The struggle is real for those of us who do not have a garage with windows! Whether it is finding ways to cool it down in the summer or warm it up in the winter, owning a garage without windows can bring stress into your life that you never expected.
Many people who own condos or row homes find this to be true because garages are typically placed between two buildings, stopping the ability to install windows. The good news is that Garage Buildings has some ideas that you can use to keep your garage cool.
There is not one single reason that causes a metal garage to get hot. In fact, there are a range of factors that are instrumental in your garage being hotter than you want:
The first thing you need to do is work out how much you need to cool your metal garage by and when. For example, if your home is in Texas, then you will need access to stronger cooling systems than one that is in New York.
You will also need to consider what you are using your garage for and how often you need to access it. If it is a dry storage area, then you will probably need fewer cooling capabilities than an area that is used frequently for working or for hobbies.
Once you have determined the level of usage and the temperature range, then you will be able to make a realistic decision. You can decide on the level of cooling kit that you need to invest in for your steel garage.
If your self-assessment proves a need for a low-key or portable cooling solution, then we have five great ideas that you can use straight away:
It may sound incredibly simple but opening your garage door and allowing the fresh air to circulate is an inexpensive and effective solution. If you are lucky enough to have a garage on the northern side of your residence, then the air that you let in will have been in the shade and will be cooler than you may expect. Plus, if you have a door entrance for pedestrians as well as a car entrance, opening them both will help them to provide excellent steel garage ventilation.
If you need more than Mother Nature can provide, portable fans may be a great choice instead. When it comes to choosing, you should opt for an industrial-strength unit that is large enough to cover the area of your metal garage (for larger garages, buy more than one). With the doors open, install the fan by the door and position it, so it is facing inside your metal garage. Ventilation is more successful with the doors open because the fan will draw air in rather than just circulating the warm garage air.
Another great solution to consider when it comes to creating steel garage ventilation is the installation of dehumidifiers. Humidity can make a space feel hotter than the temperature gauge says it is, plus it can cause mildew, mold, and even rust. Installing a dehumidifier will help you to reduce the moisture level in the air, cool the space, and help maintain the building for longer.
One of the cheapest and effective portable cooling methods is evaporation. By bringing ice into the garage and setting it up in a large container near a fan, you will have access to cool air that is ready to be circulated. If you love a DIY project, then why not take a 5-gallon container, and cut a hole in the top for the fan and smaller holes around the top of the container to let the air out. When this is done, fill it with ice, put the fan lid on, and enjoy the cool air while you work.
Many people think that AC units have to be permanently installed, but this is not the case! You can pick up a reasonably priced, portable unit that you can put on to work when you are in the garage. These can also then be moved into other parts of your home to suit your needs. Portable AC units typically come with a venting kit so that you can put it out through the door or walls and stop moisture from becoming a problem.
If you use your garage regularly and need a permanent solution to keep the temperature at an optimal level, then we have got you covered. Take a look at the following options:
Rather than plugging a portable fan in all day long, why not choose to have a ceiling fan installed instead? With a variety of strengths and sizes to choose from, you will be able to get your garage cooled down and ready to use, no matter how big or small the space is.
Just because there are no windows in your steel garage does not mean that you cannot modify a traditional AC unit. First, you will need to cut a hole in the wall where you want to install it and use this space to house the unit – providing you with fresh air all day long. Obviously, you will need to be confident with using tools such as a reciprocating saw and have the skills required to frame the space, but it will be worth it when you can use your garage even on the hottest days.
Mini Split AC units are designed to be installed directly into a wall with no ductwork. The unit houses everything needed to cool the room and ventilate directly through the walls for a cool room. They may be expensive and need to be installed by an expert, but they are well worth it in the long run!
One of the best ways to cool a space is to give heat somewhere to go! Installing attic vents not only provides excellent metal garage ventilation but will help create an airflow that will keep you cool through cool air from the floor pushing up and ensuring that the heat that is created escapes with ease.
If you thought that insulation was just for keeping a space warm, then you would be wrong. It works to keep the sun out just as much as it works in winter to keep the warmth in. There are some great ways to fit insulation even after a garage has been built, with the most effective being cellulose insulation that is blown in. Not only will this keep the space cooler, but it will also help to reduce your energy bills – brilliant!
We all know that colors are significant when it comes to absorbing or reflecting sunlight. Taking the time to add a white or light-colored roof and walls will help to reduce the amount of heat that is able to get into your garage space.
If you are in the market for a new garage, then we would suggest that choosing one with windows is an essential step forwards when you want a usable and well-ventilated space.
Garage windows not only provide you with natural light but also with openings that can be used to promote good quality airflow, ventilation, and a reduction in moisture levels. They are also more sustainable and climate-friendly because you do not need to install expensive fans, AC units, or other vents. Plus, you can often customize an existing metal garage with windows if you are not yet ready to buy an entirely new building.
When it is time to get a new steel garage or customize an existing garage, then we are here for you. Our commitment to the best customer service, on-time delivery, and expert service means that you will get what you need in a timeframe that suits you and your budget. Call our friendly team at +1 (888) 234-0475 to get started today – you will not regret it.