Garage too hot?

[kcrazorbackfan]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Does it vent into the attic or directly to the outside?

thanks

[Kenswing]

We had their solar attic fan installed. We opted not to get the garage ventilation system because I was concerned about fire danger. The way they explained it to me is they put two vents in your garage door and a fan in your garage ceiling. Anywhere else in the country it would be against fire code to vent your garage directly into the attic. If a fire started in your garage it would be in your attic before you were able to hit the 9 in 911.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

OK, that makes sense, so why can't the system be vented directly to the outside?

[Kenswing]

OK, that makes sense, so why can't the system be vented directly to the outside?
I'm sure it could be. I'm just not sure The Solar Guys would do it that way. Our house is block. I doubt they would want to go through a wall. They might be able to install some chimney type duct work and direct vent it through the roof? But it certainly might worth a call to them and see what they can do.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Does it vent into the attic or directly to the outside?

thanks

Attic; helps push hot air out of the attic.

[Tblue]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

Very good to hear that, Solar Guys are coming tomorrow to install a solar tube and the ventilation fan and I was wondering just how much difference it would make in the garage temperature, we also have a 2 car plus golf cart size garage.

[TheSolarGuys]

We had their solar attic fan installed. We opted not to get the garage ventilation system because I was concerned about fire danger. The way they explained it to me is they put two vents in your garage door and a fan in your garage ceiling. Anywhere else in the country it would be against fire code to vent your garage directly into the attic. If a fire started in your garage it would be in your attic before you were able to hit the 9 in 911.
The garage fan has a fire rated damper that will spring closed in the event of a fire.

[Northerner52]

Since hot air rises I wonder how much of a push it needs!

Attic; helps push hot air out of the attic.

[frank1975]

Thanks! Never considered it. Now I’ll look into it.

[crash]

Very good to hear that, Solar Guys are coming tomorrow to install a solar tube and the ventilation fan and I was wondering just how much difference it would make in the garage temperature, we also have a 2 car plus golf cart size garage.

Venting the garage will just pull hot air into your garage. For a real difference you need to insulate the garage attic and install a radiant barrier with an attic vent fan. Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c

[jimkerr]

We had their solar attic fan installed. We opted not to get the garage ventilation system because I was concerned about fire danger. The way they explained it to me is they put two vents in your garage door and a fan in your garage ceiling. Anywhere else in the country it would be against fire code to vent your garage directly into the attic. If a fire started in your garage it would be in your attic before you were able to hit the 9 in 911.

That’s not a problem with the fan they use. If there is a fire in the garage, that fan has special metal flaps that close to block off any fire. I had a home inspector check it out and he said that fan was the only one that was approved per the building codes. Solar guys know what they’re doing!

[Travelhunter123]

Check the noise level before you buy
I can hear my neighbors running from my driveway

[JohnN]

Venting the garage will just pull hot air into your garage. For a real difference you need to insulate the garage attic and install a radiant barrier with an attic vent fan. Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c

I don't think that's really correct. I have had the Solar Guys garage fan for 13 years now and it's one of the best things I could have done. The garage indeed does pull in the outside air, but that's much cooler than the built-up heat that would develop. Plus the attic gets vented which helps cool the entire house a bit. Last, the garage is in the shade and the heat doesn't build up. My garage actually feels cooler than outside.

[Toymeister]

A mini split in my garage works exceptionally well to keep the garage cool. Two tons of AC pumped into 600 sq ft means it's cool virtually instantly when I want it. 18 SEER means the cost is so low that it is not perceptible in the electric bill.

[Heytubes]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

Remember to get your 26% Federal solar tax credit. Those fans are fantastic.

[COLTempleton]

Venting the garage will just pull hot air into your garage. For a real difference you need to insulate the garage attic and install a radiant barrier with an attic vent fan. Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c
Both my attic and the outside are cooler than my garage (the attic has 2 exhaust fans and there is usually a breeze outside). Sounds like a garage exhaust fan is just what I need. Does anyone use a window air conditioner in their garage?

[Heytubes]

Fire damper with heat fuse is on the garage fan. Guess they failed to mention that fact.

[tuccillo]

Window ACs might be a violation of the deed restrictions - depends on where you live as the deed restrictions are not identical everywhere in The Villages.

Both my attic and the outside are cooler than my garage (the attic has 2 exhaust fans and there is usually a breeze outside). Sounds like a garage exhaust fan is just what I need. Does anyone use a window air conditioner in their garage?

