Modern garages have many uses. You might store holiday decorations, lawn furniture, backyard toys for the kids, and other similar items in the garage. You also might have converted the garage into a space for your teenagers to practice music or a hangout area. In any case, if you’re like many homeowners, you’ve probably paid more attention to the aesthetics and storage space of the garage than other features. However, putting some effort into energy efficiency can have abundant benefits, such as significantly lowering your monthly bills. The first step involves learning what it takes to make your garage more energy efficient, a move that can save you a substantial amount of money in the long run.
Clutter Reduction
One of the most straightforward steps you can take to improve your garage’s energy efficiency is to reduce the clutter. Not only can piles of old paperwork or stacks of boxes stifle the airflow in your garage, but these objects can also cause a major house fire or fall hazard. By maintaining a clean and organized garage, you’re not just improving energy efficiency but also ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
Door Replacement or Repair
An old garage door not only lets in the cold but also poses a security threat. It might have cracks or be flimsy, and after years of use, it might not even close properly. Upgrading to modern materials and a sturdy structure not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances your home’s security. It’s a win-win situation.
Insulation for the Garage Door
During the chilly winter months, cold air may enter the garage. On the coldest days of the season, the space may be entirely unbearable as a result. One way to make the garage more functional and to save energy involves insulating the garage door. The insulation can help to keep the warmth in, creating a more comfortable environment for you and your family. Furthermore, insulation can assist in reducing noise, enhancing the calmness of your home.
New Garage Door Opener
Regardless of the state of your current garage door, the opener may be using up a lot of energy. You can get an entirely new door-and-opener set or simply select an upgraded opener that works with your current garage door. Check out an opener with updated safety features to protect your loved ones and yourself.
R-Value Consideration
Considering the R-value is essential when getting insulation for the garage door. In simple terms, the R-value measures how well a particular structure can control airflow. A door with a higher R-value might initially seem more expensive. However, considering the costs you’ll save on heating, you may realize that the higher-priced door is essentially paying for itself. If you go to sell the house in the future, this improvement could help you to land a higher selling price. One of our team members can further explain the impact of R-values on energy efficiency and review the different options with you.
Full Garage Insulation
While you’re having the door insulated, you can consider extending the project to the entire space. In other words, get the garage fully insulated. This move is efficient if you use the garage as an extension of your home’s living space. Instead of letting the weather dictate usage, you can more fully enjoy the garage. Keep in mind that you should get the ceiling insulated as well. Ceiling insulation is crucial if the garage is underneath a story of your house. For example, if your bedroom is above the garage, you might notice that your sleeping quarters feel uncomfortably cold in the winter, leading you to turn up the thermostat. Insulating the garage ceiling can make a difference in improving the warmth of the bedroom, so you won’t have to spend as much money on heating. Regardless of what room is above the garage, your home’s heating space has to work harder to warm the space if chills from the garage creep in.
Upgrade the Interior Door
Some homes have standalone garages, but the garage can be entered directly from the house in other dwellings. Upgrading this door is important too. Insulating the door leading from the home to the garage can improve energy efficiency in the garage and the house. Your garage’s new energy-efficient status can help lower heating bills for both spaces in this way.
Weatherstripping for Doors and Windows
Weatherstripping is another way to improve the energy efficiency of your garage. Ensure weatherstripping is placed around all doors and windows for maximum improvements.
Window Coverings
Consider how your windows can help your home to be more energy efficient. Those same effects occur in the garage. Hanging curtains or putting shades on the windows, including any windows that are part of the garage door, can help. Keeping the shades drawn on hot days can allow the space to stay cooler. On chilly winter days, you can open the curtains to allow the sun’s warm rays to increase the temperature.
New Flooring
Cold air can also get in through cracks in the floor. In addition to making the garage more energy efficient, a new floor can create the desired atmosphere. For example, the best flooring option will vary depending on whether you want to use the garage as a storage space, den, or art studio.
Improved Lighting
The current lighting fixtures in your garage might consume a lot of energy. Installing new energy-efficient lighting provides the garage with a fresh look. For safety purposes, learn about options for placing a switch adjacent to the garage door. It’s essential to have lighting when navigating the garage at night or coming in from the car when it’s dark outside. You can update the current switch to be more energy efficient as well.
Garage Appliances and Tools
While most of your attention is likely to be focused on the garage itself, also consider any appliances or tools in the garage. For example, many people keep an extra refrigerator or freezer in their garage. If you’ve had the same appliance in the garage for years or decades, it may be time for more energy-efficient models. You also might have power tools that could be replaced by models promoting greater energy efficiency. Even if you don’t make all the changes now, you can add them to your future to-do list.
When it comes to greater energy efficiency for your home’s garage door, contact Lewis Door Service in Louisville, KY. We offer garage door services, including repairs, replacements, and maintenance. We also provide services for commercial properties and can install overhead doors. Our team members are experts in garage door openers as well. We’ve been in the business for over 50 years and serve the Kentuckiana area. Be sure to ask about our specials, such as financing on approved credit. To get started on making your garage more energy efficient, contact Lewis Door Service today.
