cost to operate and the heat pump version can cool and heat.

Low-cost units can cost roughly $900-$1300 for a do-it-yourself kit.

If you install a unit yourself, some basic HVAC tools will also be needed, which can add another $80-$90.

To install a unit, a 2-3 inch hole will need to be cut into a wall to run the refrigerant line set.

Electrical will also be needed, along with pumping down the system with a vacuum pump.

Hiring an HVAC company to install a unit can also be done but will cost much more, ranging between $3000-$5000.

Installing a unit does require a handy type of person, but many DIY individuals install them.

If you go this route, be sure to watch some YouTube mini split installation videos first.

Through the Wall AC Unit

While most window AC units are mounted in a window, a sleeve can also the installed for it to fit into.

This is very common when no window is available, but a low-cost window air conditioner needs to be installed.

It does require cutting a hole in the wall for the air conditioner to fit into, which can be a pain.

While more difficult than fitting it into a window, it does work and is a straightforward job.

There are specific air conditioners built to fit into a wall.

Read here for more on through-the-wall AC units.

Portable AC Unit

A Portable AC unit can also be used and also work well when the right size is used.

Portable units have both air conditioner and evaporative units.

The AC units will have a 5-7 inch hose that is sent outside and pump hot air outside. A 5-7 inch hole is needed to send the hot air outside.

The hole can be cut into the roof and the hot air sent into the attic, which is sometimes a good option.

Evaporative units can also work well but only when the air is dry.

Read Here for more on the best portable AC units for a windowless garage.