Best Mini Split ACs for the Garage: Reviews and Buying Guide

Ductless mini-splits are an excellent choice for air conditioning in the garage. They are very efficient and can be used to heat multiple spaces. Above all, they provide exceptional temperature control given that each unit works independently.

The only challenge is finding the right one for your needs since these products come in an array of designs and styles and from different manufacturers.

In this guide, we round up some of the best garage mini-splits to consider and later on discuss tips and considerations to help you through the selection process.

Product Reviews

The following are six great mini-splits to consider for garage applications. Pay particular attention to size (BTU) efficiency (EER and SEER ratings), and product features.

Senville 9,000 BTU SENA-09HF/Z Energy Star Mini SplitPros

• High-quality design
• AC/heater combo
• Wi-Fi smart control
• 25 SEER rating
• Energy Star certified
• 2-year parts, 7-year compressor warranty

Cons

• Ideal for smaller (100-450 Sq. Ft.) spaces
• Requires a 230V outlet

Engineered for ultra-quiet operation, this AURA Series mini-split is a powerful AC/heater combo ideal for both residential and business applications. It has onboard sensors that allow you to maintain the perfect temperature in any room. Aside from air conditioning and heating, the SENA also features a built-in dehumidifier and fan-only mode.

The unit is designed for the coldest climates, with an arctic function that allows for heating in temperatures as low as -22°F/-30°C. An auto-switch mode flips from cooling to heating in a press of a button. The unit has a Turbo Mode for maximum cooling or heating and Quiet Mode for low-noise operation. All these functions are controlled through remote control (remote included) or wirelessly from your smartphone.

The package comes with the full installation kit, including a 16-foot copper line set (w/wiring harness). It is 25 SEER rated, R410A pre-charged up to 25 feet, and uses 208V to 230V outlets. It’s also ETL Intertek Approved, Energy Star Certified, and AHRI Certified.

1. Pioneer Air Conditioner WYS012AMFI22RL Mini Split Heat Pump

Pros

• Rated 22.5 SEER
• 2 HSPF heating efficiency
• Variable speed compressor
• Wireless remote controlled
• Automatic switchover mode
• Auto-swing louvers
• 1-year parts, 3-year compressor warranty

Cons

• Ideal for smaller garages (up to 250 Sq. Ft.)

Also known as the WYS 22, this air conditioner from Pioneer is a 12,000 BTU unit from the Inverter++ product line. These systems have an indoor temperature setting range of 62 to 90°F and a low heat setting (the vacation mode) of 46°F. The cooling mode outdoor ambient range is 32°F to 122°F while the heating mode outdoor temperature range is +5°F to 86°F.

It has an automatic heater-cooler switchover mode. The cooling capacity is 12,000 BTU/hour (at 22.5 SEER) while the heating capacity is 11,800 BTU/hour (at 11.2 HSPF). You don’t need a special power outlet as the AC uses standard 110/120 volt household outlets. The unit comes with an attractive flat front panel and LED display (dimmable), permanent washable filters, and guarantees whisper-quiet operation.

Inside the package, you’ll find a complete 16-foot installation kit, including a pair of insulated copper tubing, interconnecting signal wiring, drain line extension, wrapping tape, and a wall sleeve and cap. The unit is approved for safety by ETL and listed for energy efficiency by AHRI.

1. MRCOOL Comfort Made Simple DIY-12-HP-115AE Mini Split

Pros

• Uses standard 110/120V outlet
• Ideal for up to 500 square feet
• Smart (Alexa/Google Assistant-controlled) AC
• Low ambient cooling down to 5°F

Cons

• Requires professional installation
• A bit pricey

You’ve likely heard about smart home appliances that are controllable from devices such as Amazon Alexa. Well, this MRCOOL is one of them. Controllable via Alexa or even Google Assistant, it’s a cutting edge mini split that defines innovation. You can also communicate with the AC from anywhere using your Apple device.

Other than the smart control, the MRCOOL incorporates auto-restart so you never have to lift a finger. Auto-restart proves especially useful when the power goes off. The unit will resume operation at the previous setting when power returns. The easy-to-install DIY mini split includes a 25-foot quick-connect line that doesn’t require special tools. The corrosion-resistant condenser is built for durability.

