How To Keep Your Garage Cool In Summer [8 Ways]

Why Should You Keep Your Garage Cool?

The temperature is rising by at least 2 degrees more than the historical average in 2024. This makes it imperative for you to keep your garage space cooler. A well-balanced temperature in the garage can ensure the following:

Energy Savings On Your Appliances

The hotter the garage, the more impact it will have on your electrical and cooling devices. Hot temperatures affect the functioning of devices, making them run longer and decreasing their efficiency. Ensure a cooler temperature inside the garage to prevent damage and maintain the longevity of your devices, including your car and other automobiles.

Maintenance Of Your Goods

You might be using your garage space to store old goods, such as boxes of photo albums, old electronics and utensils, and old fabric. The heat trapped inside a garage can create mold and mildew buildup, eating away at the fabric and other stored goods. It can also inadvertently damage your electronic devices, even if you haven’t used them in a while.

Potential Of Upgrading Your Garage

You might have a small garage now and are looking to expand. If the space isn’t ventilated or insulated properly, you won’t reap the benefits of the upgrade. Make sure there’s ample air circulation and a well-balanced temperature in your garage before making bigger advancements.

How To Keep A Garage Cool In Summer?

Now that you’re aware of the risks of having a heated garage, it is time to understand how to keep it cool in summer. With a few easy fixes and additions, you can maintain the temperature in your garage space by preventing it from reaching soaring heights.

Seal Air Leaks

If you’re trying to keep your garage cool in summer, you need to be mindful of any gaps or spaces. These can make your efforts in vain, and it’s essential to secure them as soon as possible. This can be executed using a sealant in the following ways:

Window & Door Caulking

If you have air leaks in your garage door or window installation, window and door caulking will be the ideal solution. It is an inexpensive way of sealing air leaks, leading to better circulation in your garage. You can seek professional assistance to get it done in the summer months.

Using A Weather Flashing Tape

You can use flashing tape to add an extra layer of protection to your garage doors and windows. This ensures that external factors like rain and humidity don’t cause mold and mildew buildup in your garage, retaining the integrity of your space while maintaining a balanced temperature.

Declutter Your Garage

You might have some old goods stored in your garage. While garages are great storage spaces, you should declutter them occasionally to make room for more breathing space. Organize your space by moving large items to shelves and cabinets. Limit keeping too many items where your car and other automobiles are parked.

Use A Reflective Surface

Your garage might have metal windows, doors, or panes that can become extremely hot to the touch during the summer season. To keep the garage cool, it is advisable to use a reflective surface or shade. You can utilize reflective panels or paint coatings to reflect the sun's radiated heat in the open.

Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances

You might be storing some old electronics like heaters, microwaves, and even light equipment in your garage. In the summer months, the radiated heat from the sun can make the interiors of a garage extremely hot. This can further damage your heat-generating appliances, creating radiation around them too. Try moving these appliances outdoors or in a different space to lower your garage temperature.

Insulate The Garage

Your garage needs to have a well-balanced temperature. This is possible only when you insulate it. Insulation prevents outside heat from being trapped for long, and it also releases unnecessary hot air back into the open.

An insulated garage is also a comfortable space for your automotive in the winter. You can use the following methods to insulate and keep your garage cool:

Using Foam Insulation Boards

You can use spray foam to insulate your garage. It has a high R-rated value and is perfect for air-sealing any openings or gaps. If you have a small garage, insulation boards are ideal and can also prevent mold and insects.

Weatherstripping The Edges Of The Door

You can weatherstrip your garage door in extreme heat by installing rubber or vinyl seals at the bottom. This will help lower the temperature inside your garage, making it breathable and convenient to park your automobiles, store goods, and even spend time inside.

To weatherstrip your garage, you will need the following items:

• Weatherstripping kit
• Measuring tape
• Pair of scissors
• Screwdriver or a cordless drill
• Bucket of soap and water

Step 1: Clean The Door

Use the bucket of soap and water to thoroughly clean your garage door before weatherproofing it. If you already have weatherproofing material on your door, you must remove it.

