Soaring temperatures don’t have to slow down your DIY projects or outdoor tasks. There are multiple ways to keep your home workshop, garage, or outdoor workspace cool during the summer.
These are simple, affordable solutions to keep you cool even as summer temperatures rise.
- Evaporative Coolers: The Best Garage or Workshop Cooling Solution
- Portable ACs: Immediate Cooling for Garages & Workshops with Windows
- Heavy-Duty Fans: Air Circulation to Keep You Comfortable
- Additional Garage & Workshop Cooling Tips
Evaporative Coolers: The Best Garage or Workshop Cooling Solution
If you’re unaware of evaporative coolers, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. These simple machines are an effective way to cool down a garage or workshop. In fact, they were designed specifically for use in semi-outdoor spaces like garages.
How They Cool
Using a heavy-duty fan, cooling media, and water, they can reduce temperatures by up to 25 degrees F. Water-saturated media pads cool warm air drawn through them, then cooled air is blown into stifling garages and workshops.
If you’ve ever had a shiver getting out of a pool on a hot day, then you’ve experienced evaporative cooling.
Why They’re Perfect for Workshops/Garages
- Immediate Cooling: Evaporative coolers begin cooling as soon as the media pads are saturated and airflow begins.
- Heavy-Duty: They have heavy-duty exteriors that stand up to tough environments, so you don't need to worry about bumps and scuffs.
- Portable: They use large, locking wheels that make them easy to move and place, generally weighing between 20 and 40 pounds without water.
- Efficient: Since they don’t use compressors like ACs, they use far less energy, even when running for long periods of time.
Find Yours: Best Garage/Workshop Evaporative Coolers
Hessaire MC37M
A Sylvane customer favorite! This 3-speed evaporative cooler is easy to move and has recently gotten an upgraded design. Use the simple control panel for immediate outdoor cooling.
- Ideal For: Medium-to-large garages and work areas
- Dimensions: 37 x 17 x 25 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 3,700
- Reviews: 4.7 Stars from 197 Reviews
Champion CP70 Ultracool
This is one of the most lightweight evaporative coolers and is common in small shops, garages, and patios.
- Ideal For: Small garages and workshops
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 19.5 x 11.5 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 700
- Reviews: 4.6 Stars from 20 Reviews
Hessaire MC61M
This is one of the most lightweight evaporative coolers and is common in small shops, garages, and patios.
- Ideal For: Large, commercial-sized garages
- Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 17 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 5,300
- Reviews: 4.8 Stars from 76 Reviews
Portable ACs: Immediate Cooling for Garages & Workshops with Windows
Portable air conditioners can also be a good option for a garage or workshop that has at least one window, since these units require venting.
How They Cool
Portable air conditioners are temporary cooling solutions, ideal for use only when needed. You simply roll into place, plug in, and attach the exhaust kit to a window. They can effectively cool down small areas like workstations.
Why They’re Great for Workshops/Garages
- Easy to Move: These compact air conditioners usually have wheels, making them easy to move around your space or store during the off-season.
- Immediate Cooling: Set up is pretty quick with these, so you’re just a few buttons away from fresh cool air.
- Programmable: Portable ACs come complete with digital control panels, allowing precise temperature setting. Some have timers for auto start-up and shut-down.
Keep in mind portable ACs use a compressor, so they’re more expensive to operate and can be louder than evaporative coolers.
Find Yours: Best Garage & Workshop Portable ACs
Whynter ARC-12S
Easily cool down your work area by setting up this portable AC. Set your temperature, turn it on high fan speed, and get back to work.
- Coverage Area: 420 square feet
- Dimensions: 31 x 17 x 19 in. (H x W x D)
- Window Opening: Between 20 and 46 inches
LG 10,000 BTU Portable AC
Use a smartphone to turn this unit on in advance since it offers Wi-Fi connection. It also offers multiple modes to keep you comfortable all summer and into fall.
- Coverage Area: 450 square feet
- Dimensions: 29.33 x 17.72 x 15.59 in. (H x W x D)
- Window Opening: Between 18 and 50 inches
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Portable AC
This smaller-sized unit is ideal for smaller spaces and includes a remote & 24-hour timer.
- Ideal For: Smaller workshops & single garages
- Dimensions: 27.9 x 16.7 x 13.87 in. (H x W x D)
- Window Opening: Between 26.6 and 52.5 inches
For more on how to finish summer projects with the help of a portable AC, review our Garage Portable ACs blog post.
Heavy-Duty Fans: Air Circulation to Keep You Comfortable
Unlike the first two cooling options, heavy-duty fans don’t actually cool the air in your space. However, they do pull in fresh air from an open door or window, and circulate it throughout the space.
The Vornado EX05 has a 360-degree swivel head and non-slip feet on a tripod stand, making it super-stable. With an IP54-rated motor, it can operate safely in workshops in spite of dust and moisture.
How They Work
While they operate exactly like any fan, these heavy-duty models have commercial-grade parts and construction, so they stand up in tougher environments.
Why They’re Great for Garages/Workshops
- Powerful Airflow: More effective than standard fans, these heavy-duty fans have powerful motors and specially designed fan blades to rapidly move air throughout your space.
- Sturdy Designs: Durable parts allow them to be used in tough environments.
- Direct Air Right Where You Need It: Fans let you direct air right in your space. Look for wall-mountable fans to place them off the floor and out of the way.
Find Yours: Best Garage & Workshop Fans
XPOWER P-21AR Axial Air Mover
This 12-inch fan offers an adjustable fan-head and powerful motor for high-velocity airflow & immediate comfort.
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 14.2 x 16.1 in. (H x W x D)
- Wall-Mountable: No
- Adjustable Speeds: 4
- Reviews: 5 Stars from 3 reviews
Vornado 293HD Industrial Fan
Compact and stable, this fan uses Vornado's patented technology to cool down work areas.
- Dimensions: 22 x 16 x 13.8 in. (H x W x D)
- Wall-Mountable: Yes
- Adjustable Speeds: 3
- Reviews: 4.9 Stars from 12 reviews
King Electric Direct Drive Drum Fan
This King Electric high-velocity fan is ideal for use in garages and commercial areas. It's reliable, durable, and designed for long-term use.
- Dimensions: 24- and 36-inch options
- Wall-Mountable: Yes
- Adjustable Speeds: 2
Additional Garage & Workshop Cooling Tips
- Allow cars to cool down before parking in the garage and closing the door.
- Review ventilation fan options to circulate air in and out.
- Upgrade insulation to prevent extra heat in your garage or workshop.
- Plan your work or exercise in the morning or at night when it’s cooler.
- Improve airflow by keeping the space clutter-free.
Still Have Questions?
Have questions about evaporative coolers or other cooling products? Contact our cooling product experts at 1-800-934-9194or Email Us with any questions.
