“The average garage door opens and closes over 1,500 times per year, making it one of the most-used—and most overlooked energy zones in the home.” While many Houston homeowners focus on energy savings inside the house, the garage often flies under the radar. But between insulation gaps, outdated lighting, and worn-out weather seals, your garage could be quietly driving up your utility bills. In this post, we’ll show you practical, budget-friendly ways to make your garage more efficient—and keep more money in your pocket.
TLDR – How to Save Money in Your Garage
Insulate your garage door and walls to reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills.
Seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep your HVAC system from overworking.
Upgrade to LED lighting to cut down on electricity costs.
Install weather stripping to prevent drafts and keep your garage more temperature stable.
Use a smart garage door opener for energy-efficient operation and added security.
Maintain your garage door system regularly to avoid costly emergency repairs.
Insulation.
One of the quickest ways to drive up your energy bill is to make your A/C work harder in the summertime and heater in the wintertime. Your garage butts up against interior rooms of the home, which means if the garage gets super-hot, the rooms next to it will be hotter too and of course the reverse works in the wintertime. Make sure your garage walls are properly insulated and it might be advantageous to use an insulated garage door.
Fix Any Gaps at The Bottom of Your Garage Door.
At least twice a year, you will want to check the bottom of your garage door. If your garage door does not seal to the garage floor, it makes having insulation less helpful as cold and hot drafts will come into the garage. We covered how to fix this issue in our post Fix The Gap At The Bottom Of Your Garage Door.
Change Your Lights.
If you are using regular lightbulbs, changing to LED’s will save you 30-80% on your electricity bill.
Clean Out Your Garage.
It is hard to tell what you have if it’s all in piles and unorganized. Cleaning out your garage is a great way to see what things you have, what you need, and what you can get rid of. This can turn into all sorts of money-saving and money-making uses. First, you may find you have multiples of things. In some cases, take light bulbs for example, which means you can wait on buying more. In other instances, it may mean you might be able to put those things on a site like E-bay or in a garage sale and make some money off your extra stuff. The same goes for finding stuff that you don’t need as well.
Another money-saving advantage to cleaning out your garage is having fewer places for pests to go and hide in. Pests chew on things like wiring and rubber seals causing damage that money will have to be spent on to repair.
Research Before Doing any Repairs.
If your garage door or opener has issues, if you are choosing to do the repairs yourself, make sure you do your research. The reason many garage door companies do not suggest doing repairs yourself is it could cost you more in the long run. If you are not the handy type, you can cause more harm to whatever you are trying to fix, let alone yourself, and cost you medical bills. Garage doors can be heavy after all, and the springs are under a lot of pressure. So, if you intend to go the do-it-yourself route, you can save yourself some money, but you need to do your research so you don’t cost yourself more in the long run than what it would have taken to have a professional do it for you.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been open since 2006 and has provided hundreds of Houston area residences and properties award-winning garage door repair and installation service. If you ever need garage door repairs or need a new garage door installed, do not hesitate to call 281-748-9542, or if you live in or near the east side of Houston 713-557-3407 for a free estimate and same-day appointment.
Though it’s only cold for a few months here in Houston, when it does get cold, it gets really cold. In most homes, the garage is not on the central heating unit. Regardless of what you are using your garage for, whether it’s just for your vehicles, workshop, or any number of other reasons, the last thing you want is to step into a cold garage, so we are going to go over some heating tips for your garage for the coming winter.
Garage Heating Tips
Considerations of Using a Heater
Types of Heaters
Depending on what you store in your garage, you may not want your traditional combustion heater that uses propane or kerosene. The most common heating unit is electric heaters for smaller garages. Electric space heaters are generally safer and more suitable for enclosed spaces like garages. They produce no harmful emissions and can be easily portable.
For a larger garage, you could use a forced-air garage heater instead of an electric. A forced-air garage heater moves air past a heating element, warming the surrounding air; then the hot air rises away from the heater. These garage heaters are best for enclosed spaces and are similar to a forced air heating system in a home. They are easy to use and install, with heating levels set by an adjustable thermostat, and louvers to adjust the direction of heat.
You could also consider an infrared garage heater. Infrared heaters deliver radiated heat, rather than using a conventional blower fan. An infrared heater may be the best heater for a garage if you use it for a workshop or crafting area. Infrared heaters don’t raise dust or keep dust airborne.