Step 2: Measure Your Door

You need to measure the width of your garage door to understand how much weatherstripping material you require.

Step 3: Cut The Weatherstripping

Using the scissors, cut out the exact amount of weatherstripping material you need for your garage door.

Step 4: Attach The Weatherstripping

Remove the adhesive cover from the back of the weatherstripping material. Now attach it to the bottom edge of the door, removing the excess.

Step 5: Secure The Weatherstripping

If your weatherstripping has screws for better security, add those screws to your garage door using a screwdriver.

Cool Your Car Down

A hot car has a radiating effect around it. So, if you happen to park it inside your garage after taking it out on a sweltering day, it will increase the temperature inside. It’s advisable to let your car cool off outside before parking it in. You can also open the garage door and windows to allow air circulation.

Improve Ventilation

When air flows inside your garage, hot air is released outside, making the space breathable. This is the key advantage of ventilation, which acts as an add-on over an insulated garage by making it airy and comfortable.

You can increase ventilation by also following these tips:

• Keep your garage door open in the evening after the sun sets. This ensures that cold air enters and stays in the space overnight.
• You can use funnel flans next to the garage entrance to absorb cold air and maintain it in the interiors.
• Add ceiling fans to let the trapped heat escape outside.

Choose Lighter Paint Colors

Darker colors are known to absorb and retain heat. If your garage door is painted black, gray, or darker, consider repainting it. You can opt for lighter tones to paint your garage with light colors, as darker shades absorb more solar energy, making the space hot.

Importance of Garage Insulation

An insulated garage is a comfortable space not just for your automobile but also for stored electronics, furniture, and fabric. To understand how to keep your garage cool, consider the umpteen benefits of insulating the space.

Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated garage has proper air circulation. This means it won’t overheat your automobiles or other appliances, drastically lowering energy consumption and helping you save on your bills.

Increased Home Value: It’s great to have energy-efficient additions and upgrades to your garage space. You can also use solar-powered generators to charge your appliances and cooling appliances to raise the value of your living area.

Noise Reduction: Let’s say you’re involved in woodwork. Where would you carry out your project without making too much noise? You can utilize your garage if you soundproof it. This makes it convenient not just for your family but also for the neighbors as you avoid disturbing them.

Year-Round Usage: Whether you use your garage in the summer or winter, a well-insulated space serves as more than just a place to park your automobiles. You can use the garage area for fun projects or storing old items.

You can insulate your garage using the following methods:

Fiberglass Insulation

This is the most common insulation method used for garages. It is readily available and pre-cut to use between joints and spaces. Fiberglass doesn’t work with plywood, so if you already have that installed, you must remove it before starting the insulation process.

Pros

• Readily available and pre-cut for easy use
• Can be administered without professional help
• Affordable for most homeowners

Cons

• Has to be installed before the plywork

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose, composed of recycled newspaper, acts as a filler insulation method for garages. You need to tie it together in the form of batts or rolls and drywall to hold it all together. You might need professional help to execute this insulation process.

Pros

• Affordable and ideal for small garages

Cons

• Not pre-cut and requires drywall for full assembly
• Requires professional help to administer in a garage

Foam Insulation

You can use rigid or spray foam insulation for your garage. Rigid foams are cut out on the spot and are ideal for filling thin walls and gaps. Spray foam insulation uses an injection-filling method and is more expensive than rigid foam insulation. Both have to be carried out by professionals.

Pros

• Pre-cut and ready to use
• Helps seal thin walls and spaces

Cons

• More expensive than other insulation methods
• Requires professional expertise to administer in a garage

Wondering which places to insulate in your garage? Here are some of the important ones:

Wall Insulation

The walls of your garage must be insulated to prevent the summer heat from boiling up the space. You can opt for fiberglass, cellulose, or even foam insulation methods.

Ceiling Fan & Attic Insulation

Adding a ceiling fan reduces the overall temperature of your space. Since heat rises, the garage sealing and attic above can heat up quickly. Fans provide consistent air circulation and even blow out the hot air outside.

