Earth Day: 8 Ways To Make Your Garage More Eco-Friendly
Every year, millions of people worldwide celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Did you know you can begin making the planet cleaner and healthier right in your garage? Even the most minor changes can reduce your carbon footprint while saving you money on electricity. Here are eight sustainable changes you can introduce at home to make your garage more eco-friendly.
1.) Upgrade to LED lights
You can quickly and easily improve your garage’s energy efficiency by switching to LED lights. These lights require far less energy and last much longer than standard light bulbs. Although LED lights are pricier than other models, they pay for themselves over time.
2.) Install motion detectors
Another great way to save energy is to install motion detectors on your garage lights, so they automatically switch on or off when movement is detected. This can help you reduce your energy waste by ensuring your garage lights aren’t on when they’re not needed. Motion detectors also help boost your home’s security by deterring intruders.
3.) Recycle hazardous goods
If your garage is full of old paint cans, batteries, and motor oil, kick off your spring cleaning with a trip to your local recycling centre. These facilities safely dispose of household waste that could be harmful to the environment if dumped in a landfill. Collecting and safely disposing of these items is good for the planet, and it ensures your garage is a safe place for your family to enjoy.r
4.) Declutter
If your garage is in disarray, it can cause energy wastage. Small critters are drawn to cluttered spaces and may feed on insulation or compromise the structure of your garage. Maintaining a consistent temperature will be more difficult if your garage is jam-packed with old hockey equipment, bikes, and cardboard boxes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to clean out your garage and invest in storage solutions like shelves, racks, and totes to keep everything organized.
5.) Get rid of old appliances
Many people house old refrigerators and freezers in their garages. If you’re still using one of these relics, it may be a good idea to get rid of it. Running an old appliance often costs more than investing in a new ENERGY STAR-certified model. If you’re not ready to replace your old one, unplug it when it’s not in use to save on your energy consumption.
6.) Fill in gaps and cracks in the floor
Over time, temperature changes can cause your garage’s cement floor to crack. You may think small cracks aren’t a big deal, but they can drastically affect your garage’s temperature. If water seeps into these cracks during the winter, it can freeze and expand, causing the entire concrete slab to shift. If this happens, your garage door won’t close properly and will make your garage even more vulnerable to the elements. All it takes is a little caulk or concrete sealant from your local hardware store to carefully fill in the cracks and make your garage airtight.
7.) Repair the weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around your garage door prevents moisture and cold air from seeping in over the winter. It also prevents dirt, debris, and unwanted critters from making a home in your garage. Ensure the weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door and around the frame is secure and in good condition. If you notice that the weatherstripping is cracked, brittle, or loose, contact the experts at Creative Door ServicesTM to have it fixed or replaced.
8.) Upgrade to an energy-efficient garage door
Upgrading to an energy-efficient garage door can increase your home’s energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint. A garage door’s R-value indicates how well it prevents heat and cool air from travelling through it. The R-value is based on the construction of the door and the type of insulation used inside it. For heated garages, the experts at Creative Door ServicesTM recommend a garage door with a minimum R-value of 11. However, an R-value of 14 to 16 is ideal.
At Creative Door ServicesTM, our team of experts can help you select, install, and maintain the perfect energy-efficient garage door for your home.
Residential Garage Doors In Western Canada
Creative Door ServicesTM offers a range of top-tier brands of residential garage doors designed to last. We also carry garage door openers and garage door access solutions with advanced features to simplify your life.
Visit your local branch or contact us today to learn more about our products and services or get a free quote. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.