We all know summers in the Midwest can be hot and humid. This causes homeowners to run their air conditioners for months just to feel comfortable, leading to high energy bills. Luckily, a simple way to lower that cost and increase your home’s energy efficiency is to summer-proof your garage.
The following tips can help keep your garage cool in the summer and warm in the winter, resulting in both lower energy usage and cheaper bills throughout the year.
Make the Change to LED Bulbs
Simply switching the light bulbs in your garage to LED ones can save you money. LED lights use less energy than standard bulbs and last much longer. Though LEDs do cost a little more up front, they pay for themselves in no time.
Install Insulation
Keeping your garage cool throughout the summer can be as simple as installing insulation. Reduce energy usage by either replacing your garage door with an insulated one or by doing the insulation yourself.
There are several types of insulation, so partnering with a garage door professional to find out which would work best for you may be in your best interest.
Seal Cracks or Gaps
If you have an attached garage, inspect the door that connects your home to the garage for tiny cracks and holes. If you see any, or feel air leaking through, simply apply weatherstripping to fix the issue. This will prevent warm air in your garage from entering your home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable and consistent temperature.
Inspect the floor of your garage and seal any cracks there, as well. Cold air can make its way through these fractures in the cement, as can water, which then freezes in cold weather and causes the entire garage floor to shift. When this happens, your garage door can’t close properly, costing you even more energy all year long.
Purchase an Energy-Efficient Door
Sometimes, it makes more sense to replace your garage door altogether, especially if it is old or needs extensive repairing. Research energy-efficient models for your home, paying close attention to the R-value, or the measure of efficiency. The higher this number, the better the insulation properties.
Interested in other tips and tricks for your garage? Doors by George has you covered for all your garage and garage door needs.
