When summer rolls around, the garage can be the hottest room in the home. You may become uncomfortable when using your garage as a workout room, office, or den. If you keep your car in a hot garage, its fluids could evaporate quickly leading to overheating and engine damage. 

Several factors can cause a hot garage including a lack of shade, reduced ventilation, or poor garage door insulation. Your garage temperature can also rise if it is painted a dark color. This article will look at the various factors that contribute to a hot garage and provide tips on how to keep your garage cool. 

How to Keep Garage Cool in Summer

Park Your Car Outside to Let it Cool

Your car can contribute to the heat in your garage, especially if you park it inside when it’s still cooling down from a ride. Cars can take hours to cool down. Park them outside until they stop radiating heat. Then move them to the garage to ensure they are safely stored. 

Use Your Garage When It’s Cool Outside

Your garage will heat up around noon and store heat until about 6 PM. You can avoid a hot garage by using it before it gets hot outside (up to around 11 AM) and after it’s had a chance to cool off. 

Use a Fan

Fans may be the least expensive way to keep a garage cool. For best results, use multiple fans. Place one so it will blow air on you while you are in the garage. Place another near a window or open the door and position it so it blows hot air out of the garage. 

Use Light Paint Colors on Your Garage and Home Exterior

Dark colors absorb heat, and light colors reflect them. You will keep your garage cooler by using light paint colors on your doors and home exterior. This strategy will be especially effective if your doors tend to get hit by sunlight during the day. 

Forgo Windows

Windows let sunlight filter into your garage increasing the interior temperature. A windowless garage is a cooler option. If you prefer windows, choose ones with screens that minimize the amount of sunlight that enters your home. 

Use Ventilation

Most homes feature ventilation systems that dissipate heat from the attic. These systems can also be installed in your garage door walls to ensure a comfortable temperature. 

You can choose from passive ventilation which requires little energy, or active ventilation which is mechanically powered. Active ventilation is more expensive, but it provides more powerful cooling. 

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is a costly option considering installation and energy consumption, but it may be the best way to keep your garage cool. Consider having a central air conditioning system installed. If you have a window, you can get the air conditioner mounted into the opening. 

An air conditioning unit will be most effective in an insulated garage. 

Garage Door Insulation

Insulation will prevent hot air from entering your home. It will also retain cool air from air conditioning or morning and nighttime air. It will lower your energy bills. 

You can install insulation in your garage door, walls, and ceilings. Add weatherstripping and caulk to enhance insulation. Wooden garage doors have natural insulation properties. 

Address air leaks and other issues that can interfere with insulation. 

Reduce Clutter

A cluttered garage will reduce airflow and contribute to poor air quality. Minimize clutter by cleaning your garage regularly. Use cabinets and storage racks to increase organization. 

Use a Dehumidifier

Humidity can contribute to heat and make your garage seem hotter. If you live in a humid climate, consider installing a dehumidifier in your garage. It will promote a more comfortable atmosphere. 

Avoid Heat Generating Appliances 

Heat-generating appliances like water heaters, dryers, grills, and hobby equipment will make your garage hotter. If possible, move them outside your garage, especially when in use. 

Plant a Tree

Studies reveal that planting a tree can reduce the temperature of the surrounding air by up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Trees can also shade your garage. If you can’t plant a tree, consider creating shade from an awning, tent, or carport. 

Raynor Door Authority Can Help Keep Your Garage Cool

The professionals and Raynor Door Authority can help you keep your garage cool in the summer. We offer a wide selection of garage doors so you can choose the paint colors, insulation, and styles that are best suited to your needs. We can also perform repairs to fix air leaks and other issues that can interfere with insulation. 

Contact us today and make this summer the most comfortable one yet.