Your garage is an inviting space for a home workshop or recreation area, especially in the summer when you don’t need to keep your car sheltered from ice and cold weather. Unfortunately, most garages are not well insulated and they are not usually air conditioned, so they can get really uncomfortable on hot summer afternoons. If you need a space for woodworking or playing ping-pong, try to figure out how to air condition your garage.
Keeping a garage cool on hot summer days is challenging for several reasons. Since the garage is not generally considered part of a home’s living space, many builders trim construction costs by not insulating garage walls and ceilings. The lack of insulation allows heat to radiate through the walls and attic roof. The garage door also allows hot air from outside to enter directly through gaps between the door and frame that are necessary to allow smooth operation of the door.
Short of insulating your garage and extending your ductwork to include the space in your central air conditioning system, there are some relatively inexpensive steps you can take to make your garage more comfortable. Here are some tips on how to air condition your garage without spending a lot of money:
- Install a ceiling fan to keep air moving. If there is no room for a ceiling fan, a large floor fan can circulate air around your workspace.
- A small window air conditioner might provide the cooling you need. Keep in mind that without adequate insulation, your electric bill will be much higher than you might expect for the benefit you receive.
- Open your garage door early in the morning to let cool air in, then close it before the sun starts heating things up again.
Call us at James Lane for more ideas on how to air condition your garage. We have been making homes in North Texas comfortable and efficient since 1957.
