Many of us are concerned with energy consumption. It’s not cheap to power our homes and even the smallest amounts of electricity can add up over time. As part of your home, your garage consumes energy and should be considered as much a part of your general usage as anything else. Choosing the move energy efficient garage and installation could help save you some money through the seasons.
Many people do not realize how important a garage can be in terms of energy-efficiency. For many houses, garages are attached to the home. This means that hot or cool air makes its way from outside, into the garage, and then into the home. The air can also escape your home. When hot air enters your home, your air conditioner reacts and compensates, thus affecting your energy efficiency. The same goes for cold air during the winter. Thus, proper insulation become essential in combatting high energy bills for your home.
Insulation
If you use your garage for other reasons, such as a workshop, then this insulation is even more important. An insulated garage holds temperature better, so your small heater or cooler will not have to work as hard to keep your garage cool or warm. Insulation is not always a guaranty when it comes to old or new garages. So, it is important to consider this factor when you choose your garage doors, or if you are considering an upgrade.
Some materials are better for temperature control than others. Often metals alone, such as aluminum or steel, are simply not enough. They are among the most common materials for garage doors; steel is thick and durable, and aluminum is light and modern. To be useful in terms of energy efficiency, these doors should be multi-layered. Adding these layers also increases the doors’ strength. Wood is another common material for garage doors. Though they may not be as durable as metal, many consider them more attractive. These can also be strengthened and layered for improved energy efficiency. Whatever the materials, double-layering is essential for effective garage insulation.
Weatherstripping
Maintaining the temperature in your garage, and thus your house, also requires sufficient foam and other space filling between the floor and the bottom of the garage door. Air easily moves through this and spaces at the door frame. Depending upon the materials and the weather, these spaces can grow and shrink. A foam sealant is often used, or a silicone base. This is weatherstripping, and it must be flexible to adjust to the natural change in materials due to weather. If you have windows in your garage doors, they may also be a source of air leaks. Inspect your garage doors carefully for air flow.
Of course, each and every time you open your garage door with an electronic opener, it uses power. You can choose equipment that uses less energy and has a standby mode. All of these things can help you reduce the energy consumption related to your garage and doors. You could save more money than you realize. Want help choosing the best doors for your garage? Call us at Abstract Door.
