Are you looking for a way to keep your room over the garage cool and comfortable? If so, you can take some simple steps to help regulate temperatures while saving energy costs.
If you’ve ever stepped out of the shower and into an unpleasantly hot space, you already know how uncomfortable a warm room can be. Or that’s just summertime in your home over the garage. With simple tricks and affordable materials, you no longer have to suffer from soaring temperatures!
Today we will talk about easy tips on how to cool a hot room over the garage. Come along as we explore low cost ways to reduce humidity and retain cool air for a much more pleasant living experience – even during those weeks when it seems like it’s blazing outside all day.
What Will You Need?
To cool a hot room over the garage, you will need the following:
- A box fan (or two)
- Foam or plastic insulation boards
- Caulk and caulk gun for sealing up any gaps and cracks in walls or windows
- A dehumidifier (optional)
Once you have your supplies, you’ll be ready to start cooling down your space.
10 Easy Steps on How to Cool a Hot Room Over the Garage
Step 1. Install Insulation Boards
The first step is to install insulation boards in the walls and ceiling of the room. This will help prevent the heat from transferring from outside into the room. It’s best to use foam or plastic insulation rather than fiberglass, as the former will last longer and provide better insulation.
Step 2. Install Fans in Windows
If you have windows in the room, install a box fan or two to help circulate cool air throughout the space. If you don’t have windows, you can still use fans to move the air around – just be sure to open a window or two for fresh air. Another tip is to use a fan to blow the cool air into the room from outside rather than using it to suck the hot air out of the space.
Step 3. Seal Any Gaps and Cracks
Heat can easily transfer through gaps and cracks in the walls, windows or door frames. To help prevent this from happening, use caulk to seal up any of these openings that you find in your room. Be careful not to over-seal, as you still need some ventilation for fresh air.
Step 4. Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity can make a hot room feel even hotter. If the room over your garage is humid and hot, consider using a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air. This will not only make the room feel more comfortable, but it will also make it easier for any fans or air conditioning units to cool the room down. Be sure to empty the dehumidifier regularly to ensure it stays working efficiently.
Step 5. Open Windows at Night
If you open the windows of your room at night, cool air from outside will be drawn in and help reduce the temperature of the space. Close the windows again during the day so the heat doesn’t creep back in. Try to keep any curtains or blinds closed to keep the sun from shining in and heating up the room.
Step 6. Keep the Shade Closed
If a window overlooks the garage, keep the shade or blinds closed during the day to prevent heat from transferring through. The same goes for any windows in the room exposed to direct sunlight – keep them shaded at all times. Check the seals around these windows too, and make sure that there are no gaps or cracks that could let heat in.
Step 7. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a great way to help circulate cool air throughout the room. If you don’t already have one installed, now is the time to do so! Make sure to turn the fan on to the low setting in order to push cool air down rather than pulling hot air up. Remember to turn the fan off when you’re not in the room – they can still use up energy if left on all day.
Step 8. Keep Doors Closed
If your room over the garage has an internal door, such as a bathroom or hallway door, keep it closed whenever possible. This will help to prevent heat from transferring through and will help to keep the room cool. Ensure that gaps or cracks around the door frame are sealed using caulk, as these can easily let hot air in.
Step 9. Install a Thermostat
If your room still needs to install a thermostat, now is the time. This will help you control the room’s temperature and set it to the desired level. On warmer days, set the thermostat to a lower temperature than usual so your room can cool quickly and efficiently.
Step 10. Use Reflective Shields
If areas of your room over the garage are exposed to direct sunlight, consider using reflective shields or covers on them. This will help to deflect the sun’s rays and keep your room cool during those hot summer days. Remove the shields when not in use, as they can also trap heat if left on for too long.
With these easy steps, you can now rest assured that your room over the garage will stay nice and cool – even amid a scorching summer heatwave. Make sure also to check your insulation and fans regularly to ensure that they are all functioning properly, and you can look forward to plenty of comfortable days ahead!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Check the attic’s insulation and walls to ensure there is not too much heated air entering from outside.
- Install a fan in the attic, which will help move hot air out of the room and reduce overall temperature.
- Consider replacing older windows with double-paned ones with low emissivity coatings to keep heat from entering the room.
- If possible, add an air conditioner to the room. This will help keep temperatures down and make the room more comfortable.
- Make sure the roof is properly ventilated to help move hot air away from the room and out of the house. This will help keep temperatures lower overall.
With these tips, you should have no problem keeping your hot room over the garage nice and cool!
6 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t block any window or door openings, as this will prevent air from circulating properly.
- Avoid planting trees too close to the house, as their shade could make heat escape harder.
- Avoid installing insulation in the attic that is too thick, as this can cause heated air to get trapped and not be able to vent properly.
- Don’t leave the windows open during hot days, as this will allow hot air to enter the room and not be able to escape.
- Avoid using space or portable heaters in the room, as they can make it even hotter.
- Don’t leave large items, such as furniture, blocking the path of any fans or air conditioning units. This can severely reduce their effectiveness and make it harder to cool down the space.
By following these tips, you should have no problem cooling your hot room over the garage in no time!
Why is the Room Above My Garage So Hot?
There can be several reasons why the room above your garage is so hot. First, it may be due to inadequate insulation in the walls and attic space, which means that hot air from outside enters the room and makes it warm. The second possibility is that the roof over your garage isn’t properly ventilated, meaning trapped air can enter through cracks or gaps.
Third, single-paned windows are often a culprit for letting in too much heat. Finally, it could be due to an appliance such as a dryer or refrigerator that generates additional warmth in the room.
By following these tips and tricks, you should have no problem cooling your hot room above the garage quickly!
Conclusion
As we have discussed, the best way to cool a hot room over a garage is to create adequate ventilation and insulation. Insulating the walls and ceiling of the room can trap cool air in and keep hot air out.
Setting up fans to bring in cooler outside air through the side windows and adding solar screens to allow outside light while keeping the inside temperature down can also help. Other methods can be employed are investing in cooling systems such as air conditioners or installing an attic fan.
With careful planning and patience, you can find accessibility to a comfortable living space over the garage for years to come. As homeowners who live in these rooms know too well, there’s no better feeling than coming home after a long day of work and knowing you can instantly walk into a cool haven.
Knowing how to cool a hot room over the garage gives you this very gift: peace, calmness, and relaxation whenever you need it most!
