To calculate what size mini-split system you need for a three-car garage, you need to know the square footage of the space.
Having any kind of air conditioner in your garage can help you cool down the space and make it much more comfortable for you to move or be in.
If you do decide to install a mini-split unit in your three-car garage, you need to ensure that it is appropriately sized for the square footage of the space.
Should you install an air conditioner in your garage?
Whether you use your garage as a place to store and show off your cars, as an extended living or entertainment space, or for multiple functions at once, finding an effective and efficient way to cool down the space can make it much more comfortable overall.
Air conditioners, including portable models, window units, central air, and mini-split units can be a great way to improve the air quality in the space, help to lower the temperature in the summer, and can even increase the temperatures in the winter sometimes.
What size mini-split for a 3-car garage?
Mini-split air conditioners work especially well for garages, since the indoor air handling unit does not take up much space in the garage. These units are usually extremely energy-efficient and do not require any extra time and effort to install new ductwork or vents in the garage.
However, in order for your mini-split unit to function as effectively and efficiently as it possibly can, the unit needs to be the proper size for the space.
The cooling capacity of mini-split air conditioners is measured in BTU (British Thermal Unit) or tons, to illustrate the quantity of energy that it takes for the unit to remove latent heat from the air in your space.
The BTU capacity required for a mini-split system in a three-car garage can range from 15000 BTU to 36000 BTU, but the size and cooling capacity that is needed can vary from one garage to the next, as is shown below:
| 3 car garage size | Estimated BTU capacity required |
| 704 square feet (or 32 x 22 feet) | 15000 or 18000 BTU |
| 988 square feet (or 38 x 26 feet) | 18000 or 24000 BTU |
| 1200 square feet (or 40 x 30 feet) | 30000 or 36000 BTU |
It is imperative that you get the sizing of an air conditioner right, as installing a unit that is too small or too large for the space will have negative consequences in the long term.
When you have figured out what size mini-split unit is appropriate for your three-car garage, installing one should be relatively easy and may even hold some long-term benefits.
Why choosing the right size mini-split for your garage is important
It is important to figure out what size mini-split air conditioner you need for your specific three-car garage, because under-sizing or over-sizing your unit can have negative repercussions in the future.
If your mini-split unit is too big for your three-car garage, it will cool down the space too quickly, which may lead to short-cycling and end up wasting a lot of power.
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is too small for your garage, especially if your garage is not well-insulated, then your mini-split air conditioner will simply not have the necessary capacity to cool down the space within a reasonable amount of time.
What is it like installing a mini-split system in a garage?
Once you know what size mini-split unit you need for your three-car garage and how important it is that you find the right size unit, you also need to get an idea of what the installation process will be like.
You may need a professional to help you with the electrical line and installation from your home’s circuit board to the mini-split system.
Though you will also need assistance with the several components in this system, you will be able to plan the installation yourself.
You may also be able to hang or mount the indoor air handling unit, as well as the outdoor condenser unit yourself, or even pour the concrete slab for the outdoor unit, which needs to be installed on a level surface.
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The benefits of installing the right size mini-split air conditioner in your 3-car garage
Installing the right size mini-split unit in your three-car garage can hold long-term benefits beyond simply making the space more comfortable, regardless of the external temperature.
Mini-split units are some of the most energy-efficient units on the market and this can end up saving you a lot of money on your electricity bills in the long term. The cooler atmosphere may also entice you to use your garage more often.