Garages get extremely hot during the summer season. Just like we need ways to warm the garage during winter, we need to look for methods to cool them during summer. Extreme temperatures in garages make it almost if not impossible to work. Even in a normal climate, garage temperatures are different from the rest of the house.
If you live in places with extreme temperatures, you should understand how to cool a garage. There are diverse ways to cool a garage, and it might be confusing to settle one the best. Extreme high temperatures lead to sweating and discomfort. Here I shall offer you the best way to cool a garage in summer.
What Does It Mean If Your Garage Is Difficult to Control Temperature?
Going through your daily tasks in the garage with high humidity level is quite unpleasant. Most times, it is difficult to control the temperatures in garages. This means that the temperatures will either go too high or too cold. You, therefore, need to come up with solutions to balance the garage temperatures.
Before you settle on the way to balance, you need to understand the reason behind garage temperature imbalance. If the garage temperatures are hard to control, then it means that it lacks ventilation and insulation. Insulating the garage helps you to control air temperatures.
Insulation prevents the air from getting in the garage or getting out. Therefore, if you use a heater or a cooler, the temperature will be maintained for a long period. Before buying a garage cooler or heater, it is recommendable that you have enough garage insulation, and it will assist you in saving energy.
My Garage Is Too Hot, Why Won’t It Cool Down on Its Own?
Sometimes garages become too hot, making it impossible to work. During this time, some people wait for the temperatures to come down on their own. In some garages, it may work while it may not work with others. Here are some possibilities on why your garage will not cool on its own:
1. Poor Insulation
One reason why the garage temperatures will not go down naturally is that your garage has poor or no insulation. Insulation helps in controlling the temperatures in a room. Insulating the garage wall, door, windows, and ceiling prevents air in the garage from getting out and air from the outside from getting in the garage.
2. Lack of Ventilation
Some garages are built without ventilation or windows. This could also be another reason why a hot garage will not cool on its own. Ventilations and windows assist in providing airflow in the garage. A garage without a window will heat quickly, and it will be difficult to cool.
3. Color of the Garage
Most of us do not know that a garage color can affect its temperature. Garages painted with dark colors tend to keep heat. If you want to cool the garage faster, consider painting its roof with light colors.
4. Garage Orientation and Location
If the garage faces the west, its temperatures will be high in the afternoon due to the hot sun. Without the right insulation, it may take quite a long time to cool itself down without the help of a system.
Why Should You Keep Your Garage Cool?
Controlling the temperatures in the garage is crucial for the longevity of your items, tools, and overall architecture. Cooling the garage temperatures makes it suitable to work in. Excess heat not only makes it impossible to work but also poses a risk to your working tools.
Electrical equipment is affected by hot air. You are advised to cool the garage down before switching on an electric item or using it. Using these items in an extremely hot garage may cause damage or even lead to a fire breakout.
Another reason to cool your garage is to conform to the area code. Some areas have rules that need you to control the temperature in garages. This makes the spaces more comfortable and prevents them from being neglected. At times it can even be difficult to sell a house whose garage temperature is not well regulated.
Best Ways to Cool a Garage in Summer
We are all in agreement that you need comfortable temperature levels to work in a garage. The air should not be too hot, neither should it be too cold. The two extremes not only make it difficult to work but also damage your equipment and tools.
Most garages are built without proper insulation and ventilation. This makes it difficult to regulate the temperature naturally. While some may have proper insulation, it is not easy to cool down during summer without help. Here are some of the best methods to cool a garage in the summer:
Permanent Methods
Cooling methods in a garage can either be permanent or temporary. Permanent methods are long-lasting and efficient. They include:
Air Conditioner
A garage air conditioner is one of the most apparent ways of cooling your garage. This heating method is expensive but very effective. The air conditioners come in different kinds. If your garage is big and you don’t mind the cost, consider the central air conditioning. Other types of air conditioners include:
Window Air Conditioner
A window unit is most ideal for small garages with widows. These units are readily available in home furnishing and hardware retailer shops. Windows ACs are also available on online shops such as amazon. The air conditioners are highly efficient and relatively quiet.