[KRMACK55]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.
TECO is gonna love you. They are raising their rates. For 2021 health ins, electric, gas, water, amenities, cable, gas, food, insurance etc now it’s at least twice a year

[bobeaston]

Thanks! Wondering... My garage has a window that can be opened. I wonder if that is an alternative to cutting holes in the garage doors.

[PaulinTV]

Remember to get your 26% Federal solar tax credit. Those fans are fantastic.

There is a $$ limit on the tax credit. If that's a deciding factor make sure you haven't already used it up. We used almost all of it years ago up north installing new windows and had little left for the solar tubes we installed.

[robaldsc@hotmail.com]

I put a garage air conditioner that vents through the window. ( not a window air conditioner). Cools and dehumidify the expanded two car garage . 15* cooler that outside.

[lmack]

All good garage info. to consider, thanks all. I just wanted to add a note about attic vents as my hubby did a calc on how many vents we should have for our roof and got 4.5 (we only had 2 in our designer model). So, he got a few quotes and found a contractor to put in 3 more (contractor got same figure by the way). It has made a big difference, still gets hot up there but not nearly as hot.

[ThirdOfFive]

Thanks! Wondering... My garage has a window that can be opened. I wonder if that is an alternative to cutting holes in the garage doors.
We had a new garage door opener installed a few weeks back. During a chat with the installer guy, he said that in the summer, especially if your garage door is facing south, the temperature inside your garage with the door closed can get as high a 150 degrees Fahrenheit, or five degrees over what you are if you're a medium-well done ribeye. That's hot!

Anyway he recommended leaving your garage door open (assuming you're at home) and closing that sliding screen thingy that just about all garages here in The Villages seem to have. Seems to be working OK.

[bmcginness]

We had their solar attic fan installed. We opted not to get the garage ventilation system because I was concerned about fire danger. The way they explained it to me is they put two vents in your garage door and a fan in your garage ceiling. Anywhere else in the country it would be against fire code to vent your garage directly into the attic. If a fire started in your garage it would be in your attic before you were able to hit the 9 in 911.

Florida has the same law found in other states. Solar Guys installed an exhaust fan from the garage into the attic for us. They install a "fail-safe", per code. This is a damper door system that closes if there is a fire. This shuts off the fan opening access to the attic, thus separating the attic from any fire that might take place in the garage.

[BruggsNC1]

I have heard when they put in a Solar Tube or any kind of vent in the roof that it Voids the warranty on the roof. Is this true?

[retiredguy123]

Remember to get your 26% Federal solar tax credit. Those fans are fantastic.
I don't think a garage ventilation fan qualifies for the 26 percent solar tax credit.

[retiredguy123]

I have heard when they put in a Solar Tube or any kind of vent in the roof that it Voids the warranty on the roof. Is this true?
Not true.

[Donegalkid]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

Vents, fans, AC. All good options. Does anyone have recent good recommendations or reviews for motorized screen doors? Double door, wondering the approximate cost and vendor. Old threads out there and am wondering about recent experiences and suggestions.

[Normal]

OK, that makes sense, so why can't the system be vented directly to the outside?

Global Warming…/s/

[Tblue]

Venting the garage will just pull hot air into your garage. For a real difference you need to insulate the garage attic and install a radiant barrier with an attic vent fan. Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c

Not sure what you mean by venting the garage? I have attic insulation and it's just plain hot in my garage by the afternoon. My understanding of the attic fan is that it sucks in outside air (much cooler than my garage) from the eves of my house and vents it out the roof. The OP said his new attic fan made a bid difference in the garage temperature. I guess I will find out in a few hours.

[Tom52]

My home came with the garage vent fan already installed when I bought it. All it seemed to do was suck in the hot humid air from the outside. That is not comfortable at all if you want to work in your garage.

Better option for me was to insulate the garage attic and install a 24,000 btu Mitsubishi mini split. It was a 20.5 seer high efficiency unit. It is sooo nice to have a cool temp and low humidity in the garage. That is really a much better solution if you intend to use your garage as I do. I am doing some brake work on my classic car today in the garage. I wouldn't even consider it with the previous vent fan set up I had. Too Hot!!!!

I doubt it is any more expensive to run the mini split than the garage vent fan, but much better comfort level with the mini split.

[Linarce@yahoo.com]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

Would you mind if my husband and I came to your house to see this ventilation system and how it was installed? We live in Belvedere coming up on 18 years. We have a deep freeze in our garage which has to work so hard because of the heat. Yesterday our garage was 99 degrees. We would really appreciate your time.

