Ways to Cool Your Garage in the Summer

Why is my garage so hot? You step into your garage and you immediately start to sweat. While most garages get hot, there’s always a way to cool them off. Learn more below about why the temperature in your garage temperature rises so high and the best way to cool a garage in the summer.

Why Do Garages Get So Hot in the Summer?

Summers everywhere can get hot and humid, turning the garage into an uncomfortable place. Trying to work out how to cool a garage in Oregon can be difficult. There are two main reasons garages feel like saunas in the summer. The first is a lack of ventilation and the second is the lack of insulation.

That said, other factors can play into the problem, as well. If your garage is full of objects, built with concrete flooring or has lots of heat-generating vehicles and equipment, your garage might be holding onto more heat. Here are some common reasons your garage is getting hot in summer.

Lack of Insulation

Poor insulation is the main cause of a hot garage. With inadequate insulation, warm air seeps into the garage as the cold air escapes, meaning your space can’t maintain a comfortable temperature level. This increases your energy bill and makes your garage uncomfortable.

In the summer months, uninsulated garages are naturally warmer since they don’t have the ability to keep the hot air out. Properly insulated garage doors and walls help maintain the garage’s temperature as the outside air fluctuates, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition to improved temperature control, you can enjoy several benefits of insulating your garage.

• Lower energy bills: Insulating your garage keeps the heat out and helps lower your energy costs. Your HVAC system won’t constantly try to maintain the climate level as the garage warms up.
• Noise management: Insulation softens the outside sound heard in the garage. Additionally, an insulated door will be quieter when it opens and closes.
• Storage item protection: Managing the garage’s indoor temperature prevents vehicles and items stored inside from being subjected to extreme temperatures.

Air rises, entering cracks and crevices around the garage door, warming and cooling the garage by mixing with the outdoor temperatures. If left unsealed, these garage door gaps could also let in water, animals and wind, ruining your stored garage items.

Lack of Ventilation

Lack of ventilation is a common problem, especially in windowless garages. Without air circulation, the garage feels hot and stuffy. A soft breeze can decrease the temperature and improve comfort. Removing the hot air through a turbine or mechanical system is an excellent way to provide ventilation.

Without ventilation, your garage traps warm air — and potentially, toxic fumes from vehicles. This mixture can be hazardous and should be removed from the space. To improve ventilation and remove the hot air and fumes, add a mechanical air mover or windows and vents to the garage walls. You’ll enjoy cleaner, cooler air.

Location and Color

Your garage’s location impacts the amount of sunlight it receives. A south- or west-facing garage is more exposed during peak heat periods, which means it gets hotter inside.

The garage door and roof color can also impact the internal temperature — darker garages often absorb more sunlight. Lighter colors can help reflect light, preventing it from absorbing into your garage. Similarly, your home’s exterior may conduct or repel heat depending on its color.

Heat-Generating Objects

If you’ve just parked your car, the engine’s heat will radiate out and increase the garage temperature because it emits heat long after it stops running.

Operating electrical equipment such as dryers and washing machines also elevates heat levels, and cluttered items block airflow and keep air stagnant and warm. If your garage is full of objects and contains operational appliances, you’ll likely feel more heat inside during the summer.

7 Garage Cooling Solutions

No one likes a heated garage. Check out these tips on how to cool off your garage.

1. Park Your Car Outside

Parking your car outside in the shade after driving home provides some time for the engine to cool down. That way, it won’t emit as much heat when you move it into the garage for the night. Leave it outside for at least a few hours into the evening for the heat of driving to dissipate.

2. Use Garage Ventilation Systems

The simplest ventilation option for a garage is windows. They have many advantages, such as opening and allowing fresh air to circulate. Tinted and UV-protective windows also help reduce the light and heat entering your garage.

Fan-driven airflow systems are another efficient solution that comes in multiple varieties:

• Passive ventilation systems: A standard method for cooling garages, passive ventilation systems often consist of a turbine roof or wall vent that uses natural winds to help circulate air through the garage.
• Active ventilation systems: These mechanically circulate garage air. They are either separate or integrated with the house’s ventilation system. They’re more expensive and should be installed professionally to prevent your electrical circuit from overloading.

3. Leave the Garage Open for a Few Hours

If your garage door lacks windows, leave it open for a while in the evening to let hot, stagnant air escape. Move home improvement projects and hobbies outside while you allow air to circulate naturally for a few hours. Make sure you close the door if you plan to leave home.

4. Circulate Air In Your Garage

Install a ceiling fan, pedestal fan or air conditioner in your garage. If you opt for a fan as your primary, permanent cooling solution, it’s best to choose an industrial-strength model. You have a couple of options for ways to increase air circulation in your garage:

• Fans: Install a ceiling fan to help cool the garage or place several pedestal or box fans along the sides of the garage ceiling for more circulation. Fans pull and push air inside and outside to create a flow, so place them near vents and open windows if possible.
• Air conditioning: Adding an air conditioning unit is the quickest way to lower your garage’s temperature. You can also use a portable air conditioner, but make sure you take measurements and select the correct size.

5. Upgrade Your Garage Insulation

Insulation works to keep your garage cooler in the summer and retain heat during the winter. Insulate your garage door and walls to keep the heat out and reduce the temperature. A new, insulated garage door can help reduce your energy costs by placing less pressure on your HVAC cooling system.

Proper insulation and weatherstripping protect your garage from extreme temperatures and weather damage. Preventing the elements from entering protects your garage from heat, cold, animals and water damage, so it stays secure year-round.

6. Place a Dehumidifier in Your Garage

A humidifier regulates the air’s humidity by extracting moisture from it. It also prevents musty odors caused by excessive heat buildup in the garage. These devices are helpful in summer, as they maintain comfortable humidity levels and make the heat feel more tolerable. Place the dehumidifier away from direct sunlight or attach it to a portable air conditioner for optimal results.

7. Consider Repainting Your Garage Door

Darker garage doors tend to absorb heat more than lighter colors. Consider repainting your door’s exterior to repel the harsh summer heat, especially if your garage receives large amounts of direct sunlight during the day.

Contact Us to Insulate Your Garage Door and Keep the Heat Out

Even with temperatures at their hottest, there are ways to cool your garage in the summer. Let Oregon City Garage Door help you! We sell a range of new insulated garage doors designed to keep your garage more comfortable all year round — all while protecting your belongings and lowering your utility bills.

We have been trusted for reliable garage door service in numerous counties and cities in Portland, including Beavercreek, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Tualatin, Tigard and more!