Pros
- They are quiet
- Have high efficiency
- Readily available
- Easy to install
- Do not take floor space
- Immobilize using the garage window
- Should be removed in winter
Ductless Mini-Split Unit
Among the most common questions among people with garages is how to cool a garage with no windows. Ductless mini-split systems are an awesome option for these types of garages. These air conditioners are ideal for garages with non-ducted heating systems.
The Ductless Mini-Split units have two major components: an indoor air-handling unit and a condenser or outdoor compressor. A conduit housing the condensate drain, suction tubing, refrigerant tubing, and a power cable links the outdoor and indoor units.
Pros
- Quick to install
- Have no ductwork
- Have versatile mounting
- They are quiet
- Ideal for zoned control
- It is energy efficient
Cons
- Do not feature air filters
- Expensive to install
- It needs regular maintenance
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners come in different types and sizes. For a large garage, you should purchase a large and powerful portable air conditioner. It is more ideal for garages with windows. Ensure you buy the best portable air conditioner to experience the best results.
One thing that makes portable air conditioners outstand is that you can move them from one place to another. Once you take them to the garage, plug them in and put the exhaust kit out of the window. The units will start cooling the workstation immediately.
Pros
- It is comfortable and efficient
- Easy to move and install
- Offer immediate cooling
- They are programmable
Cons
- They need regular maintenance
- A little expensive
Evaporative Coolers
If one is searching for a way on how to cool a garage in Arizona, then evaporative coolers are an ideal option. These air conditioners are designed to work in semi-outdoor spaces such as workshops and garages. It uses an evaporation process to cool spaces.
Evaporative coolers use water, cooling media, and a heavy-duty fan to reduce the temperatures to 25 degrees. The water will drip over to cooling media creating cool air, which is then pushed around the garage by the fan. It is a great way to keep your detached garage cool.
Pros
- It is energy efficient
- Portable and flexible
- Work comfortably in tough environments
- Offer immediate cooling
Cons
- Require steady supply of water
Ceiling Fan
One way on how to cool a garage with fans is by using ceiling fans. A ceiling fan is among the most simple and cost-effective methods to improve your garage temperature. A ceiling garage should only be installed in a garage with a minimum height of 8 feet. If the ceiling of your garage is lower, it may prevent you from packing taller vehicles.
The ceiling blades should be located 10 to 12 inches under the ceiling and 7-9 feet from the ground. Larger ceiling fans will cool the garage faster compared to smaller fans. Ceiling fans featuring a diameter of 36 to 44 inches are ideal for garages below 225 square feet.
Garages beyond 225 square feet require a fan with a diameter of 52 inches or more. You can also install more than one ceiling fan in a large garage to distribute cool air evenly.
Pros
- Lower ambient temperatures by 4° to 5°
- Can serve for both cooling and heating
- Offer convenience and comfort
- They are environmental friendly
- Low cooling and heating bills
Cons
- They are noisy
- Ideal for tall garages
Garage Ventilation
People design garages without ventilation, but this may make it difficult to control the temperatures inside. Ventilations in your garage help you to cool the space during the summer season. Just like we know, hot air rises and escapes through the vent leaving the space cool and comfortable. Ventilations can be installed on roofs, doors, or windows.
You can also leave the ventilations open at night to let the cool air in the garage before you come in the morning. The vents also help in getting rid of fumes and chemicals from vehicles and machinery in the garage. Garage ventilation will help you to control the temperatures better in garages with good insulation.
Pros
- Helps to control garage temperatures
- Gets rid of harmful toxins
- It keeps the garage comfortable
- Cools the garage antics
Cons
- It needs good insulation for the best cooling effect
Insulation
One key cooling factor on how to cool a garage in Florida is insulation. Most garages either have poor insulation or are not insulated at all. If you stay in areas where you experience cold or heat, consider insulating your garage. Garage insulations will assist you in controlling its temperatures, especially during winter and summer.
