Is it possible to keep your garage during winter still feel like a tropical paradise?
Spending time in the garage, whether it’s spent working on projects, fixing the car, hosting band practice, or just hanging out, is what makes owning a garage so great, but having to wear thermal underwear, a heavy coat, thick gloves, and a wool cap to avoid shivering and chattering your teeth while you’re in there isn’t so great.
Here are some tips to keep warm in your garage during winter.
Put Up Insulation
You can pump all the heat you want into your garage, but without proper insulation, you’ll let all that warmth escape and potentially triple your electricity bill. Trapping the toasty air in means insulation will be your best friend. Put in new weatherstripping on the door, as well as foam or fiberglass in the door panels. Alternatively, you can just get a pre-insulated door!
As for the walls, traditional fiberglass batts of the appropriate thickness or efficient spray foam will maintain your desired temperatures. Don’t forget about the ceiling, though; you’ll need insulation there, too. You can make it attractive by covering it all with drywall and wallboard.
Install a Heater
Though you can certainly use a space heater, you’ll need a more efficient and safer option if you want a constant and predictable temperature. A mini split, for instance, will give you total control over whether you want the garage to be cool or warm. If you’ve already got keeping things cool down pat, then a gas or electric heater may be all you need.
In any case, knowing that you’re getting the mini split or heater you need requires that you measure your garage’s cubic feet. For simple calculations, let’s say that it measures 1,000 cubic feet. From there, decide how many degrees warmer you want your garage to be, perhaps 50 degrees. Finally, you can calculate your BTU needs.
Take your cubic feet, multiply by 0.133, and then multiply the result by your preferred temperature increase:
- 1,000 x 0.133 = 133
- 133 x 50 = 6,650
In our example, you’ll need a heater that pumps out at least 6,650 BTUs.
Get Insulated Doors
The doors that lead back into your house make your garage more convenient, but they also provide more heat escape opportunities. Ensure these doors have beneficial thermal properties to avoid heat escaping.
Seal Up Gaps
Don’t let the cold air in! If your garage door is misaligned or not closing properly, outside chilliness can easily seep through, just as with any doors that lead outside or into the home. Seal their frames properly and affirm there are no cracks or leaks.
Get Professionals Involved
Upgrading your garage to make it a comfortable place can be daunting, so to make sure it’s done right, rely on the professionals at Larry Myers Garage Doors. From insulation to installation, we’ll handle the smallest to the largest projects. Contact Larry Myers Garage Doors to get started!