4 Steps to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Garage

Electricity prices were around 25% higher in the US in 2022 than in 2013 and should stay pretty steady in 2024. There is a space in our homes that often gets overlooked but packs a punch on our energy bills – the garage. Treating your garage as an integral part of your home can make a significant dent in your overall carbon footprint. An inefficient garage can be a vacuum for chilly winter breezes and scorching summer heat, wreaking havoc on your home’s efficiency. 

We’ve got four steps to transform your garage from an energy guzzler to an efficiency extension of your home. 

Step #1: The importance of garage door installation 

Every gust of wind or sunbeam seems to conspire against your home’s comfort. That’s where garage door insulation becomes more than a minor detail. There are significant energy savings to be found here, and if your garage is more than just storage space and moonlights as your gym or workspace, the benefits multiply.

Proper insulation can work wonders in the hottest climates, slashing indoor temperatures by a jaw-dropping 56-57%. Great installation can be determined based on the R-value. For garage door insulation, aim for an R-value between 4-8. That’s the sweet spot for balancing effective garage insulation and manageable weight. Going for thicker insulation might sound tempting for higher R-values, but it can lead to bulkiness and heftiness that your garage door might not fancy.

Step #2: Covering fixes that often slip through the cracks

The gap between the lower framing and the concrete floor can be problematic. Despite their sturdy exteriors, many garages lack the proper compressible foam in this crucial connection, leading to a not-so-watertight seal.

As time marches on, this connection weathers the storm quite literally. It swells, shrinks, and shifts, creating gaps that invite the outside air to sneak in uninvited. It becomes a secret passageway for drafts, cold air, and maybe even a few unwelcome critters. The solution is foam sealant or a latex/silicone-based caulk. These can seal those overlooked spaces, thwarting the infiltration of outside air. 

Pro tip: Stroll around the door frame – does it have weatherstripping? Is it intact, pliable, and keeping the garage air where it belongs? An easy trick involves using smoke to detect sneaky air leaks or simply turning off the garage lights to spot telltale beams.

Step #3: Alter your lighting system

Say goodbye to outdated energy-sucking bulbs and hello to a brighter, more efficient future for your workspace. Start by ditching those old incandescent bulbs that illuminate and generate a hefty dose of heat. These outdated bulbs tend to be energy hogs, contributing to higher electricity bills. Enter the modern alternative – LED bulbs.

LED bulbs, unlike their incandescent counterparts, operate at lower voltage levels, emitting bright, efficient light without guzzling excessive energy. The result is a well-lit workspace and reduced energy consumption.

Not only do LED bulbs save energy, but they also have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. Installing LED lighting in your garage isn’t just a short-term solution; it’s an investment in the long run. You’ll notice a decline in your energy bills over time thanks to the efficiency and longevity of these bulbs.

Pro tip: Consider updating your switches to complement your LED lighting. Modern, energy-efficient switches can enhance the overall efficiency of your garage lighting system.

Step #4: Temperature control with a programmable thermostat

Traditional thermostats can be energy guzzlers, tirelessly working to keep your garage at a consistent temperature, even when you’re not around. Programmable thermostats, however, allow you to take control of your garage’s climate smartly and efficiently.

The beauty of programmable thermostats lies in their ability to sync with your schedule. Why heat or cool an empty garage when you can customize your thermostat to kick in precisely when needed? With programmable thermostats, you adjust the temperature based on your usage patterns. 

If you only use your garage for a few hours each day, a programmable thermostat can be programmed to turn on a few minutes before you step in and switch off shortly after you leave. It’s an energy-saving dance tailored to your lifestyle, ensuring that your garage is comfortable precisely when needed.

Be smart about your property market as well

Keeping across good energy efficiency tips is important, as is being aware of your relevant real estate market information. This is where Sky Five Properties comes in; we offer cutting-edge market intelligence and supreme negotiation capabilities to make sure you buy and sell the perfect properties for your needs today.

Previous post:
Gen Z Renters: 5 Simple Strategies for Attracting the Next Generation of Tenants

Next post:
4 Ideas for Successful House Hacking