Tony and Linda Arce
(352)638-4738
Linarce@icloud.com

[retiredguy123]

Would you mind if my husband and I came to your house to see this ventilation system and how it was installed? We live in Belvedere coming up on 18 years. We have a deep freeze in our garage which has to work so hard because of the heat. Yesterday our garage was 99 degrees. We would really appreciate your time.

Tony and Linda Arce
(352)638-4738
Linarce@icloud.com
When the garage temperature was 99 degrees, what was the outside air temperature? If all you do is suck the outside air through the garage, the garage temperature can only achieve the same temperature as the outside air. Currently, the temperature in my garage is 90 degrees, which is the same as the outside air temperature.

[MandoMan]

A mini split in my garage works exceptionally well to keep the garage cool. Two tons of AC pumped into 600 sq ft means it's cool virtually instantly when I want it. 18 SEER means the cost is so low that it is not perceptible in the electric bill.

About what does that cost, installed? I hear that Mitsubishi is the most reliable brand. I know they are very quiet, even outside. Can you recommend an excellent installer. I’ve read that these are NOT DIY products, as there are special refrigerant tools needed that are specialized.

[MandoMan]

We had the Solar Guys come to our new home in Bradford and install a garage ventilation fan in our 2 car plus a golf cart garage and it has made a big difference in the temperature of the garage.
We had it in a previous home in St. James.

A little over $800 for the installation of it and the door vents; to us it was worth it.

The Solar Guys are terrific. I had them install four SolaTubes a few months ago. It took one guy about three hours. Perfect. About $850 per tube, installed.

Does the material with the fan say how many watts the fan uses?

[bobeaston]

... Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c
Maybe at your place, but in my garage most of the heat is right through the doors. Sun shining on the doors heats them up like pizza ovens. One can feel the heat when standing anywhere within 8 feet of the doors. The outside air is always cooler.

My first line of defense is radiant reflecting insulation on the doors. Second line will be this type of fan.

[Toymeister]

About what does that cost, installed? I hear that Mitsubishi is the most reliable brand. I know they are very quiet, even outside. Can you recommend an excellent installer. I’ve read that these are NOT DIY products, as there are special refrigerant tools needed that are specialized.

Mitsubishi are the best. We used mini splits in Afghanistan, and I mean everywhere. Grueling conditions.. Mitsubishi lasted, many did not.

A 18 SEER ( they do sell a higher SEER) with no condensation pump (usually not required). $4,500.00 from Munn's. With the one year warranty and you get a (unwanted) nine year service contract. I cancelled that and I got 257.00 back.

[Flgagg]

The previous owner had the garage door isolated. My garage stays cool.

[tomwoodworker]

Temperatures in our attics. Just an fyi, I have a white transponder in the attic and I'm able to see what the temperatures are as the unit relays the information to the clock inside. In two years it has never exceeded 118 degrees - which is quite hot but not at all like the 135 degrees that a contractor shows on their online advertising material.

[Nana4x]

A mini split in my garage works exceptionally well to keep the garage cool. Two tons of AC pumped into 600 sq ft means it's cool virtually instantly when I want it. 18 SEER means the cost is so low that it is not perceptible in the electric bill.

Is your attic insulated over the garage? Munns installed mini split in lanai and insulated the ceiling over the lanai.

[Tblue]

Not sure what you mean by venting the garage? I have attic insulation and it's just plain hot in my garage by the afternoon. My understanding of the attic fan is that it sucks in outside air (much cooler than my garage) from the eves of my house and vents it out the roof. The OP said his new attic fan made a bid difference in the garage temperature. I guess I will find out in a few hours.

It is now a few hours later and I stand corrected. An attic fan and a garage fan are two different things. According to the Solar Guy here now doing my install, a garage fan is much larger and will help cool the garage a noticeable bit. An attic fan will help cool the over all attic area and probably will not change the garage temp that much, but helps to keep the overall attic temperature just a little lower.

[RaggTopp17]

Save your money, the Fan just brings in dust and Hot Air. The vents in the garage door weakened your doors Hurricane rating.
Jus put A/C in your garage.

[Larryjanem]

We had a radiant barrier added to our attic and it made a major difference in attic temp. Keeps the house cooler in the summer and helps keep the house warmer in the winter.