Other features of the MRCOOL include the variable-speed DC inverter compressor technology for increased energy efficiency, the energy-saving Sleep Mode, and leakage detection. This model has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU (at 17.5 SEER) and a heating capacity of 12,000 BTU (at 8.8 HSPF).

1. Daikin 12,000 BTU 17 SEER Wall-Mounted Ductless Mini Split

Pros

• 17 SEER, 9 HSPF
• Turbo Mode for fast action
• Smart inverter technology
• Quiet at just 37 decibels
• 10-year parts warranty

Cons

• Requires 230V wiring

Daikin is a world-beater when it comes to home heating and cooling, and this wall-mounted mini-split is another excellent product from the company. The unit blends seamlessly with most decors (modern or traditional) and is integrated with smart inverter technology, with a variable-speed compressor. The 17-Series mini delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling energy at 17 SEER and a similar heating output at 9 HSPF.

The unit incorporates several features designed to increase efficiency and convenience. From the wide-angle louver design to auto-swing louver operation and several low-noise modes, you’re guaranteed the utmost comfort. Typically, the unit operates at 37 dB but the sound levels drop by up to 3 dB when you activate the quiet mode.

This AC uses advanced titanium apatite photocatalytic air-purifying filters to clean and deodorize the air. Bluefin protection technology is used to further enhance the cleanliness of the air while extending the life of the AC Remote control makes it easy to choose your desired operation modes

1. Innovair Air Conditioner Ductless Wall Mount Mini Split

Pros

• 18,000 BTU AC/20,000 BTU heating
• Ideal for up to 900 square feet
• Rated 17.6 SEER, 10.1 HSPF
• Multi-layer filtration
• LCD remote control
• 5-year parts, 7-year compressor warranty

Cons

• 230V wiring required

The products we’ve looked at so far are best suited to single-car garages. If you’re looking for a slightly more powerful unit for a 2-car garage, this model from Innovair would be a wonderful acquisition. A Quantum Inverter Heat Pump Series AC, the mini-split packs 18,000 BTU of cooling power and goes about the cooling process diligently at 17.6 SEER efficiency. It’s an even stronger heater at 20,000 BTU. The heating element is rated 10.1 HSPF.

The unit comes with a 16-foot installation kit and includes an outdoor unit pre-charged up to 25 feet. Gold-fin protective condensers ensure effective operation even in the coldest conditions. The mini uses a special multi-layer indoor filter comprising a Vitamin C filter, HEPA filter, Catechin filter, and Aroma filter.

The Innovair has a low ambient operation of -5°F and a high ambient operating temperature of 115°F. It’s wirelessly controlled, Wi-Fi ready, and features multiple functions including Turbo cooling, dehumidification, Sleep Mode, and Hyper Heat.

1. Cooper and Hunter Alice 9,000 BTU 230V Mini Split

Pros

• AC/Heater combo
• Pre-charged with refrigerant
• Noise-free operation
• AHRI Certified
• 5-year parts warranty

Cons

• 230V wiring required
• Ideal for smaller garages

Finally, another mini-split ideal for smaller, single-car garages, this unit from Cooper and Hunter is a 9,000 BTU air conditioner that also doubles up as a 9,000 BTU heater. It’s one of the heavier models on this list, weighing about 107.8 pounds (the other units mostly weigh under 90 pounds). However, it’s quiet enough to be used even in bedrooms.

The mini-split is fairly efficient at 16 SEER and comes pre-charged with refrigerant. In heating mode, it works in ambient temperatures up to 5°F. A 16-foot copper line set is included as well as communication wires. You, however, need a 208V to 230V outlet. Don’t attempt to use a 110/120 outlet.

The unit is AHRI certified and uses 25-50% less energy compared to electric zone heaters such as forced air furnaces. An I-Action inverter compressor ensures long-term reliability. All the parts are protected by a 5-year manufacturer warranty while the compressor is covered by a 7-year warranty.

Buying Guide

A mini-split (or ductless) AC is a type of air conditioner (AC) made of two main components; an outdoor compressor (also known as a condenser) and the indoor air handling unit (known as evaporator or just air handlers).

The compressor comprises condenser coils that pump cool air through refrigerant lines connecting to the indoor unit. The indoor unit helps release the cool air into your room.

