The Small Fix That Saves Big Energy
Many homeowners do not consider their garage a part of their home’s energy system, but it certainly is. Particularly in the Black Hills, where the temperatures range from very cold (winters) to hot and dry (summers), your garage can silently become a serious contributor to energy losses (and higher energy bills). The great news is that a few smart upgrades and simple fixes—such as your garage door weather seal—can make a big difference.
Begin With Insulation
If you have ever stepped foot into your garage and have been blasted with hot or cold air, then you have experienced what poor insulation can do. Your garage door, walls, and ceiling provide a barrier between the indoors and outdoors, so if that barrier is weak, air is going to migrate, which forces your HVAC system to work too hard.
Adding insulation is your first and most effective step. Whether you insulate the interior walls or upgrade to an insulated garage door, you will notice a significant change in your garage’s temperature immediately. And if replacing the garage door with an insulated one is not in your current budget, no worries! There are insulation kits that you can easily install yourself that will greatly increase the energy efficiency of your current garage door
The Unsung Hero: Weather Seals
Now, onto the little-but-mighty portion: weather seals (also known as weather stripping).
These rubber or vinyl strips line the edges and bottom of your garage door, creating a seal against drafts, water, and pests. They wear out, crack, or shrink with time – making invisible gaps and propagating your conditioned air out the house.
Replacing your weather seal is one of the simplest, most economical methods to increase energy efficiency. You will notice fewer drafts, less dust blown in, and even quieter door operation. It is an easy fix that will save you real money.
Small Repairs That Have A Big Effect
Energy loss is not always realized in obvious ways. Cracks around windows, small gaps leading to outlets, or warped door panels add up. Take a few minutes to walk around the garage and take a look with a flashlight- if you can see light shining through somewhere it is not supposed to, then that is a leak.
A little caulk, or some expanding foam, or new door trim makes a vast difference in sealing up your garage snugly against elements
Upgrade When You Can
When the time comes for larger upgrades, keep an eye toward upgrades that maximize every watt of energy:
Insulated doors: New insulated garage doors prevent temperature transfer while also enhancing strength and quietness.
Lighting: Using LED fixtures or motion-sensor lights make it possible to reduce energy waste.
Smart openers: Newer openers will consume less standby power, and some can be programmed into your smart home systems.
And keep in mind the outside, solar powered security lights can help keep your home safer while also reducing your electricity consumption.
Keep Energy (and Comfort) Inside
Simple changes, such as a new weather seal, some insulation, and upgraded fixtures, can turn your garage from an energy pit to a functional energy efficient portion of your home.
Seamless Systems can help you with that, with professional weather seal replacements to full insulated door replacements, and we make sure your garage is working for your home and not against it.
Speak with us today to see how much energy (and money) you can save with an upgraded garage door system. Call us at (307) 680-6103