[Woodbear]

When it comes to windows in a garage, do they impact the overall temperature of the garage? Outside of aesthetics, is there a functional reason to add windows other than some additional light?

[FenneyGuy]

Venting the garage will just pull hot air into your garage. For a real difference you need to insulate the garage attic and install a radiant barrier with an attic vent fan. Most of the heat in the garage comes from the attic which can be over 160F c

Radiant barrier was installed several years ago. I am having an attic exhaust fan installed because it is still hot in my garage.

[RICH1]

Hang meat in the garage with a Mini-Split.... or use the fan to bring outside air and push it out the attic.. it's comes down to choices and money! Can't take it with !

[CoachKandSportsguy]

All good garage info. to consider, thanks all. I just wanted to add a note about attic vents as my hubby did a calc on how many vents we should have for our roof and got 4.5 (we only had 2 in our designer model). So, he got a few quotes and found a contractor to put in 3 more (contractor got same figure by the way). It has made a big difference, still gets hot up there but not nearly as hot.

Totally agree with that point as ventilation is always the key to keeping the roof and attic as cool as possible. Let us know which contractor did a good job please, even if you aren't qualified to render a professional evaluation opinion

faux engineering guy

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Global Warming…

:boom:


:ho:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Hang meat in the garage with a Mini-Split.... or use the fan to bring outside air and push it out the attic.. it's comes down to choices and money! Can't take it with !

No, but I take the choice that cost me less money; I grew up not having ANYTHING and I have accumulated wealth in my 68 years to the point where we’re going to live comfortably and then leave a bunch to our two kids.

[Driller703]

A mini split in my garage works exceptionally well to keep the garage cool. Two tons of AC pumped into 600 sq ft means it's cool virtually instantly when I want it. 18 SEER means the cost is so low that it is not perceptible in the electric bill.

If I get a 2 ton mini split, how important is it that I insulate the garage doors and the attic?

[retiredguy123]

If I get a 2 ton mini split, how important is it that I insulate the garage doors and the attic?
If you air condition the garage, or any space, you definitely need to insulate the ceiling and garage doors.

[Driller703]

Thank you

[Topspinmo]

Both my attic and the outside are cooler than my garage (the attic has 2 exhaust fans and there is usually a breeze outside). Sounds like a garage exhaust fan is just what I need. Does anyone use a window air conditioner in their garage?


Not allowed.

[Toymeister]

If I get a 2 ton mini split, how important is it that I insulate the garage doors and the attic?

For getting your garage cool it doesn't make much difference. If I were to choose I would insulate the door.

Now if you are going to keep your garage cool for hours on end as in a office space or a quilting machine room, then I would insulate. But cooling your garage for an afternoon while you putter around it won't matter nor will the insulation ever pay for itself.

The difference between me and retired guy is I actually have a two ton mini split and he does not. I know what it costs to operate and he does not. Important differences when giving advice.

[Driller703]

For getting your garage cool it doesn't make much difference. If I were to choose I would insulate the door.

Now if you are going to keep your garage cool for hours on end as in a office space or a quilting machine room, then I would insulate. But cooling your garage for an afternoon while you putter around it won't matter nor will the insulation ever pay for itself.

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking about putt my ham radio gear in a part of the garage. Of course would like it cool when I was using the rig, but I was wondering if the heat would affect the electronics at other times. Any thoughts on that?

[kkingston57]

In my house and other homes in our neighborhood very few, if any, homes have windows in the garage. This would have helped the heat issue and create more light in my garage. 1st house that I have seen without seeing windows.

Am going to check into possibility of putting in window(s) in the garage.

[Road-Runner]

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking about putt my ham radio gear in a part of the garage. Of course would like it cool when I was using the rig, but I was wondering if the heat would affect the electronics at other times. Any thoughts on that?

Worked with computer equipment for over 40 years, heat is the enemy of all things electronic. You probably would want to set a maximum temperature 78 degrees or so and not let it get any hotter. Also, humidity doesn't do good things to electronics either, kind of the one two punch as far as electronic longevity is concerned.

[Altavia]

Anyone replace a few of their garage Windows with screens in lieu of vents for air intake.

[Toymeister]

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking about putt my ham radio gear in a part of the garage. Of course would like it cool when I was using the rig, but I was wondering if the heat would affect the electronics at other times. Any thoughts on that?