Size Matters
Choose a heater that is appropriately sized for your garage. Measure the square footage of your space and look for heaters designed to cover that area. An undersized heater may struggle to provide adequate warmth, while an oversized heater could waste energy.
Moisture Control
In Houston’s relatively humid climate, even during cooler months, running a heater could increase the condensation level in your garage. Using a dehumidifier alongside your heater can prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold or rust on tools and equipment.
Insulate the Garage Door
Your garage door can take up a large space on the outside of your home and takes the brunt of the cold weather. Because of this, having insulated garage doors or insulating your current garage door will help keep the warm air in and the cold air out. A garage door insulation kit is an easy and effective way to block this heat from traveling through the door. You can find a wide variety of garage door insulation kits online.
Repair Or Replace the Weatherstripping.
The function of weatherstrips is to create a seal for the garage and garage door opening. If your garage door has old, dirty, and worn weatherstripping, this does not provide adequate sealing to hold the warmth inside. A simple replacement of the weatherstripping will ensure more heat is contained in your garage. Remember, however, that you always need to install enough new weatherstripping to ensure that the garage door closes properly.
Insulate Your Garage Walls
Insulating your garage door is only going to help so far if the garage walls are not insulated as well. If your studs are still exposed, add fiberglass batt insulation in each stud space. Cover the walls in either drywall or plywood.
Thermal Curtains
Installing thermal curtains over windows in the garage can further insulate the space and reduce heat loss. Thermal curtains are made from thick, heavy materials such as cotton, polyester, or a blend, often with a foam layer. This composition helps to block out cold air and retain heat inside the garage. Some are designed with multiple layers, including a reflective film that further enhances their insulating properties.
Fix Garage Door Issues
If your garage door has come off track, or the panels have been dented, you will want to repair your garage door as soon as possible. Otherwise, you are letting cold air into your garage unnecessarily. If your garage door is old or poorly insulated, consider upgrading to a newer, insulated model. This can significantly improve heat retention.
If you are in the Houston area, Spectrum Overhead Door LLC can repair your garage door, oftentimes on the same day! Call to schedule your appointment and don’t let cold air blow into your garage.
Protecting and sealing your garage door floors can have an impact on how well your garage door seals to the floor. We have covered ways to fix the gap between your garage door and floor in the past, however if your garage floor has cracks and issues, these fixes become temporary. That is why it is also smart to seal and protect your garage floor. Here is some tips on how to protect and seal your garage floor so your garage space can be used for whatever purposes you wish.
Epoxy Coating
Often found in commercial garages like auto repair shops, epoxy coating hides minor problems on the floor. While hiding the minor issues, it repels oil stains and water preventing any further damage to your garage floor, all while giving your garage floor a pro look! You can add color chips to give a bit of pizzaz to your floor. There are also anti-skid additives that can be mixed in, perfect for wet Houston days.
Polyurethane Sealers
Polyurethane Sealers form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface that provides excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals like oils. Available in water- and solvent-based versions and a range of sheen levels, they create a transparent, non-yellowing, exceptionally durable finish. The surface they are applied to needs to be completely dry, though, before application.
Garage Flooring Tiles
Garage flooring tiles can be made from rubber or plastic. You can create a custom garage floor look that is available in a variety of colors, textures, and functions. One of the most attractive aspects of garage floor tiles are that very little to no tools are required since the tiles are interlocking and snap in place, making it quite easy to install. Most of the plastic tiles are rigid and hard and come in usual sizes of either 12”x12 or 13”x13”. The other common garage floor tile is made from PVC for more give and come in sizes from 12”x12” to 24”x24” and are 3/16” to 1/4” thick depending on brand.
Fixing The Gap Between Your Garage Door and Floor
Now if it is too late and you have a gap at the bottom of your garage door, or if you have sealed or protected your garage floor just to find out it is uneven, there are a few solutions. Here is a quick rundown:
Use a product called PolyLEVEL that helps level out concrete floors and foundations.
Use an oversized bottom seal.
Install a garage door threshold.
increase the closing limits of your garage door opener.
Spectrum Overhead Door has been providing the Houston area with award-winning garage door repair and installation service since 2006. Call 281-748-9542 to schedule an appointment today!
