The garage is often not just a space for parking your car; it can also be a workshop, laundry room, storage dump, or even a craft center. Therefore, the design of the garage should accommodate all its uses.

Do garages need to be vented? Yes, the garage space requires proper ventilation to improve airflow and prevent the buildup of airborne substances and carbon monoxide. Garages in flood-prone areas require ventilation to allow water to pass through with little obstruction.

There are many benefits of having proper ventilation in the garage. In addition, homeowners need to understand the different types of vents they can install in their garages.

The Importance of Garage Ventilation

Homeowners are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of proper ventilation in their garages. A garage with poor ventilation presents many dangers.

Lack of ventilation in your garage can trap dangerous fumes and carbon monoxide, which is a health hazard. It may also lead to the buildup of heat in the garage and make the space stuffy.

Minimizes Heat Extremes

Lack of ventilation could cause heat to buildup in your garage. The buildup of heat is not suitable for the chemicals you keep in your garage.

The heat that has built up in your garage may also radiate to the interior of your house through common walls between the garage and the inner rooms. Therefore, your air conditioner will be strained to keep the interior rooms cool.

Garage vents allow heat to escape from the garage, which not only cools the garage, but it also cools the interior rooms in your house. In addition, the vents prevent your home cooling systems from straining.

Eliminates Odors

Many homeowners keep items ranging from auto fluids to food in their garages. These products often produce fumes, which can be dangerous in some cases.

Lack of ventilation in your garage can cause the food and the chemicals to deteriorate faster and produce all kinds of odors. Proper ventilation improves air circulation and keeps the fumes out of your garage.

Reduces Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Whenever you run your car engine, whether to turn on the air conditioner or heat in your car, it releases carbon monoxide into your garage. Without proper ventilation in your garage, the released carbon monoxide eventually enters the other rooms in your home.

Carbon monoxide can cause a wide range of health problems. Installing vents in your garage can prevent such buildup of dangerous fumes.

Improves Air Quality

Many homeowners are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of indoor air quality in their homes. Installing garage vents is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality, not just in the garage but also in your entire home.

Garage Ventilation Tips

Garage ventilation does not only improve comfort in your home, but it also enhances safety. Lack of ventilation in the garage can cause heat buildup, which can make the space extremely uncomfortable to be in.

A poorly ventilated garage can also be a safety hazard due to the buildup of dangerous exhaust fumes. The fumes may also attach to the walls and cause stains.

Open Doors and Windows

Be sure to open all doors and windows in your garage to improve air circulation. If your garage has windows, make sure you keep them open as long as possible.

Opening doors and windows in your garage help to improve air circulation, which rids the garage of fumes from car exhaust and items such as paint that you keep in your garage. Always open the garage door when dealing with paint or chemicals.

Exhaust Fans

Consider installing a garage exhaust fan to minimize heat buildup in your garage. The fan may be installed on the roof or the garage wall, depending on your preference.

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Vents

You can install two main types of vents in your garage:

• Static vent
• Roof turbine vent

As the name suggests, a roof turbine vent is installed on the roof. It features a spinning dome that pulls stale air out of the garage to allow fresh air to get into the space.

On the other hand, a static vent is usually installed on the walls of the garage. It features angled stats to prevent rainwater from getting in but allow fumes and stale air to get out.

Types of Garage Fans

You could install two main types of fans in your garage:

• Powered
• Solar

Your specific needs and preferences determine the type of fan you choose to install in your garage.

Roof-Mounted Fans

During summer, the sun can heat the roof of your garage. Your garage can quickly become unbearably hot without proper insulation and air circulation.

A roof-mounted fan can keep your garage cool all day. This type of fan is ideal for the garage that does not have windows or other forms of ventilation.

Interior-Mount Fan

This type of fan can be mounted on a sidewall to improve air circulation in your garage. It is suitable for all kinds of garage designs.

Powered Garage Fans

When you have a garage with attic space above it, consider installing a fan that can keep the garage and attic space cool. Powered garage fans can pull stale air out of the garage and attic spaces and allow fresh, clean air in.

Factors to Consider When Installing Ventilation Systems in Your Garage

There are many types of ventilation systems on the market that you could install in your garage. Your needs and preferences determine the type you choose.

Consider various factors when installing a ventilation system in your home.

Air Tightness

Many garage spaces have open spaces that allow air to leak in and out of the garage. This may affect the energy efficiency of your entire home.

If you notice draft in your garage, you may probably have an air leak problem. The best thing to do to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to seal the leaks and install a ventilation system.

Although some homeowners may be concerned about airtightness once they seal the leaks in their garages, a sound ventilation system should prevent the garages from becoming tightly packed with air. 

Ventilation

A good ventilation system is one of the easiest ways to let your garage breathe. It may be as simple as installing a fan in the garage to pull stale air out of the garage.

For homeowners with a little more to spend, a high-powered vent and outlet fan can improve ventilation significantly. Vents and fans do not only improve air circulation in your garage, but they can also reduce heating and cooling costs.

Sealing Ducts

Some homeowners install ducts to keep their homes cool or warm. The downside is that ducts can leak significant amounts of air.

Some homes feature hidden ducts that may be hard to find. In such cases, consider calling a professional to help you identify the locations of the ducts in your home and seal them.

Cooling

Several options of garage cooling systems are available. The most convenient is a window air conditioner designed to cool a room fast.

Other options include large ceiling fans and vents to pull hot air up and out of the garage. You could also buy a standing air conditioner, which is mobile and does not require installation.

However, experts often do not recommend standing air conditioners for garages because they provide a temporary solution.

Insulation

Insulation alone will not solve the air circulation problem in your garage. Consider installing additional vents to improve airflow in your garage.

A popular type of insulation in many homes is fiberglass. Although there are many types of insulation you can use in your home, many homeowners prefer fiberglass because of its excellent quality and durability.

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