Garages are often the most neglected part of a home. They’re the first place people will look when they want to add on to their property. But they’re the last place people will look when they want to sell their house. That’s why it’s essential to keep your detached or attached garage in tip-top shape, whether you’re planning on selling or not.
Fortunately, it’s not hard: even if you don’t have AC or heat in your home yet, there are plenty of ways to stay cool or warm when you’re working on projects in your garage. Additionally, if you don’t have central heating, some simple install mini-split systems will blow hot air into the space to keep it comfortable.
Important: Before you begin building HVAC into your Utility garage space, be sure to check with the local Building Dept. and Zoning Dept. to learn of any and all requirements. Changing a Utility space to Residential space may require permits and approvals where you live.
Heating a Garage in the Winter
You can heat your garage in the winter with a space heater, furnace, or air conditioner. A space heater is portable and relatively easy to install. A furnace is more effective than a space heater but can be challenging to install. An air conditioner also warms up your garage, but it can cost more than other options.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to heat a garage, rest assured that there are several ways to do so without breaking the bank. You can insulate your walls and add insulation underneath the flooring to keep out drafts and cold air seeping through cracks in the foundation or walls. You can also install radiant floor heating pipes under the concrete flooring to keep things warm all day long—even when it’s freezing outside.
Cooling Your Garage in the Summer
If you’re looking to cool your detached garage, first you need to look at what’s making it hot in the first place.
If your garage is a free-standing structure, consider adding an A/C unit (or two) to keep things as cool as possible. The best thing about these units? They can be put on timers to only run when you need them to—so no more running up your energy bill when no one’s using the space.
Another way to keep your detached garage cool is with a dehumidifier. These machines can help lower humidity levels in your home and keep mold from growing inside walls and other surfaces that can be hard for homeowners to reach without damaging them.
If all else fails, consider investing in some fans. These will help circulate air throughout the space so that fresh currents always move through it—even when it’s hot outside!
Insulation Matters
We all know winter is the best time to insulate your home, but did you know that the same principle applies to your detached garage?
Detached garages usually lack proper insulation. This means that many of them are not as comfortable to work in as they could be. They can also be a safety hazard if you’re working with power tools that can overheat.
There are several ways to go about insulating a detached garage:
1) Foam board insulation – This requires minimal installation and is relatively inexpensive.
2) Fiberglass batt insulation – Builders have used this type of insulation for decades. It’s incredibly durable and easy to install. Fiberglass batts are less expensive than other materials like foam boards or panels (but they may require more labor).
3) Spray-foam insulation – Spray foam insulation is easy to use and can help add R-value to your home. This makes it an ideal solution for insulating a detached garage.
Your Garage Needs Heating and Cooling, Just Like Your Home
Your garage is just as important as the rest of your house. It’s where you park your car and store belongings, so it should feel comfortable and safe. If you don’t have proper insulation, then this could be a huge problem.
A properly insulated door will keep out cold air during winter when you use it less often. It will prevent warm air from escaping through cracks or openings during hot summers when it’s being used more frequently. Make sure these have been adequately caulked so that no light shines through them.
If you have a door that needs to be insulated, keeping the temperature inside your garage steady will be challenging. If you do not protect the door, you will lose money on your utility bills. The air inside will constantly be circulating and trying to equalize itself with the temperatures outside.
Additionally, your garage is probably used year-round—even if it’s just for storage during the winter months. With HVAC, however, you can keep your garage at whatever temperature suits you best all year long!
Keeping Your Garage Comfortable
With the right equipment and some basic knowledge, you can keep your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you have any questions about the best way to set up a detached or attached garage, contact your local Building Dept. for local requirements and recommendations.