It is advisable to insulate your garage even when you have a cooling system. Insulation keeps the air from your cooling system from escaping outside. Poor or no insulation makes the garage cooling unit work harder. The garage takes longer to heat, thus increasing the hydro bill.
Consider insulating the garage doors, ceiling, and walls. The type of material used in making garage doors and windows is a great factor for insulating. Wood, for instance, is a natural insulator. On top of all this, garage insulation increases its value.
Pros
- It helps to control the temperature
- Minimize your cooling and heating bills
- The cooling process takes less time
- Acts as a sound barrier
- Increases the garage value
Cons
- Insulating a large space is expensive
- It may be ugly if not well finished
Change Garage Color
Most people will not believe that the garage color can affect how cool it is. However, we have all learned that dark colors keep the heat for long compared to light colors. A white garage roof reflects the rays of the sun, thus keeping the garage cool.
Therefore, choose light colors for the garage exterior and doors. Consider repainting the garage before summer. However, you will need a cooling system and insulation to get the best cooling effects when there is extreme heat.
Pros
- Lighter colors make the garage lively
- It may reduce cooling costs
- The colors will stay for long term
Cons
- It is a little expensive to paint a large garage
Temporary Methods
Temporary garage cooling solutions are less energy-intensive. These methods are ideal to use if you only spend a few hours in the garage. They are:
Dehumidifiers
Will a dehumidifier cool a garage? A dehumidifier is among the most direct methods of dealing with humidity in a garage. It helps to prevent molding and condensation in the garage. This unit pulls the air in the garage and separates air and moisture. The then exhausts the dehumidified air back in the garage.
After some time of the process, the dehumidifier reduces the levels of moisture in the space. This unit helps us cool the garage and minimize allergens, thus enabling us to breathe clean air.
Pros
- Prevent dust mite, mildew, and molds from breeding
- Reduce allergens in the air
- It helps us to breathe comfortably and safely
- Protect your items from decay and rust
Cons
- It is noisy
- Needs regular maintenance
Closing Garage Doors
Closing and opening the garage doors will depend on where the garage is located and the temperature outside. If the garage gets direct sunlight and is not under a shade, then you should close the doors. This helps to retain the cool temperature in the garage.
If it is under a shade, you can open the door to allow cool air to get in. in a nutshell, if the air outside is hotter than the air in the garage, then always have the doors closed. The vice versa is also true.
Pros
- It helps to maintain the air inside
- Reduce the cooling bills
Cons
- Not ideal in extreme temperatures
Powerful Portable Fans
There are many types of fans that you can use to cool a garage. We have already discussed the ceiling fans, but we can also use a portable fan. This fan is more suitable for small garages for it will only cool a small space at a time. The best thing about a portable fan is it is flexible, and you can move with it to different places.
Portable fans help to push the hot air out of the garage. It also helps in ventilation, making the room less stuffy. Putting the portable fan next to you as you work cools your body considerably. These fans, however, are only suitable for areas with moderately warm temperatures.
Pros
- They are energy efficient
- They are cost-friendly
- Helps in ventilation
Cons
- Ideal for space with moderate warmth
- Only cools a small space
Swamp Coolers
One simple way on how to cool a garage in Texas for a short time is swamp cooling. Swamp cooling works by taking the benefits of evaporation. Put a bucket of ice next to a portable fan and have it blow the air across.
The cool air from the bucket of ice is propelled and circulates in the garage. It is a great way to cool a garage without windows. This garage cooling method is also cost-effective.
Pros
- Ideal for garages without windows
- It is cost-effective
- Provides quick cooling
Cons
- Only cools for a short period
De-Clutter the Garage
Another temporary way on how to cool a garage workshop is removing clutter. Too much clutter in the garage prevents airflow, thus leading to poor air quality. Cleaning the space makes it simple to cool the garage. Install storage racks and cabinets in the garage to make it clutter-free.
