If you have an extra bonus room above the garage, chances are you know how quickly it can heat up during the summer months. While it can be difficult to keep the bonus room cool, there are a few solutions that can help. In this blog post, we will explore the best solutions to cool down a bonus room above the garage, from using fans and air conditioning to investing in insulation and window treatments.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive fix or want to invest in long-term solutions, this blog post has something for everyone. So come along and learn how to keep your bonus room cool and comfortable all summer long!
What is a Bonus Room Above the Garage?
A bonus room above the garage is an extra room, typically located above a garage, that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used as an extra bedroom, a home office, a playroom, an exercise room, a music studio, or any other type of space that the homeowner desires.
What Causes Heat in an Attic or Bonus Room Above the Garage?
Heat in an attic or bonus room above the garage is typically caused by a lack of insulation or inadequate ventilation. Heat rises, so if the room is not properly insulated, the heat from the garage below can transfer into the room. If the room is not properly ventilated, the heat will become trapped and the temperature will increase. To reduce the amount of heat in the attic or bonus room, the homeowner should add insulation and make sure there are vents in the walls that allow the hot air to escape.
7 Best Solutions to Cool a Bonus Room Above the Garage
Solution 1: Insulate the Room
Adding insulation to the walls, ceiling, and floor of the bonus room can help to keep the temperature inside the room lower. This will also help to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the room.
Solution 2: Install a Ceiling Fan
Installing a fan in the ceiling of the room can help to circulate the air and create a cooling effect. It can also help to reduce the temperature of the room during the summer months.
Solution 3: Install Air Conditioner or Air Handler
Installing a dedicated air conditioning unit is the most efficient way to cool a bonus room above the garage. It can provide a consistent temperature throughout the room and will help to reduce the overall cost of cooling. This will help with the hot air that is being pushed into the space from the main house and also provide you with some relief from the summer heat.
Solution 4: Install Ventilation Fans
Installing ventilation fans can help to circulate the air inside the bonus room and create a cooling effect. It can also help to reduce the amount of humidity inside the room.
Solution 5: Open Windows
Opening windows during the cooler times of the day can help to bring in cooler air from outside. This can help to reduce the temperature inside the room without the need for a cooling system.
Solution 6: Use Window Treatments
Installing blackout curtains or other window treatments can help to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the room and thus reduce the temperature. This can be a great way to cool the room without having to use a cooling system.
Solution 7: Install a Floor-Mounted Evaporative Cooler
Lastly, install a floor-mounted evaporative cooler in your attic space. This type of system uses water from the outside air to evaporate inside the house, cooling it down by up to 10 degrees! This might not be an option for everyone due to its high cost but it could be worth considering if you live in an area with humid summers.
Is it okay to have a family room above the garage?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to have a family room above the garage. In fact, this is a common design choice in many homes. The only thing to consider is to make sure the space is properly insulated to keep it comfortable. Additionally, you may need to have the garage reinforced with beams or other structural elements to ensure the space is safe and secure.
FAQs About Cooling a Bonus Room Above the Garage
Does a Hot Garage Make the House Hotter?
Yes, when a garage is hot; the air in the house can become much warmer as hot air rises and is drawn into the living space. This is especially the case for attached garages, as the warm air can easily flow into the house through shared walls, doorways, and even windows that are left open. To prevent this from happening, it is important to insulate the walls and attic of the garage, as well as any doorways, windows, or other openings that lead into it.
Will a Dehumidifier Cool a Garage?
While a dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air, it does not actively cool the space. This is because dehumidifiers only work to absorb the moisture from the air, not to actually cool the air. To effectively cool a garage, an air conditioning system must be installed. This can be a window unit, a portable unit, or a full-sized central air conditioning system.
Conclusion
The bonus room above the garage is a great space to put your feet up and relax. But it’s not very comfortable in the summertime because of all the heat from the sun streaming through the windows. We hope you found this blog post helpful in understanding the different ways to cool a bonus room above a garage. If you have any questions or would like more information, please leave us a comment below!