Ah, the garage. For many, it’s not just a place to park the car, but also a storage area, a workshop, and sometimes even an extension of the home. However, with so many roles to play, the garage often ends up cluttered and disorganized. But fret not! With a little time and creativity, you can transform your garage into a functional and tidy space. And we are going to show you how you can maximize your space with a side-mounted garage door opener.
Basic Garage Organizational Tips
Step 1: Declutter
The first step in any organizational project is to declutter. Go through everything in your garage.
Sort: Create categories like ‘Keep’, ‘Donate’, ‘Sell’, and ‘Toss’.
Evaluate: Ask yourself if you’ve used the item in the past year. If not, consider letting it go.
Dispose: Hold a garage sale, list items online, donate to charity, or properly dispose of items.
Step 2: Categorize
Organizing becomes easier when you group similar items together.
Garden tools: Rakes, shovels, and mowers should be together.
Workshop area: Group tools, nails, screws, and other DIY necessities.
Seasonal items: Winter gear, holiday decorations, and summer beach toys can be grouped by season.
Step 3: Vertical Space is Your Friend
Make the most of the walls. Wall-mounted pegboards, shelves, and hooks are great for keeping tools, bicycles, and other items off the floor. This not only maximizes space but also ensures that everything is visible and accessible.
Step 4: Invest in Clear Storage Bins
For items that aren’t used daily, clear storage bins are perfect. You can easily see what’s inside, and they can be stacked or stored on shelves. Don’t forget to label them for even easier identification.
Step 5: Create a Workspace
If you often work on DIY projects or need a space for gardening tasks, set aside a dedicated area. Install a workbench with storage beneath and hang frequently used tools within arm’s reach.
Using a Side Mounted Garage Door Opener to Maximize Space.
One of the often overlooked but revolutionary ways to free up overhead space in a garage is by using a side mounted (or jackshaft) garage door opener. Here are some benefits:
Maximized Ceiling Space: Traditional garage door openers hang down from the center of the ceiling, taking up valuable overhead space. This space could be used for overhead storage racks or other hanging solutions. A side mounted opener is mounted on the wall next to the garage door, leaving the ceiling clear.
Increased Storage: With the opener out of the way, you can use the overhead space to store seasonal items, sports equipment, or bulky items that don’t fit elsewhere. It’s an excellent solution for garages with high or low ceilings.
Versatility: Many side-mounted openers are equipped with the latest technology. This includes features like battery backups, security enhancements, and smartphone integration, allowing you to open or close your garage door remotely.
Efficient Operation: These openers tend to operate quietly and efficiently. Their design offers a direct drive to the door, which means fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal: With no bulky mechanism hanging down, your garage will look cleaner and more streamlined.
LiftMaster Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
Our garage door experts here at Spectrum Overhead Door believe the best garage door opener brand to date is Liftmaster. LiftMaster is is considered the professional grade garage door opener and last longer than just about any other brand on the market. LiftMaster does have a wall mounted garage door opener, the 8500. Some of it’s features:
Wall mount design frees up ceiling space in your garage, reduces noise and vibration.
Add myQ® smartphone control
Features a DC motor for ultra quiet operation.
Automatic Garage Door Lock deadbolts your door after closing.
If you want to look into upgrading to a wall-mounting garage door opener here in the Houston area, the garage door opener installation experts here at Spectrum can give you a free consultation and estimate.
The Hardest Part: Maintain Your Organized Space
Once you’ve put in the hard work to organize your garage, it’s crucial to maintain it. Make it a habit to return items to their designated spots after use. Periodically reassess and declutter as needed. Remember, an organized garage is not only about aesthetics but also about functionality.
Conclusion
Organizing your garage might seem daunting initially, but with the right strategy and tools, it can be transformed into a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By decluttering, categorizing, making the most of vertical space, and investing in a side mounted garage door opener, you can truly maximize your garage’s potential. So, roll up your sleeves and get started – your dream garage awaits!
Many homeowners use their garages for more than just storing vehicles. So whether you are building a new home here in the Houston area, or just want to remodel or redesign your garage, your garage lighting should be something you consider. There are lots of ways to light your garage, making it more useful and safe. Let’s look at some ways you can improve your garage lighting.
