Winter is on its way and temperatures in Phoenix have finally begun to drop. While daytime temperatures still favor casual, light clothing, the evenings are much cooler, even downright chilly on some nights. This is the one time of day most people are home from work and really want to make use of their garage space, so winter-proofing and temperature control are the natural next steps in the evolution of a luxury garage interior. Our designers have some tips to help your garage space stay cozy throughout the winter, allowing you to enjoy extra usable space in your home without bundling up!

 

Temperature Control

Insulation is a great way to maintain the temperature of your garage and keep temperature changes outside where they belong. We also recommend using a weather strip on your garage door to maintain a tight seal against the elements and prevent the exchange of warm or cool air. This has the added bonus of protecting your garage from seasonal monsoon storms.

 

Heating

Electric radiant heaters are ideal for keeping your garage workbench cozy in the winter. These heaters are wall-mounted and warm a large amount of space instead of a tiny radius the way portable electric heaters do. This 61-¼” 6000 Watt Dual Heater by Infratech uses an electric quartz heating element that emits only safe radiant energy, which is absorbed only by solid objects. Most electric radiant heaters are available for indoor or outdoor use, which greatly expands your options.

 

Ventilation

It seems counterintuitive, but heating the garage can actually create condensation that needs to escape through proper ventilation. Seek out a professional to check your existing garage vents or have vents installed if the garage didn’t come with any. This will help keep your garage dry and prevent moisture-related damage to the walls or to your belongings.

 

Declutter

In addition to the safety benefits of keeping things off the floor, an organized space actually helps promote better airflow, too. This is a key component you will need to maintain after installation of a new heating system to ensure it works properly. Houzz has some great ideas to get your gear organized, and our professional design team can also recommend professional garage cabinets and organizational systems that are durable enough to withstand extreme Phoenix temperatures.

 

• Winter Sports: If you have winter sports gear like skis or hockey sticks, make sure they are stored properly using either overhead storage or a stable wall-mounted storage system. We generally recommend slatwall for this purpose because it is so durable and maintains a nice, sleek look that many homeowners appreciate. Our slatwall is made from moisture-resistant PVC material that comes with the option for additional hanging racks and accessories that provide extra storage.

 

• Seasonal Storage: Holiday decorations are fun while they’re out, but you really don’t want to see them out of season. For the best organization and ease of access, our designers recommend using large storage bins with labels to pack everything away when celebrations are over. These can be placed securely in an overhead storage system until next year. We also recommend passing on cardboard boxes in favor of sturdier plastic boxes with see-through sides. This will help protect your belongings and will also help you easily find the right items when you need them most.

 

Safety First

Garage ventilation should always be kept separate from your home heating and cooling system for safety reasons. Similarly, remember there are certain items that should simply not be stored in the garage. Extra paint from household projects will spoil quickly when exposed to the extreme temperature changes of Arizona. Propane tanks should also be stored only in temperature-controlled environments to prevent fire hazards.

 

Your garage doesn’t have to go unused just because temperatures have dropped. Create a cozy, comfortable space you will enjoy all year round with these easy garage upgrades. Contact us today to get a free consultation and learn more about garage enhancements for your home.