Your garage can be transformed to save energy and improve your home’s environmental profile. Attached garages act as conduits to heat and cool losses within the home. Fumes can leak from the garage into the living areas. Many hazardous materials can build up in garages, which can lead to health problems or harm for pets. You can prevent many pests from living in your garages.
Don’t make your garage a storage space. Many people accumulate junk they never use. Avoid making your garage a health hazard. It can make it difficult to find useful items if they aren’t properly labeled. It is possible to make your garage more green, which will help you save money on utility bills, improve safety and keep your home safe. Here are six tips to help you create a greener garage.
1. Light bulbs and fixtures can be changed
Incandescent lights use more energy than most people realize. However, traditional bulbs can be replaced with CFLs or LED lighting that is more efficient. To reduce your energy consumption and still provide sufficient light to work safely, task lighting is a good option if you have a garage.
2. Conserve your Garage Doors Energy consumption
Garage doors are often quite weak, which makes garage door insulation important for conserving energy. It also prevents outdoor air from entering attached homes or garages. Energy Star recommends well-insulated garage doors that have R-values between 13 percent and 17.5%. These doors are equipped with insulation built in, while garage doors that use polystyrene material have R-values ranging from 5 to 7. The following green practices can help garage doors save energy:
Seal cracks, install weather-stripping to stop hot and cool air getting into your garage.
Garage doors must be kept in good order to reduce heat loss and prevent cool air from escaping.
Caulk any garage doors that lead to your yard or home. Check for water leaks.
3. Install a Ventilation fan
A fan or exhaust prevents garage interiors from becoming stale. They also circulate air more efficiently and help disperse harmful fumes that are caused by chemicals, cleaners, or petroleum products.
Check out the most common garage door problems that hinders your way to access your vehicle by clicking the link above.
4. Use Hazardous Materials in a Safe Way
Many people keep hazardous materials in their garages. They can be poisonous to children and pets, as well as off-gassing. According to the DIY Network paints, petroleum-based products, and chemical solvents are some of the greatest hazards to healthy living. The DIY Network warns that pesticides, auto fluids and paints can contaminate the environment, create toxic fumes and cause severe respiratory problems. Here are some eco-friendly storage methods for chemicals in garages:
Road salt and ice melting compounds can cause diarrhea and vomiting in pets.
Antifreeze has a sweet smell, and one teaspoon can kill a cat. So wipe any spills as soon as possible.
Consider transferring chemicals into a shed designated for this purpose.
– Make sure your garage is clean and tidy by organizing materials, recycling, and organizing work areas.
5. Materials for building, decorating and insulation
Energy-efficient building materials can be used for garage structures, doors, and windows. Learn how to insulate a garage in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Insulate pipes, water heaters, ductwork and other piping to make garages weatherproof.
Caulk garage walls and floors.
Insulate garage walls, ceilings with insulation of the correct R-value.
Energy Star-certified replacements for older windows
Solar panels can be installed to make your garage heat-efficient.
Use eco-friendly paint to avoid volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in regular paint.
Garage floors should be hosed down regularly to remove road salt and slip hazards.
Monitor garage walls for cracks, moisture and mold.
6. Use less water to wash your vehicles
Rainwater can be used to clean vehicles, clean garages and water lawns. The rain barrel can be used to channel rainwater from the roof onto a water tank. You can also use the water to clean sidewalks or patios, wash pets, and water plants.
Greener garages can help you reduce energy use, increase comfort, protect yourself and your family, as well as prevent any environmental damage. Although most people don’t think about their garage when trying to reduce carbon emissions, they have many options.