New Garage Door Opener
If you are building a new house, or have a garage door opener that is over 10 years old, then why not look at a garage door opener that solves more than one problem? There have been some exciting advancements in the world of garage door openers. One is the incorporation of the 360-degree light ring like in the LiftMaster 87504. The 360° light ring uniformly brightens every corner of the garage with 2,000 lumens of the long-lasting LED light. If this is an option you would like to explore, Spectrum Overhead Door has been installing garage door openers since 2006. Give us a call and we can give you a free quote.
Wraparound lights
Wraparound lights are the most common type of garage light. If you like your current lights, but they aren’t providing enough light, consider replacing them with high-efficiency wraparound lights.
High-efficiency wraparound Fixtures
These fixtures use highly efficient T8 bulbs. They’re easy to install and provide more than twice the light as standard fluorescent lights. These fixtures are available in lengths from 2 feet to 4 feet and come in flush or surface mount styles. They can be installed on ceilings or walls, and some come with pull chains for easy on/off control.
LED wraparound fixtures
LED lights have a long life and use little energy compared to fluorescent lamps. Some models are dimmable and come with a color temperature of 3000K (warm white) or 4000K (cool white).
High bay lights
High bay lights are ideal for garages with ceilings that are over 20 feet high. They’re suspended from the ceiling, and most of them need to be hardwired into an electrical system. You can find high bay lights in a variety of styles, from traditional to industrial. Some have a motion sensor that automatically turns on when you enter the garage, and others have adjustable heads so you can direct the light where you want it to go.
Recessed lighting
Recessed lighting, also known as can lighting, is one of the most common types of garage lighting. It’s a cost-effective way to light up your garage without taking up any space. Recessed lights are great for task lighting and can be installed in rows, in a grid, or in a combination of rows and grids. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can customize them to fit your style.
Utility lights
Utility lights are the cheapest and easiest to install. They are simply a wire that’s connected to a power source, with a light bulb attached at the end. Since they’re not hardwired, you can move them around as necessary or even take them with you when you leave. Just be sure to disconnect the wires first.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can create a sense of security. Have you ever taken a walk in your neighborhood at night and wondered if you were going to be mugged by someone hiding in the bushes? With outdoor lighting, you don’t have to worry about that happening. Examples of outdoor garage lights include:
Motion sensor garage Lights
There’s nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark when you pull into your Houston garage doors late at night. Motion sensor lights will automatically turn on when a car pulls into the driveway. Plus, they’ll stay on until you turn off your car and exit your vehicle.
You won’t have to worry about leaving them on all night and wasting electricity either. Most motion sensor lights can be set to turn off after a certain amount of time (anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes).
Garage coach lights
Garage coach lights are outdoor lights that resemble a carriage or coach lantern. They’re ideal for installing on the exterior of your garage since they are low enough not to interfere with opening the garage door. You can find garage coach lights in most hardware and home improvement stores.
Solar-powered garage coach lights are a good choice if you don’t want to wire any new lighting. These lights include solar panels that collect energy from sunlight and store it for later use. You can even add a motion sensor to the light so that it turns on when someone walks by.
To install, simply mount the light fixture on an eave above your garage door using suitable mounting hardware. If you’re installing solar-powered lighting, be sure to mount it in a location where it will get direct sunlight during daylight hours.
Bulbs that can be used in outdoor lights
Some lights are only meant for indoor use, so you have to find bulbs that can be used in outdoor lights. Here are some tips for finding the right bulbs for your garage door lighting:
Look for a weatherproof rating: Lights that are rated IP65 or higher are protected from dust and water, so they can handle the elements if they’re mounted on an outside wall.
Use shatter-resistant bulbs: Bulbs with tough shells can survive a fall to the ground without breaking, which minimizes cleanup time if the light is accidentally knocked loose.
Examples of bulbs that can be used outside:
Fluorescent bulbs
The modern fluorescent bulb is the most efficient and cost-effective light source for garage lighting ideas. The fluorescent bulb is by far the most versatile type of bulb available. There are many types of fluorescent bulbs available, including high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs.
These bulbs can also be used in outdoor lighting applications such as security lights or landscape lighting. The only downside to these types of bulbs is that they are expensive to purchase and maintain. Another disadvantage is that some of them do not operate at full brightness without a special adapter.
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs are known for their high-intensity output and their ability to be used in outdoor lights. Halogen bulbs will last longer than other types of bulbs, meaning that they require less maintenance because they have to be replaced less often. They also use less energy than other types of bulbs, meaning that they will allow you to save money on your electric bill at the end of each month.
