Working or relaxing in your house during hot summer days can be very uncomfortable due to the high temperatures. Everybody at this time tries to cool things down by installing air conditioners or other temperature regulation devices. Your garage also needs to be cool in the summer since working in a hot environment just isn’t fun.
Even in the winter it’s easy to sweat working in the garage but once you factor in the heat of summer, it’s not only uncomfortable but also not healthy. There are various ways of cooling your garage in the summer and even one thing can make a huge difference.
What makes your garage so hot?
The best way to solve a problem is to know the cause and deal with it. The same applies to your garage so analyze factors leading to the high temps. Explore all possible causes and try to fix them. Here are some of the main factors that can lead to unbearably high temperatures in your garage:
- Garage color – Dark colors absorb heat from the sun and the bright ones reflect the rays. If you have painted your garage with dark colors like black then that could be the reason why the temperatures are too high. Consider repainting your garage with a lighter color like white or light gray to at least reflect the sun’s rays and reduce the temperatures inside the garage.
- Door location – In case your garage doors face west, the sun’s rays will directly hit your garage and heat it up. If you have any windows that face the afternoon sun, expect that to be a factor as well. While you can’t rotate your garage, you can put in a simple window covering like blinds.
- Lack of ventilation – Ventilation is key even in our home so if your garage is not well ventilated, you risk higher temperatures in summer. Consult garage experts to install proper ventilation and enjoy working in a cool environment.
- Parking vehicles in your garage after a long drive in the hot sun will almost immediately heat up your garage as it absorbs the heat from the car. Consider parking your car outside on the hottest days.
- Lack if insulation in your garage.
What are some techniques to cool down your garage?
The first step to solving a problem is to understand the cause, and now you have an idea of what can be making your garage too hot. Here are some of the best strategies you can employ to keep your garage cool even during hot summer:
1. Proper ventilation
Natural ventilation should be your first solution to an overheating garage. In case your garage does not have windows or a back/side door, consider installing one or more. If they are already there, consider opening them wide during the day to increase air circulation. Keep the garage door open as well while you are working to keep the garage cool.
2. Upgrade your garage insulation
In many cases, people tend to insulate their garages poorly. It may because the garage is old or the budget simply didn’t allow it at one time or another. It is therefore advisable to always upgrade your garage insulation if possible.
Painting your walls a light color helps as well but in an unfinished garage, adding insulation to the walls and covering with drywall is a must. Alternatively, you can use blown-in insulation and install weather stripping.
3. Install a ceiling fan
Another excellent way to reduce the high temperatures in your garage is to install a ceiling fan if your ceiling is high enough. A large fan with blade length between 7 and 9 ft. is recommended. In case you are not sure what model to go with, consult the experts near you to help you choose the best fan for your garage.
4. Consider installing an air conditioner in your garage
Installing an air conditioner in your garage like that in your house can be expensive but portable air conditioners are a good option which are less costly and more convenient. Weigh out situations in terms of budget to see if an air conditioner for your garage will work for you.
There are other ways that you can also use to cool down your garage which include, parking your car outside for some time to cool down before taking it to the garage. You can also clean your garage regularly and organize it properly to allow proper air circulation. Consider rescheduling your working hours and always go in your garage when the sun temperatures are somehow accommodating. Feel free to use any of the above strategies and enjoy working in a cool environment.