Energy efficiency is great for any home owner. Not only is it good for the environment and general sustainability, but it helps cut down utility bills while providing you with a more comfortable living experience.

One of the least energy efficient places in many homes is the garage. Since no one lives in there (usually), garages are left with poor insulation and sealing, and they often don’t have climate control. That means, if you’re serious about increasing your home’s efficiency, the garage is a great place to start.

Doing so can reduce energy bills and make your garage more useable. Here are a few things to consider when improving the efficiency of your garage.

Insulation and Sealing

The first step to efficiency and climate control is insulation and sealing. Make sure all walls of your garage have proper insulation. The roof is important as well. Next, check for drafts around windows, doorways, etc. Make sure weather stripping is in place around the doors. Apply caulk and foam sealant in cracks and gaps.

Even small spaces can make a big difference when it comes to letting air in and out. Also check the floor of your garage for cracks. Moisture and cold air can seep in from the ground. It’s definitely worth considering sealing your entire floor. It looks great, protects your concrete, and helps cover cracks and blemishes.

Solar Heating

If you want to keep your garage warm in the winter without increasing your electricity or gas bills, look into solar heating. Some simple solar panels can provide plenty of energy to keep your garage warm in the winter.

Once you pay the initial cost for the panels, heater, and installation, you an enjoy free, clean heat in your garage moving forward.

Energy Efficient Lighting

Energy efficient bulbs put a lot of people off because they seem so much more expensive up front. This, however, is deceiving. The right LED lights use less energy (meaning lower bills) and last considerably longer than standard bulbs. They easily pay for themselves over time, and you won’t have to worry about going through the hassle of replacing them all the time.

Get Rid of Old, Unused Appliances

Many people keep a second fridge or freezer tucked away in their garage for overflow purposes. While some of those people keep it regularly stocked with needed items, many have theirs running for little to no reason.

If you have an extra fridge or freezer that’s only used for special occasions, don’t always leave it plugged in. And if you can get by without it, consider getting rid of it altogether.

Insulated Doors

Insulated walls and ceilings are great, but if your garage is equipped with standard doors, you’re losing a lot of efficiency.  Garage doors are essentially one of the walls in your garage. If you really want to maximize efficiency in your garage, upgrade to insulated garage doors.

Insulated garage doors help lock in temperatures, and they reduce noise.

At Springfield Overhead Door, we provide all your door needs, from insulated entry and overhead doors to garage door springs. Contact us today!