Garage Door Insulation

The garage door is readily accessible to the outdoors, making it easy for the sun’s radiative heat to enter the space. Hence, you must insulate it using fiberglass insulation or vinyl material. This will help lower the temperature inside. Additionally, ensure that gaps and crevices are air-sealed and the garage door is weather-stripped to allow good air circulation.

Energy-Efficient Windows

In addition to having a garage door, add window panes or vents to make the space airy and energy-efficient. This ensures natural air circulation without heating your automobiles and goods inside the garage.

Costs For Powering The Cooling Equipment

If you have cooling equipment in your garage, you can use it to keep it cool in the summer season. However, these appliances do incur additional costs.

Use an Air Conditioning System

Air conditioners are great solutions for keeping your garage cool. You can install a split or window AC system with ductwork to ensure airflow and circulation.

Similar to their pros, AC systems also come with their set of cons.

• ACs can overheat during the summertime, especially when installed in garages. The sun’s radiated heat seeps directly through the garage, impacting the appliance and lowering its efficiency.
• Installing an AC in a poorly ventilated or insulated garage can increase your power consumption monthly.
• Installing AC systems in small garages might lead to mold buildup due to moisture accumulation and their condensing nature.

Use Portable ACs

Getting a portable AC is a great way to cut down on power consumption costs in the summer season. They are easy to carry, require less space, and are energy-efficient. They are ideal for small garages.

Install Ceiling Fans

If you feel using an AC is burning a hole in your pocket during summer, install ceiling fans in your garage. The garage ceiling heats up quickly due to direct exposure to the sun’s rays. Ceiling fans ensure air circulation, pushing the trapped heat outside into the open.

Moreover, ceiling fans consume little power, helping you save on your electricity bills. You can get roof fans to place at the top of your garage ceiling. If you opt for gable fans inside your garage, you can operate them via a thermostat.

Use Portable Fans

Battery-operated normal-sized and mini fans are readily available in any store. Get them for your garage to ensure proper air circulation without increasing power consumption. Since these fans are portable and energy-efficient, you can use them throughout the day during summer.

Use A Dehumidifier

Summertime brings humidity spikes, especially during the daytime. Install a dehumidifier in your garage to release humid air from the garage into the open and allow purified air to flow through the interiors.

Using these appliances will also significantly increase your energy consumption. Let's take an example to understand how much energy is consumed every day.

Say you use a 700W AC unit for 5 hours. This means your daily consumption is 105kWh. The national average rate in the US is 16.88 cents per kWh, so the monthly cost to run an AC is $17.72.

If you want to charge garage cooling equipment without paying hefty electricity bills, you may consider investing in a solar-powered generator that works using free solar energy. The Jackery Solar Generators are designed to charge a wide range of cooling appliances, such as portable ACs, fans, dehumidifiers, and more for long hours.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

Using solar generators to charge your appliances during summer is a great way to maintain eco-friendliness. Whether you have a small or big garage, these solar generators can charge garage appliances without emitting toxic fumes.

Jackery is a well-known brand that manufactures solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery Solar Generators are ideal to keep your garage cool by charging cooling equipment for long hours.

You can place a Jackery Portable Power Station inside your garage to charge your cooling devices, including portable ACs, fans, and dehumidifiers. Their compact design ensures they can be placed in different spaces without hassle. They can be easily recharged with the help of the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, wall outlets, and car chargers.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a powerful solar generator ideal for charging appliances in a large garage. Its portable design features pull rods and double wheels to move it easily. You can also use its Smart App Control to operate it with your smartphone. Its foldable handle makes it convenient to carry anywhere and store it safely in your garage.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable AC (700W) = 3.6H
• Portable Fan (50W) = 51.4H
• Dehumidifier (200W) = 12.8H
• Ice Maker (500W) = 5.1H
• Refrigerator (400W) = 6.4H

Customer Review

“Great unit. Runs everything I need running with minimal drain. Game changer for extended stays!” — Mark Berger.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

