Garage HVAC System Upkeep

A well-functioning HVAC system keeps your garage comfortable year-round. Regular maintenance is an easy way to reduce energy bills, promote air quality, and prevent breakdowns. Fortunately, a few simple garage HVAC maintenance steps are enough to keep your system running efficiently and trouble-free.

The Benefits of Heating and Cooling Your Garage

While many homes don’t have dedicated HVAC systems for the garage, more homeowners are choosing to add them. Here’s why:

Create a comfortable working or living space: Whether you use your garage as a game room, home gym, or hobby corner, a climate-controlled space keeps you comfortable in all seasons.
Protect stored items: Extreme temperatures can damage electronics, paint, and wooden furniture stored in the garage. Maintaining a stable environment preserves your belongings.
Start a small business: A climate-controlled garage can serve as a workshop, studio, or office for a home-based business, giving you the extra space you need without stealing square footage from your home.

Top Garage Heating and Cooling Systems

For a comfortable garage in every season, you need HVAC solutions that can handle hot summers and cold winters. Here are your options:

Plug-in space heaters: Ideal for short-term heating needs, portable space heaters provide warmth where you need it most. However, they are less energy-efficient and can’t evenly heat a larger space.
Electric garage heaters: These wall-mounted units offer consistent warmth without occupying floor space. They’re also relatively easy to install and maintain.
Vented gas heaters: Often mounted to the ceiling, these heaters use natural gas or propane to deliver powerful heat for larger garages. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Ductless mini-splits: Capable of year-round heating and cooling, energy-efficient mini-splits run on electricity and allow for precise temperature control.
Portable or window air conditioners: These AC units are cost-effective and easy to install if you have a window in your garage. However, they don’t offer the same efficiency as a more permanent mini-split.

Enhancing Garage HVAC Efficiency

Consider the following improvements to help your garage’s heating and cooling system run more efficiently:

Insulate the walls: Proper insulation reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Install an insulated garage door: Along with insulating the walls, replace your garage door with an insulated version to further minimize temperature fluctuations.
Seal gaps: Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and the garage door itself.
Upgrade the windows: Installing energy-efficient windows contributes to a more stable garage temperature.
Add ventilation: Exhaust fans help control humidity and improve air quality.

HVAC Upkeep for the Garage

Routine maintenance helps your garage HVAC system run efficiently, last longer, and avoid costly breakdowns. Here’s how to maintain your garage HVAC system:

Replace the HVAC filter regularly: A clogged filter forces your system to work harder. If your garage HVAC system uses a filter, replace it every one to three months, especially if you use the space frequently or there’s a lot of dust.
Inspect and clean the AC coils: If you have garage air conditioning, the evaporator and condenser coils may collect dirt, reducing their ability to absorb and release heat. Use a soft brush or coil cleaner to remove buildup.
Inspect electrical components and connections: Loose wires or damaged connections can cause system malfunctions or fire hazards. Turn off the power before examining electrical parts to avoid electrocution. If anything looks off, call a licensed electrician for help.
Lubricate moving parts: Garage HVAC system fans and motors need occasional lubrication to prevent wear and tear. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication points and the appropriate type of oil.
Maintain the thermostat: If your garage feels too hot or cold despite the HVAC system running, the thermostat may not be working correctly. Make sure it’s installed away from direct sunlight or drafts that could affect the temperature readings. Replace the batteries once a year, and consider a programmable model to regulate the temperature automatically.
Clean around the outdoor unit: In the case of a ductless mini-split or portable AC unit, keep a few feet of clearance around the outdoor component. Objects blocking airflow make the unit work harder than necessary, so remove debris, boxes, or tools to allow breathing room.
Schedule professional maintenance: Knowing how to clean your garage HVAC system yourself goes a long way, but a professional should still inspect the system once a year. A technician can check refrigerant levels, test electrical components, and clean internal parts to help the system run efficiently and reliably.

Upgrade Your Garage with Confidence

If you’re ready to build a detached garage with an integrated HVAC system, look no further than Better Built Garages. We’ve been Chicago’s go-to garage builders since 1956. Our family-owned and operated business eliminates the middleman by maintaining our own lumberyard, allowing us to pass the savings directly to you. Contact us today for a free estimate. We’re confident you’ll fall in love with a Better Built garage!