Garage cooling options for Keller homeowners

The garage is haven for many Keller homeowners - that is until the temperatures start to increase. Whether the garage is a storage space, or where you work on and fix things, don't let the heat stop your productivity.

There's a variety of options that can help to keep garages comfortably cool so you can stay on track with your projects, but some are far more effective than others. Do your research and learn the pros and cons of each so you can select the best one for your needs.

Fans
Fans seem like a quick fix to hot garage troubles. Both oscillating and ceiling options are inexpensive and easy to install. The drawback: fans are minimally effective. Fans alone simply circulate stagnant, hot air throughout the space. What's more, if the garage is large, the air circulation may not spread through the entire area.

AC units
Mobile air conditioners (AC) are more expensive than fans, but can be an effective way to cool garage spaces. Keep in mind, using an air conditioner does require the space to be closed off. Depending what the garage is being used for, this may be impossible for some people.

If you have a window in the garage, a window AC unit may work well because it vents directly outside. For garages without windows - which is typically more common - installing AC can be problematic. The unit requires a place to ventilate the heat generated from the compressor. This not only limits the mobility of the unit, but also requires fixed-ductwork and adds another point of heat generation.

Harsh refrigerants and energy consumption are other drawbacks. Refrigerants are an integral part of AC options to emit cool air, and running the unit uses a lot of energy which can cause energy bills to skyrocket.

Evaporative coolers
Evaporative cooling is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness and versatility. Portable evaporative coolers cool warm air and drop temperatures using tap water, a pump and a wetted surface to create the naturally occurring process of evaporation. When the air in the garage is pulled across the water, the temperature of that air naturally lowers. This effect is similar to the chill you get coming out of a pool or how the wind off the lake feels cooler. Many enthusiasts prefer the Portacool Jestream 240 because it's compact, portable and can be used with the garage door open to provide cooling throughout the space

Additional considerations
Now that you've determined the best cooling option for you, there are a few final things to consider. To start, insulation can make a big difference when regulating temperatures, especially in closed spaces. Consider adding paper-backed batt-insulation to the ceiling and walls. Additionally, ditch anything that puts off unnecessary heat, such as old incandescent bulbs since 90 percent of the energy used is given off as heat. Instead, replace with energy-sipping and cool running LEDs. These tips can help Keller homeowners keep their garage a productive space throughout the year.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership