During the winter, you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home warm and comfortable for you and your family, but what about your garage? Did you know there are advantages to having a warm garage? Here’s a few benefits and how you can maintain a warm garage.
Advantages to Keeping a Warm Garage
Garage warmth is largely about saving energy. North Carolina winters may be mild for the most part, but temperatures still drop below freezing and normally the season doesn’t end without some snow and even ice to deal with.
If there is a room located above the garage, a well insulated garage will not only keep the garage warmer, but also the room above it.
If your water heater is in the garage, it takes longer for the water to heat up in cold weather. While waiting for it, you waste both water and energy. A warm garage allows you to get hot water sooner, lowering both your water and energy usage.
Finally, if you have outdoor pets, you’ll need to take good care of them in case of a sudden cold snap. If they can’t come in the home due to the family having allergies or such, your garage can be a warm, comfortable place for them to stay.
How to Keep a Warm Garage
Make sure your garage is well-insulated. This keeps heat inside longer. You could also weather strip your garage, so cold air can’t leak in, and warm air can’t leak out around windows and doors. If you’ve winterized your garage already, make sure the stripping and caulking aren’t starting to crack and peel, allowing cold air in. If they are, it’s time to replace them.
You might also consider an actual heating source in the garage. An electric space heater can raise the temperature, but it uses a lot of energy. Also, never leave a space heater unattended. A forced air heater is more efficient. You can even install a ductless mini-split. This allows you to control the garage temperature separately from the rest of the house, to keep it comfortable all year long.
For more tips on keeping a warm garage this winter, contact us at Jackson & Sons. We provide top quality HVAC solutions to Eastern North Carolina.
