The hot days of summer can be a problem for your garage. Here’s how to beat the heat.
Extremely hot days will make your garage chores a drag, and can even make spending time in the garage dangerous. Whether you enjoy spending time there working, building or you’ve made it a recreation area, the last thing you want is for your garage to be an oven.
Why Is It So Hot In There?
Before we explore how to get cooler temperatures in your garage, let’s look at what’s causing the problem in the first place.
Reasons for a garage that’s too hot include:
- Garage positioning: if your garage faces the sun it’s exposed to intense heat
- Colors: darker garage doors absorb heat
- Air Flow: does your garage have a ventilation system?
- Insulation: how your garage is insulated could be contributing to extreme heat
Keeping these potential problems in mind, here are some solutions to consider:
1. Park Your Car Outside
Heat from a recently-driven car can fill your garage with hot air quickly. If you leave your car in the driveway – even for a little while – that could provide an easy temperature fix.
2. SCHEDULE YOUR GARAGE TIME WISELY
Spend time in the garage when the temperature is most comfortable. Early morning garage time is likely the best, allowing you to get your work in before the day’s temperatures rise. Stay out of the garage between 3-6 p.m. on a hot day.
3. UPGRADE YOUR AIR FLOW
Think about a dedicated garage ventilation system. You have two options: passive or active ventilation. Passive ventilation – usually spinning turbine vents – is normally installed on your roof and doesn’t require much energy. Active ventilation is more involved but is more efficient at removing hot air out of your garage.
4. SIMPLE SOLUTION: GET A FAN
Perhaps the most affordable option to increase ventilation in your garage is to get a fan. A simple oscillating household fan, a ceiling fan or a box fan will likely do the job.
5. A LITTLE BIT BETTER BUT EXPENSIVE
The most effective – but likely most expensive – option is to install air condition in your garage. Your garage can be fitted for an air conditioning unit, but for larger garages, you might consider a high-BTU portable air conditioner. If you decide to go this route, be sure your garage is properly insulated.
6. CHANGE YOUR COLORS
Dark colors absorb heat. Your garage can generate less heat if it is a lighter color on the garage door and exterior.
In both the heat of the summer and Indiana’s winter cold, Garage Doors of Indianapolis has served Central Indiana since 1979. Local owned and operated, we give careful attention to each and every customer.
Contact our team of garage experts today for all of your residential or commercial garage needs.