Happily, in Yuma, you don’t have to do much to create a warm space for projects in your garage. In fact, it may be just the opposite: that you’d rather create a cooler space during our long hot season. But either way, if you want to make your garage into a space more for doing something other than just parking your car there, you’re going to need to air seal it and find an adequate mode of heating and cooling to make it comfortable.
So here’s some practical advice on creating a warm garage (or a cool one) as needed.
Air Sealing
Regardless of the technddology you choose to cool or warm your garage, if you don’t air seal that space, you’re wasting energy. Close up leaks with weather stripping, caulk and insulation. You may need some kind of weather guard at the bottom of the garage doors. It might also be a good idea to add drywall if the walls are bare; be sure you plan for the insulation before you put up the drywall.
How to Heat/Cool the Garage
Space Heater: For heating the garage in our climate, you may be able to get by with a cheap, easy solution: an electric metal or ceramic space heater. Space heaters are now available in a wide variety of designs, and some may be very energy-efficient.
Window Unit: Window A/Cs also are available in models with heaters. The downside is that they are noisy and obtrusive, with half of the unit hanging out a window. They are relatively inexpensive, however. You’ll have to install a window (if you don’t have one). You’ll also have to try to seal up air leaks around the equipment.
Ductless Mini Split: The deluxe solution is the mini mini split. They are a heat pump that heats or cools and that doesn’t need ducts. They consist of an indoor air handler and outdoor condenser; they are compact, efficient and versatile to mount, but they can be kind of pricey.
For more on creating a cool or warm garage, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.