If you want fast solar charging in just a few hours, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus would be ideal. With quiet performance, ease of accessibility, and an ergonomic design, this generator can power up appliances in your garage and provide emergency backup. It also has a flexible battery capacity that can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable AC (700W) = 2.4H
• Portable Fan (50W) = 34.7H
• Dehumidifier (200W) = 8.6H
• Ice Maker (500W) = 3.4H
• Refrigerator (400W) = 4.3H

Customer Review

“Working on a small build that still does not have power. This generator has been a great addition to my tools and has the power to run miter saws, table saws, and paint sprayers, all the while charging batteries for my power tools.” — Redge Hudson.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh)

With a large battery capacity, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh) can ensure optimum performance for hours. It charges quickly and is backed up by a battery with a lifespan of at least 10 years. You can use it to charge different appliances in your garage and heavy-duty appliances outdoors.

Appliances Running Time

• Portable AC (700W) = 7.4H
• Portable Fan (50W) = 104.1H
• Dehumidifier (200W) = 26.0H
• Ice Maker (500W) = 10.4H
• Refrigerator (400W) = 13.0H

Customer Review

“The 2000 Plus battery pack is an excellent way to expand your storage if you already have one of the Jackery Solar Generators in the ‘Plus’ line. No frills, easy-to-use connections, and charging times were as reported. Built-in handles make carrying simple.” — Patrick Walz.

How To Keep A Garage Cool without AC?

You might want to naturally cool off your garage. This means you can save on electricity bills with just a few tips and tricks.

Park Your Automotives Outside

The best way to keep your garage cool is to let your automobiles cool down before parking them inside. You can choose to leave your vehicles parked outside the garage. For added security, look for a place with shade.

Close The Garage Door During The Daytime

The humidity spikes during the daytime, heating a garage quickly. It’s important to shut the garage doors and windows and only open them after evening. This allows the internal space to remain cool and comfortable.

Plant A Tree Next To The Garage

A shady tree or a canopy of trees serves as the perfect shade on a hot summer day. Build your garage space next to these, or plant a new tree that grows into the perfect spot for your automotive.

FAQs

What size of solar generator do I need for my garage?

The right size of solar generator to cool your garage depends on the wattage of the cooling devices and the operating hours.

For instance, if you use the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus to power up a portable AC  (700W) and lights (10W) simultaneously during a power outage, you can calculate the running time of the solar generator using the following formula:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 1264Wh × 0.85 ÷ 710W = 1.5H

Note: The battery capacity is multiplied by 0.85 as charging devices lead to some power loss by all means.

How can I cool my garage cheaply?

Some affordable ways to cool your garage include keeping the doors and windows closed during the day, parking your vehicles outside before they cool off, planting a tree or using the shade to build your garage, opting for readily available fiberglass insulation, and using reflective surfaces.

What is the best cooling option for a garage?

You can opt for natural ways like keeping the doors and windows closed, cooling off your car before parking inside, and growing trees next to your space. You can also try ventilating and insulating your garage to maintain a well-balanced temperature. Adding cooling devices like portable ACs and fans, ceiling fans, and even a dehumidifier can help your vehicles and other stored items stay cool in the summer season.

Can I put a portable AC in my garage?

Yes, you can add a portable AC in your garage to keep the temperature inside cool. Since they are easy to use and take up less space, they are ideal for small garages. They also utilize less power, helping you save on your electricity consumption.

How to position fans to cool a garage?

The garage gets heated due to the sun’s rays seeping through the doors and windows. Hence, it is important to install fans at the root of the problem. Ceiling fans allow air circulation inside the garage and push the trapped heat outside. To maintain a cooler temperature, you can also install roof fans at the top of your garage. Another way of positioning fans is to place them near the vents. These are known as gable fans, which circulate fresh air while pushing out hot air from inside.

Final Thoughts

Following this comprehensive guide can help you make your scorching garage a more tolerable space to park your automobiles and store your goods. It is essential to understand how to keep your garage cool by knowing what heats it, the different ways to keep it cool, using cooling equipment to aid the process, and some natural methods to save on your bills.

You can opt for a mix of affordable and expensive alternatives to enjoy the summer season without breaking the bank. If you want to choose a solar-powered generator that can help you keep the garage cool without increasing the high electricity bills, you may go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generators.