Updated: October 31, 2023
Posted: November 25, 2014
Top tips for an energy efficient garage
Keeping you and your family toasty warm during the cold winter months is extremely important to help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems such as pneumonia. As more and more homeowners are choosing to convert their garage into workshops, gyms or office space, now is the time to check the energy efficiency of your garage in preparation for use during the winter. Your health should be the primary focus which is why our team of experts at JB Doors have put together a list of the five main ways to make your garage a more energy efficient space.
1. Insulating the garage door
The main purpose of a garage door design is to keep thieves and intruders out, not warmth in. A simple and affordable way to ensure your garage space is a comfortable temperature is to insulate your garage door. There are a range of garage door insulation kits on the market today to make the job easier, where the only tool you will need during the installation process is a utility or pocket knife to cut the insulation down to size and fit within the panels.
Further to this, you will also need to insulate around the door to keep out any drafts. Most garage door designs are already fully equipped with weather stripping so check yours regularly to ensure it isn’t cracked or showing signs of deterioration. If your garage door doesn’t currently have weather stripping or you are looking to replace your current installation, use a strip of pliable rubber, vinyl or foam for a bottom seal which will help prevent drafts from breezing under the door and entering your garage.
2. Sealing the leaks or gaps
Cold air can enter through any cracks or gaps which many garages commonly feature. Areas around the pipes are often left uninsulated, as well as any electrical sockets, windows and vents located in the garage. For a more energy efficient garage space, seal any holes or leaks in the walls and windows using caulking or expanding foam insulation to keep the warmth in. If you have any cracked or broken window panes, be sure to replace them as soon as possible to avoid any drafts or security risks.
3. Heaters
Small heaters only heat up the area directly around them which is ideal if you use your garage space as an office and keep the heater next to your desk, but is not well suited to a space where you need to entire room to be heated. If you have converted your garage into a workshop, bear in mind that standard space heaters are a fire hazard when operated near chemicals and sawdust, so choose a heater specifically designed for garages. Forced air heater designs are available in propane and electric and use a fan to circulate warm air throughout the garage making it the perfect solution to heat up the space quickly.
4. Call the experts
Insulating garage walls is often a task considered too large for a beginner to carry out on their own. If you are looking to insulate the garage, it is strongly recommended that your hire the expertise of a professional contractor. Research into reputable companies who will carry out premium quality insulation services to ensure a warm, well-ventilated garage space without the risk of condensation or rot.
5. Upgrade your door
If you have the budget to do so, it might be worth purchasing a weatherproof door with insulation built into the panels. These garage door designs feature improved seals between the joints to keep winter winds from entering in between the cracks and crevices. Not only does this deliver on value for money, but it’s incredible insulating qualities have proven to be an effective way of keeping your garage warm all winter long.
If you decide to replace the garage door entirely, here at JB Doors we offer an extensive range of state-of-the-art insulated roller garage doors for complete security, insulation and accessibility. Simply get in touch with our expert team today for further information.
