How to Make Your Garage More Energy-Efficient

How to Make Your Garage More Energy-Efficient

More and more homeowners have started paying due attention to their home’s energy efficiency. As such, they consider implementing new technologies and smart solutions, such as solar panels or smart thermostats, reducing their energy consumption and carbon footprint. This, in turn, results in cutting down on energy bills and making their savings soar, which is always a plus.

In this article, we will turn your attention to improving the energy efficiency of one of those areas of the house that is frequently overlooked – your garage. Whether you want to keep it cool in summer or turn it into a comfy home office, you should make it more energy-efficient first.

For starters, it’s vital to ensure that your garage is sufficiently insulated. Then you can move to seal cracks, replace roof windows with energy-efficient alternatives, check if the garage door opener functions properly, and reduce the overall clutter in your garage. Continue reading and learn more about making your garage more energy-efficient.

Insulate the Garage Walls, Ceiling, and Door

One of the most crucial things you can do to make your garage more comfortable and reduce your energy consumption is to ensure that it’s properly insulated. This way, you will be able to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the garage all year long.

Some people believe that there is no real need to insulate your garage since, in most cases, people do not spend much time there. Besides, it is frequently opened and closed, so insulation will not work. However, a similar temperature in your garage and your living space can help increase the energy efficiency of your entire house.

When it comes to insulating the garage walls and ceiling, you can opt for either fiberglass batts,  rigid foam boards, or blown-in cellulose. And finally, when it comes to the garage door, you can choose from a variety of insulation kits available on the market.

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Another vital aspect of making your garage more energy-efficient is to check for cracks and gaps and seal them properly. This way, you will prevent heat from escaping in winter and cool air from entering in summer, which will help you save on energy bills.

You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or expansion foam for sealing your garage. Start by inspecting the areas around windows and doors. You can check those by holding a lighter next to them – if the flame weavers, then you will have to fix that place. Then, move to the garage door itself and use weatherstripping. Finally, don’t forget to check the floor for cracks and seal them as well.

Replace Windows with Energy-Efficient Alternatives

If your garage has windows, chances are they are not very energy-efficient. Therefore, one of the best things you can do to make your garage more comfortable and reduce your energy consumption is to replace them with energy-efficient alternatives.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing energy-efficient windows for your garage. First of all, make sure to pick windows with a low U-factor and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Also, look for windows that are ENERGY STAR certified. And finally, don’t forget to take into account the climate you live in when choosing the right windows for your garage.

Check If the Garage Door Opener Functions Properly

Another simple yet effective way to make your garage more energy-efficient is to check if the garage door opener functions properly. It is an important step, because a faulty garage door opener may use more energy than normal to lift the door, increasing your electricity costs.

To check if your garage door opener functions properly, start by checking the springs and pulleys to see if they need to be replaced. Then, move to the opener itself and see if it needs to be oiled or lubricated. And finally, don’t forget to check the tracks and clean them if necessary.

Reduce the Overall Clutter in Your Garage

Last but not least, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make your garage more energy-efficient is to reduce the overall clutter. This is important because clutter can block vents and prevent air from circulating properly, which can lead to increased energy consumption.

So, go through your garage and get rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore. Donate items that are in good condition and dispose of those that are not. Once you’re done decluttering, you will be surprised at how much more comfortable and energy-efficient your garage will be.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a few ways you can make your garage more energy-efficient. However, the most important thing to remember is that some of them are simple and affordable to implement. So, if you want to save some money and reduce your carbon footprint, give some of our tips a try.

This way, you will be able to improve your garage’s energy efficiency and make it more comfortable. Also, you will be able to reduce the overall clutter and improve your garage’s organization. So, start working on these tips today and see what changes they can bring to your home.