The outdoor condenser is installed outdoors on an exterior wall while the air handlers are installed on the wall or ceiling inside the house.

Two other components of the mini-split worth mentioning are the refrigerant line and the wall monitor. Charged refrigerant lines connect the outdoor condenser to the indoor air handler. Some people call them set lines. They pass either through the window or a hole in the wall to connect the indoor and outdoor components.

The remote control (or wall monitor), meanwhile, allows you to control temperature, modes, and other climate settings in your home.

Advantages of a Mini-Split AC

For most people, the biggest advantage of mini splits is the absence of ducts. Leaks, cracks, and disconnections, which are a common feature in ducts, make them expensive to maintain and an avenue for performance loss. Some studies have found that central ACs lose up to 30% of energy through the ductwork. Mini-splits relieve you from this problem.

Additionally, mini-splits;

• Support zoned cooling: This can be another crucial advantage especially if you’re looking to control the climate in multiple rooms. Multi-zone mini-splits let you control the climate in each room independently.
• Deliver quiet performance: Mini-splits are the industry standard for quiet operation. The indoor component can go as low as 19 dB – quieter than a TV on mute. Outdoor components are typically less quiet, but they sit outside the house so you don’t have to worry about it.
• Guarantee healthy indoor air: All mini splits come with high-performance air filters to sieve out unwanted dirt particles, allergens, mold, and bacteria from the air entering your home. The result is usually very clean air that’s both safe and healthy.
• Offer flexible installation options: First off, some mini-splits can also work as window ACs. But, that’s just the start. Mini-splits come in a variety of shapes and sizes that easily complement any space. From streamlined wall-mounted units to barely-there ceiling cassettes and concealed duct units, the options are endless.
• Cooling + Heating combos: Though not all mini splits can work as heaters, the majority double up as supplemental heat sources. When the air conditioning process is reversed, they can extract warmth from the outdoors and deposit it inside the house.

Who should buy a mini-split?

Anyone who needs air conditioning should consider mini-splits as an option. That said, though, the units are best suited to the following scenarios;

• Homes that use heated oil, propane, or electric baseboards
• Homes where the air conditioning system is 20+ years old
• Homes where zoned heating may be beneficial
• When you don’t want to add any more weight on the central AC
• Extensions and additions that aren’t served by central AC

Factors to consider when choosing a mini-split for your garage

There are endless factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for a mini-split AC. The following are seven points to prioritize;

AC zoning; Single vs. multi-zone mini splits

Mini-splits can cool (or heat) more than one unique space individually. In the air conditioning world, these unique spaces are known as zones.

• Single-zone mini-splits: Can only serve one zone. They comprise one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, therefore are used for just one room. The AC units are most commonly used for bedroom temperature control.
• Multi-zone mini-splits: Serve two or more zones at ago. They comprise a single outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. All the indoor units connect to the single outdoor unit but can serve different zones/rooms. Most multi-zone mini splits support up to a maximum of four zones.

It’s worth noting that the indoor units of a multi-zone mini split are controlled separately. You can turn one unit off while keeping the next one on. You can also amplify the AC operation in one room while keeping the operation in the adjacent room lower. This quality makes multi-zone mini splits a worthwhile alternative to the central AC.

Understand mini split sizing

Ductless mini-splits also come in a range of sizes. Some are smaller and designed for tiny spaces while others are larger.

The first thing you need to know is that mini-splits are sized in BTUs. Secondly, beware that the indoor and outdoor components may be sized differently. For instance, the outdoor unit may be rated at 30,000 BTU while the outdoor units are rated at 9,000 BTU.

Lastly, keep in mind that for multi-zone minis, each indoor unit has a BTU rating attached to it. The total BTU of the individual indoor units is the BTU value of the entire AC. For example, a 4-zone mini-split may have each of the units rated at 9,000 BTU. So, make sure to check the individual sizing.

How many BTUs do you need?

The required cooling power (in BTUs) will be determined by several factors, including the size of the garage, average occupancy, age of the room, and exposure to sunlight, among others.

With regards to room size, for one-car garages, a 6,000 BTU to 9,000 BTU should suffice. Two-car and three-car garages, meanwhile, work well with 9,000-12,000 BTU and 15,000-36,000 BTU ACs simultaneously.