Incandescent bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are a classic choice for outdoor lights, but they do not provide as much light as halogen bulbs do. Incandescent bulbs also require more maintenance because they typically burn out faster than halogen bulbs do
These are a few of the best garage lighting ideas you can try in order to have a nice and well-lit garage space. The most important thing with lighting in your garage is to maximize light output, so you don’t get tripped up, especially when working in the dark.
If you are considering a garage door installation in Houston, Call us at Spectrum Overhead Door LLC and we can help you design the door and give you a free, no-obligation quote. Main Office: 281-748-9542, East Houston 713-557-3407
A good portion of Houston homes has a garage. The most obvious thing to do with your garage is to park your vehicles in the garage. Yet, that is not the only thing you can use your garage for. Some homeowners have extra space when they park their vehicles. Others may want to do something completely different with the garage. It is, after all, an extra room. Here are some best uses for your garage.
Your Use of Your Garage Can Change
One of the best things about using a garage for other things besides parking your vehicles is that the space is easier to change uses than other rooms in the home. You could even combine some of these ideas together if you like.
Uses for Your Garage
Home Gym.
Your garage can be a perfect place to turn into a small home gym. This does not take a bunch of fancy, bulky equipment. You can easily start with a bench, dumbbells, and a mat. A garage is a good place to do a wok out because you can open your garage door when there is a nice breeze, or it is cool outside to get a natural ventilation. All the for mentioned equipment is easy to store or move to a corner of the garage, making your garage still usable for your vehicle.
Game/Party room.
Your garage could make for an excellent way to entertain friends and family. When the weather is right, you can open the garage door for expanded space and let the breeze cool your guests down. You can add games like dartboards on the wall or foldable tables for cards. All these ideas for having friends over and entertaining guests can easily be stored or in cases like a TV or darts, be on the wall so your garage is till usable for your vehicle.
Computer Repair.
Now, we wanted to steer clear of the stereotypical thought of tools and workshop in the garage. That is a fairly well know idea. That being said, when one thinks of that idea, usually what comes to mind is fixing a car or repairing a door. Yet, if you have a tech geek in your home that loves to fix computers, setting up a small workbench on the side or at the back your garage could be a perfect idea. You can use totes and pegboard to keep everything organized and out of the way, still making room for your vehicle.
Sewing.
Sewing machines do not take up vast amounts of space. If you’re a person that likes to sew and wants to be a bit removed away from the rest of the family while doing it the garage is a great place to set up your machine. Sealable boxes can be used to keep dust away from the fabric.
Start-up Business.
Google, Dell, Microsoft, Yankee Candle all started from a garage. If you have a dream you want to turn into a business, you can put together a small corner office or workstation in your garage where you can start your dream business, yet still have room to park your vehicle.
Art Studio.
If you are an artist, and especially a painter, turning your garage into an art studio might be a great idea. There is less chance of your paints getting on indoor floors. Plus it could be a great place to get away from the family and have some peace and quiet to enjoy your painting, sculpting, or whatever art you do.
Home Repair and Construction Workshop
Probably one of the best-known uses for a garage is a place to do home repair projects. Need a place to paint a door before hanging it on the henges, a garage is a great place for that. Need to cut some wood for a repair or remodel? A garage is a great place for that too! A garage is a great place to store your tools and put them to use when you need to.
Some Considerations When Choosing Garage Space Usage.
When deciding what to use your garage for instead of just a storage closet, there are a few considerations you need to think about.
Noise – Garages usually have a concrete floor that can bounce noise a bit. Also, the build and insulation of your garage door will have an effect on how much outside noise you hear.
Dust – Because you open your garage door, there is more of a chance your garage will have dust and dirt. If you decide to use your garage for something that you do not want to get dirt or dust on, use containers like plastic tote boxes.
Size of your vehicle and garage – A two-car garage is obviously going to have more room, but be mindful if you have two bigger vehicles. You want to have enough room to comfortable to move about with the vehicles in the garage if you still plan to park them there.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC is a locally owned and operated garage door repair company serving Houston, TX and surrounding areas. For over 12 years we have helped hundreds of homeowners in the Houston area with their garage door needs with award-winning service. If you have an issue with your garage door or garage door opener, call 281-748-9542 for a free estimate today!
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