How to Keep Your Garage Cool in Summer

Whether you’re getting in your car, gathering workout gear or grabbing a tool from your toolbox, a short trip into an overly hot garage can be unpleasant. Skyrocketing summer temperatures and humidity can quickly make this space feel steamy and intolerable. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to transform a sizzling garage into a comfortable zone that won’t make you break into a sweat.

Discover what to do when your garage is too hot and some key tips for keeping it cool.

Why Is My Garage So Hot?

Common reasons why the temperature in your garage is uncomfortable during the warmer months include:

Location: The garage’s orientation can impact the amount of sunlight that hits it throughout the day. Spaces that get abundant direct sun are more likely to heat up, especially during peak afternoon hours.
Lifestyle and uses: How your family utilizes your garage will also impact its temperature. If it’s a high-traffic area of your home and the doors open often, it may trap more hot air. The items you store in this space, such as appliances, cars or cardboard boxes, can also contribute to its temperatures.
Poor airflow: Some garages lack proper ventilation to keep air moving. Stagnant air and trapped humidity can cause your garage to feel especially sticky and hot.
Inadequate insulation: Your garage may be overheating during summertime due to a lack of high-quality insulation. Keeping an indoor space cool and avoiding heat transfer can be challenging without it.
Garage color: Your garage’s exterior color may also contribute to high temperatures. Darker hues can absorb between 70% and 90% of the sun’s radiant energy, causing your space to heat up significantly during those bright summer days.

9 Tips for Keeping a Garage Cool in Summer

Explore some key ways you can beat the heat and cool the garage this summer:

1. Prioritize Proper Garage Insulation

High-quality insulation is essential for maintaining the best environment inside your garage and boosting energy efficiency. The three main areas requiring proper insulation include the garage door, ceilings and walls.

Insulation improves temperature regulation and combats heat transfer so the outdoor weather conditions don’t impact the indoor space as harshly.

Upgrading your garage door with an option with multiple layers of insulation can significantly improve the temperature in your garage throughout the summertime.

2. Invest in Energy-Efficient Windows

Outside heat can also sneak into your garage through old windows. According to the United States Department of Energy, heat entering and escaping through a home’s windows accounts for a shocking 25% to 30% of the energy used for heating or cooling the residence.

Consider investing in energy-efficient windows that minimize heat transfer and contribute to a cooler overall space. These upgrades will help your family save money and enjoy greater control over indoor temperatures.

3. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Small air leaks around the doors and windows in your garage may also contribute to uncomfortably hot conditions. Addressing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulk allows you to fill the cracks and keep heat from entering.

You can choose from various weatherstripping materials, including:

Tension seal
Reinforced foam
Reinforced silicone
Tape
Felt

Properly patching these gaps will also help keep warmer air inside during the colder months and benefit your home’s energy efficiency.

4. Turn off or Move Unused Appliances

The garage is often a go-to spot for heat-generating appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. If your garage is getting too hot, consider unplugging unused machines or moving them to another location in your home or property.

Light fixtures can also contribute to hot, unfavorable temperatures in your space. Replace any halogen or incandescent bulbs with LED options to minimize heat.

5. Clean Out Your Garage

If you’re struggling to keep your garage cool during summer, consider cleaning it out and removing as much clutter as possible. Objects absorb and retain heat, so getting rid of unnecessary items will help you reduce stagnant heat buildup. Here are some items to avoid storing in your garage, as these can easily become damaged:

Food items, such as canned goods and pet food
Paint and solvents
Wood items
Propane tanks and oily rags
Valuable items, like collectibles and important documents, books and photos
Electronics
Alcohol
Household appliances
Fabric

Decluttering will help remove obstructions and improve airflow and ventilation throughout the space. As a rule, keep minimal belongings in the garage throughout the summer months. Move anything you can store outside, in your shed or in the house.

6. Enhance Garage Ventilation

Airflow and ventilation are important for keeping your space cool on those blistering summer days. Consider installing vents to expel hot air if you do not already have them. Adding fans to the space can significantly impact the indoor temperatures and help keep the items in your garage cooler.

Proper ventilation is also important for preventing moisture accumulation and improving air quality, especially if you park your car or store gas-powered tools in your garage.

7. Increase the Shade

Direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can make your garage feel sweltering inside. Consider planting trees or other types of vegetation near your garage to block some of the light and offer much-needed shade.

In some cases, you can install a high-quality awning on the side or front of your garage to increase shade and combat direct sunlight in your space.

8. Avoid Idling Your Car Inside

Your car’s engine can generate a lot of heat quickly. Wait to fire it up until the garage door is open and you are ready to exit. Avoid idling inside whenever possible. When you return, shut the car off promptly upon parking. If you have a carport or other shaded area available, park your car outside the garage and allow it to cool off before moving it inside.

9. Choose a Lighter Exterior Color

Assess the exterior of your garage. Is it a dark color or material? Updating the garage to a lighter color is a simple way to address heat gain and keep your garage’s temperature more comfortable during those sizzling sunny days. Reflective paint can be especially useful for combating the sun’s rays and absorbing less heat.

Request an Estimate From AE Door & Window Today

Are you a homeowner in Northern Kentucky or Cincinnati looking to upgrade your garage? Turn to the residential products from AE Door & Window.

We have over 40 years of experience, and our high-quality, insulated garage doors and energy-efficient windows will keep your space cool during summer and warm during winter. Our garage door and window specialists also provide installation, repairs and service so your space is always secure and comfortable.

Are you interested in upgrading your garage doors or windows? Request an estimate from AE Door & Window Today!