The above values apply only if one person spends time in the garage most of the time. If you’ll be expecting more people at the garage, add 6,000 BTU for every additional person. Therefore, a garage that frequently houses three people would require 12,000 additional BTUs.

You’re advised to reduce the cooling BTU needs by 10% if the garage is heavily shaded or add 10% of it is directly exposed to sunlight. Additionally, increase the BTU estimate by 30% if the garage is an old building with poor insulation.

Installation type

One of the reasons people love mini splits a lot is that they offer a variety of installation options, each with its own set of advantages. The following are common installation options to consider;

• Wall-mounted models: These are usually installed on the wall near the ceiling of an exterior wall and require a 3″ drilling through for the refrigerant lines, connecting wires, and drain tube. Wall-mounted minis are the easiest to install and the most common installation type.
• Ceiling cassettes: These are installed on the ceiling, recessed into a decorative grill. They offer a sleek, unobtrusive look and are most common in commercial applications. A 10-to-14-inch clearance between the visible ceiling and the surface above it is required.
• Concealed duct units: These are a hybrid between central air systems and mini-splits. Unlike other mini split types, they employ some form of ductwork that carries air to the intended zone. The air then enters the room via a grill installed on the wall. Only the grill is visible, with all other components of the AC tucked away. The ductwork can be branched to serve two or more rooms.
• Wall art mini splits: Finally, some mini splits are also designed in the form of artwork. The artwork ACs install to the wall and can be placed alongside other artwork. LG, for instance, makes a few 20 x 20 (inch) units that resemble photographs and paintings. The majority are under 5-inch thick.

Energy efficiency

The good news is that most mini splits are impressively efficient. However, the efficiency levels vary from one product to the next. The following are a few things to focus on;

• Energy Star Certification: The best mini-split ACs are Energy Star Certified. Some studies show that you can save as much as 30% on energy costs with an Energy Star Certified model.
• EER Rating: EER is an acronym for Energy Efficiency Ratio determined by dividing the AC’s power output (in BTU/hour) by the energy consumption per hour.
• SEER Rating: Refers to Seasonal EER which is a measurement of the product’s efficiency over a specific season as opposed to EER which is a whole-year measurement. According to studies, upgrading from a 9 SEER (the lowest possible AC rating) to 13 SEER can reduce power consumption by up to 30%.

Extra features

Every mini-split will come with a few extra (convenience) features. The following are four such features that would make a major difference;

• Additional uses: Many mini-splits ACs also work as supplemental heaters during the cold weather. Others can also function as dehumidifiers, thus help remove excess moisture from your home.
• Programmable timer: A programmable timer allows you to set the AC to start at a particular time (say 0100 hours) and run for a given period (say six hours) without additional input from you.
• Adjustable airflow: Adjustable airflow means that you can adjust the louvers to direct airflow to a specific area of the room. The adjustment can be manual (where you have to manually move the louvers) or automatic (found in auto-swing louvers).
• Washable filters: Air filters are a critical component of the AC. They help trap allergens, microorganisms, and dirt as air passes from the outdoors into your home. Most ACs require that you replace the filter after 2-3 months but a few special models come with reusable, washable filters.
• Others: Other features to consider include automatic restart, remote control, and durability (make material).

NB: Some mini-splits plug into standard 110/120V outlets while others require a 230/240V outlet. Make sure to comply with the requirements to avoid a poor operation, circuit breaks, and, in the worst case, fires.

Warranty

The reason you need a warranty is that a mini-split AC can break down due to mechanical failure. When this happens and you’re certain that you’re not at fault, the warranty kicks in to protect your investment. In most cases, the manufacturer will fix the broken/damaged component or replace the entire unit.

A great warranty is one that covers as many scenarios as possible for as long as possible. With regards to the warranty period, a two-year cover on the compressor and at least five years on the compressor is considered great.

Summary

Mini-splits can be a valuable air conditioning solution in the garage. They are extremely efficient and typically come with in-built heating and dehumidification functions for all-year use. Above all, multi-zone mini splits allow you to warm multiple spaces simultaneously or individually.

Just be sure to find the right one. This often means keeping factors such as the size of your garage, the garage’s age, and climate patterns in your location in mind. Also, don’t forget to hire a professional for the installation.