In this episode of the On The Job Video series, Larry Janesky, owner and founder of Dr. Energy Saver, helps a homeowner solve a common problem in many homes: cold floors in rooms above the garage. In most homes, the garage is an unconditioned, unheated space. For that reason, the rooms above it need to be properly insulated and air sealed.
The garage is easy to overlook as a place to make energy-saving improvements. After all, the main job description for the average garage is to shelter family vehicles and provide storage space for other items like tools, bicycles and sporting gear.
But because builders often neglect to properly insulate different parts of the garage, comfort and energy problems can occur in other parts of your house.
There are many ways to upgrade your garage insulation and experience energy savings in your home. Dr. Energy Saver can inform you of all the benefits of garage insulation when we inspect your home. Call your local dealer or contact them online by clicking below to get started!
Insulating the garage ceiling. It's essential to insulate the garage ceiling if there is living space above the garage. Many builders choose to skip this insulating task when a house is built, either to save money or because the space above the garage is initially left unfinished. Without insulation in the floor, living space above the garage will be uncomfortably cold in winter, distressingly hot in summer, and wasting energy nearly all year round.
Insulating garage walls. When the garage is attached to the house, the wall that separates the garage from the living space should air-sealed, insulated and finished with fire-rated drywall. An energy technician can check the finished wall for insulation, using an infrared camera or other techniques. If no insulation is detected, it's sometimes possible to blow new insulation into stud cavities through holes that are bored in the drywall. Even if there is wall insulation, it's likely that air leakage exists between the spaces. Sealing these leaks is important for energy efficiency and also for protection against carbon monoxide from car exhaust.
Installing a new garage door. The door that separates your garage from your living space should be an insulated door with full weatherstripping –just like an exterior door. Building codes also call for this door to be fire-rated. If your door doesn’t meet these requirements, talk to Dr. Energy Saver about having a new garage door installed.
If you're concerned about energy loss through your garage, Dr. Energy Saver can find the right insulation solution for your home. No two spaces are exactly alike, but we have the experience needed to offer you comfort and energy savings no matter the state of your home. Contact your local dealer today to get started!
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