Pros
- Improves airflow
- It makes it comfortable to work
- It is easy to locate items
Cons
- Require another cooling system in the garage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Can I Cool My Garage Cheaply?
Most of the methods of cooling the garage cheaply may not run for a long period. The cheapest way of cooling the garage is using swamp coolers. To use this method, put a bucket of ice in front of a fan and let it blow the air across the top of the bucket. This method will only serve you for a short period, but it will not cost you much.
Portable fans are also energy-efficient, and they do not consume a lot of electricity. The fans, however, are not ideal for large garages for they can only cool one place at a time. It is ideal for anyone who spends less time in the garage.
Q: Will a Portable AC Cool a Garage?
A portable air conditioner is a suitable way of cooling your garage. These air conditioners can only be used in garages that have windows. Portable ACs are a little expensive, but they are worth it. They are easy to move and provide the garage with immediate cooling. Most Portable Air Conditioners are programmable, and you can easily set your desired temperature.
Q: How Do You Ventilate a Hot Garage?
There are various ways that you can use to ventilate your hot garage. Ventilating is bringing clean air into the garage. The clean air can either replace or mix with the air already in the garage. Some ways to ventilate a garage are installing windows, installing an exhaust fan, placing a window fan, or installing vents.
Q: Will Insulating My Garage Keep It Cooler?
Insulating your garage will definitely help to keep the garage cool during summer. Insulation helps to retain the air in the garage. Therefore, if you have a cooling system, the cooled air will not escape from the garage, neither with the hot air gets in the garage.
Insulation will work well if you have a cooling unit. To reap the full benefits, ensure that you have insulated the walls, doors, and ceiling. Insulating your garage will help it cool quickly and reduce the cooling costs.
Q: Will a Fan Cool a Garage?
A good powerful garage helps in cooling my garage. There are different types of fans that you can use in your space. If you are working in a tall and large garage, ceiling fans are the best option. Powerful ceiling fans are suitable doe most garages. If the garage is extremely large, you can consider installing more ceiling fans.
Portable garage fans are suitable for anyone who wants to cool a small space. Put the fan next to you, and it will help to cool your body as you work. These fans are energy-efficient and flexible. You can move with them as you move to different garage positions.
Q: How Can I Cool Down My Garage With No Windows?
Only specific cooling methods are suitable for garages without windows. Some of these methods are the Ductless Mini-Split units and swamp coolers. Ductless Mini-Split units are a permanent cooling method and ideal for large garages. It is expensive but very convenient in summer. Swamp coolers can also be used in a windowless garage but only works for a short time.
Q: Can I Put AC In My Garage?
It is possible to put an air conditioner in the garage. The air conditioner will help in cooling the space during the summer season. However, air conditioners are of different types. They include Ductless Mini-Split, window ACs, and portable ACs.
Q: Is Garage Hotter Than Outside?
In most cases, garages will be hotter than the outside. During summer, it might be impossible to work in a garage because the temperatures are too high. For this reason, you need to get a cooling method to make the workplace conducive.
Some solutions for cooling a garage are Ductless Mini-Split ACs, Window ACs, Evaporative coolers, dehumidifiers, and fans. Insulating the garage will help control the air in the space, making it easy for the cooling systems.
Q: What Is the Ideal Garage Temperature?
The best temperature for a garage will depend on where it is located and individual needs. It also depends on how one uses the garage. However, the most advisable temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit for coastal states and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for inland states.
Final Words:
A too hot or too cold garage is not a suitable workplace. In summer, temperatures are too high, and you need to get a solution to bring them down. This article on how to cool a garage gives you different options that you can consider to cool and control the temperatures in your space.
To control the air in the garage, make sure it is well insulated. This will make it easy for a cooling unit to cool the space and maintain the cool air. If the garage cools faster, your cost of cooling will come down. If the garage has no windows, consider installing the Ductless Mini-Split ACs. If the garage has windows consider the Window Air Conditioner Units.
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