Making An Energy-Efficient Garage

When it comes to energy efficiency, the garage is often the forgotten room. But there are plenty of ways to use your garage to save money on your electric bill. Here are few to put on your list:
1. Proper Insulation  In extreme climates the garage can be either very hot or very cold. A proper seal and better insulation is one way to make your garage feel more tolerable.
2. Upgrade your Doors  Garage doors are available in a variety materials: wood, steel and fiberglass. Wood is fairly pricey and requires painting and maintenance, but they do a fabulous job of insulating. Steel is strong and warp-resistant and can be a decent insulator. Fiberglass doors are moderately priced, won’t rust and are very energy efficient.
3. Electric Garage Door Openers These are a great convenience, but remember every time you use them, you are using electricity. Therefore, use it only for getting your cars in and out. If you have an attached garage, do not use the garage door to go in and out of the house. That is what the front door is for.
4. Garage Windows Make sure that windows are caulked and sealed to avoid leaks.
5. Garage Lighting  Use fluorescent bulbs to save on your power consumption.
6. Electric and Hybrid Cars  If you are in the market for an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, you may be saving plenty of money at the pump, but, don’t forget, you will be increasing your electric bill quite a bit. Keep in mind when you do your shopping.
7. Carpooling  By taking public transportation or carpooling, you won’t be saving electricity but you will definitely be saving energy and money.