If you have an older garage, chances are that it does not have a window. That means that you will be burning whenever you are in there especially during summer. Of course, the last thing you want is for hot air to be trapped in your garage with nowhere to escape.
You can always install a portable air conditioner to remedy the situation, but how do you do that when you do not have a window? There are several ways to do that and that is what we are going to get into.
Table of Contents
How a Portable Air Conditioner Works:
Before we get into the installation process, you must know how a portable conditioner works.
Essentially, the device collects air from your space, cools it, and discharges it back into the space. It then vents warm air outside via an exhaust tube, ideally through a window. However, if your garage does not have a window, you can do it through a door, ceiling, or even a chimney.
Let us get into that. Shall we?
1. Through a Door
Installing a portable air conditioner through a door is just the same as doing it through a window. The only difference is that you may need a bit of Plexiglas for filling the gap between the top of the door and the exhaust hose.
2. Through the Ceiling
In a garage without a window, you can vent your air conditioner through a drop ceiling. To do that, you will need a commercial ceiling vent kit, which can be easily accessed from an HVAC retailer in your locality on an online store.
That said, there are several potential inefficiencies and risks involved with this kind of installation so you may want to seek help from a building expert as well as an HVAC expert.
3. Through a Wall
You can also install your portable air conditioner through a wall. This is especially ideal if you are looking to have the air conditioner in your garage for the long term. However, you may need a contractor to help you do the job.
They will drill a hole through a wall and set up an exhaust port for the air conditioning unit.
4. Through a Chimney
If your garage has a chimney, which is quite rare, you can vent your portable air conditioner through it. To do that, you will need to use a window adapter kit or precisely cut glass to fill the gaps around the fireplace opening and exhaust hose.
Ensure that the chimney does not have soot blockage and that it is clean.
Install a Portable AC in a Garage with No Windows:
After establishing that you do not have a window, you need to follow the following steps when installing your portable air conditioner.
1. Pick an Outlet
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that your air conditioner requires ample floor space for receiving ample airflow. While at it, you need access to a water reservoir. Even if your unit has a long hose for ventilation, your portable AC will function better if it is closer to an outlet.
This allows the warm air collected by the unit to be discharged outside instead of back into your garage. If the AC features a hose that allows for continuous draining, you want to place it near a sink or use a bucket.
2. Check the Seal
Next, you want to check if your portable AC’s adapter kit creates a good seal on your door, ceiling, or wall. If the space is too small, you may have to trim the adapter. For instance, if your door is too large, you may have to buy a piece of Plexiglas for filling the extra space.
3. Install the Adapter Kit
After establishing that your adapter kit is the right fit for your outlet, you want to place it, and depending on where you may need to do a bit of screwing in place. Alternatively, you can seal it with duct tape.
This is supposed to prevent cool air from escaping.
4. Fix the Ventilation Hose
Next, you want to fix your hose to the adapter kit and ensure that it fits perfectly. If it is loose, wrapping a bit of duct tape around the point of connection will do the trick. After that, join the other end of the hose to your air conditioner and add more duct tape as required.
5. Connect the Drainage Hose
Some portable air conditioners come with a drainage hose and if yours does, you want to join it to the unit and fix it to its point of drainage. You want to ensure that it does not dislodge by using tape to secure it.
6. Plug your AC into the Outlet
At this point, you are done installing your portable air conditioner so you can plug it into a power source and turn it on to enjoy some cool air in your garage.
Tips for Installing a Portable AC:
Here are some useful tips to help you have an easier installation process.
I. Always Read the User Guide
We know that this guide is comprehensive but it cannot be a substitute for your portable AC’s user manual. Do not skimp on reading the manufacturer’s installation instructions. You get to save yourself a lot of trouble just by doing that.
II. Do Not Connect to a Power Extension
Perhaps you do not know this, but your portable air conditioner will draw immense power when once the compressor kicks on. As such, is not advisable to connect it to a power extension. Rather, you want to only connect to a grounded electrical outlet.
III. Do Not Plug Before Installation
You do not want to risk electrical shock. As such, do not attempt to plug in your AC unit before the installation process is complete.
IV. Have the AC Professionally Repaired
In case your air conditioner malfunctions, do not attempt to repair it on your own. Having an HVAC expert do it would be the best thing to do as it protects you from danger.
Conclusion
A portable air conditioner offers a great solution for cooling areas that are away from the main house like your garage. The only problem is that such an area may lack a window for ventilating your unit. However, you can use other outlets for venting and with this guide, that process is not so hard, is it?