Since this appears to be asked of me, I defer to the max rating for consumer electronics 104 degrees, source https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.electronics-cooling.com/2019/06/what-is-the-right-temperature-set-point-for-my-electrical-enclosure/amp/&ved=2ahUKEwjW0rvxqafyAhXCQTABHfKmC6UQFnoECAMQBg&usg=AOvVaw1qRe6IzocdJ0wRmklCPvj2&ampcf=1

I understand the mindset of IT types, I ran across this in Kuwait. The logic appears to be if cool is good, cold must be better. Certainly there was no basis for that as military electronics is rated to operate at a much higher temp than 104 f, I believe it is rated to 154 f (70 Celsius)

Obviously you can have it set far above 78 degrees many people keep their entire home hotter than that.

[metoo21]

So what does the Solar Guys charge for an attic fan?

[gdennis317]

A mini split in my garage works exceptionally well to keep the garage cool. Two tons of AC pumped into 600 sq ft means it's cool virtually instantly when I want it. 18 SEER means the cost is so low that it is not perceptible in the electric bill.

I had the Garage fan put in this Spring by Solar Guys, was about $950 ( can vary by size). Garage is cooler this Summer and you actually feel the air flow some. I have it set to turn on when the garage hits about 95. Is much better out there then the last few years though.

Any air moving into the attic and out the soffits etc has to help in the attic for heat buildup, humidity, etc also.

I can hear it slightly from inside the house near the garage, but it sounds like a small fan running. Do not even notice it unless I listen for it. May be my imagination, but seems like my AC runs less.

Obviously if you want to work out in the garage a lot, Split HVAC and insulation would be better. Much more costly to install and run all summer though.

[metoo21]

I had the Garage fan put in this Spring by Solar Guys, was about $950 ( can vary by size). Garage is cooler this Summer and you actually feel the air flow some. I have it set to turn on when the garage hits about 95. Is much better out there then the last few years though.

Any air moving into the attic and out the soffits etc has to help in the attic for heat buildup, humidity, etc also.

I can hear it slightly from inside the house near the garage, but it sounds like a small fan running. Do not even notice it unless I listen for it. May be my imagination, but seems like my AC runs less.

Obviously if you want to work out in the garage a lot, Split HVAC and insulation would be better. Much more costly to install and run all summer though.

Actually I was inquiring about an attic fan, not the garage fan but thanks for this info too.

[frose]

this issue should never happen. these houses are so poorly constructed with inferior products I'm amazed there aren't more issues.. who builds a house without insulating the garage area. in Florida roof fans are not installed just some useless vents.. wall studs without consistency of center to center or material.. wood or metal.. drier vents out the roof. how do you clean them(call a vent cleaner) I'm constantly finding more issues the more I try to do things in it.

[retiredguy123]

this issue should never happen. these houses are so poorly constructed with inferior products I'm amazed there aren't more issues.. who builds a house without insulating the garage area. in Florida roof fans are not installed just some useless vents.. wall studs without consistency of center to center or material.. wood or metal.. drier vents out the roof. how do you clean them(call a vent cleaner) I'm constantly finding more issues the more I try to do things in it.
I disagree. The houses are not poorly constructed.

The garage is an unconditioned space. I have never seen a builder insulate an unconditioned space, regardless of where the house is constructed. It's a waste of money, and will not keep the garage cool.

There is nothing wrong with mixing wood and steel studs in a house. Attic fans are nice, but usually not provided with new construction. Ridge vents are the standard. And, yes, you do need to clean out the dryer vent no matter where it discharges to.

[biker1]

What would be the point of insulating the garage? Without HVAC, it will get either hot or cold.

Ridge and sofit vents are designed to control moisture in the attic through natural convection. Attic fans have been researched and are not worthwhile because they do not address the primary mechanism of heat transfer in the attic: radiative transfer from the underside of the roof decking. The builders could do better with a sealed attic via spray foam insulation on the underside of the roof decking. The builders have been installing radiant barriers for the last several years, which is an improvement.

Wall studs are wood for load bearing walls and metal for non load bearing walls.

You clean the dryer vent by going on the roof every 5 years or so or call a vent cleaner. I have had dryer vents through the roof and through a side wall in previous homes. It is what it is.

this issue should never happen. these houses are so poorly constructed with inferior products I'm amazed there aren't more issues.. who builds a house without insulating the garage area. in Florida roof fans are not installed just some useless vents.. wall studs without consistency of center to center or material.. wood or metal.. drier vents out the roof. how do you clean them(call a vent cleaner) I'm constantly finding more issues the more I try to do things in it.