In the past decade, more people have started paying attention to living in a manner that does not harm the environment.

Many are turning to low-energy solutions for lighting such as Vivint home automation, and hybrid vehicles have become some of the top sellers.

One of the best ways to use less energy, however, is to avoid wasting it wherever possible. In many homes, garages serve as a major conduit through which energy is wasted. Here are a few tips for greening a garage.

Insulate the Garage Door

Garages leak air over time, and this air is often replenished from a home. Because of this, homes can become less efficient due to a leaky garage.

By insulating the garage door as well as possible, homeowners can reduce the flow of air from inside their homes to the environment. This is a frugal home improvement project.

One of the easiest and most frugal ways to install this insulation is to glue foam blocks to the door panels with an adhesive such as Liquid Nails. Alternatively, you can use paper-backed fiberglass batts or radiant barrier foil.

Whether one is living in hot or cold conditions, this will reduce heating or electricity bills and allow homeowners to save money in addition to helping the environment.

Insulate the Door that Leads to the Garage

Another way to prevent air loss through a garage (and it is recommended to take both steps) is to seal the door that connects the garage to the home. In many cases, the door used is one that is more suitable to the interior of a home.

By using a heavier door or insulating the cracks, it is possible to reduce airflow from the interior of a home to the garage. Energy Star rated entry doors can be purchased for around $100 and installation is easy.

Recycle that Junk

Many homeowners are reluctant to donate or throw away old items. Over time, however, the number of items people stored in the garages can rise above what is practical.

By donating old items, homeowners can help prevent these items from ending up in landfills. In addition, donating items will help a person avoid buying new products, which helps eliminate unnecessary manufacturing.

Get Rid of the Fridge

Secondary refrigerators are common in garages. Having a second refrigerator, however, wastes a tremendous amount of energy. By reducing how many items one stores at a time, it may be possible to greatly reduce one’s energy bill and consume less energy.

In addition, constantly walking into a garage will increase the airflow from a home’s interior to the garage.

Garages are useful, but they can be a source of wasted energy. By taking steps to ensure that one’s garage is not wasting more energy than is necessary, it is possible to mitigate the impact that a garage has on the environment.

Radiant Barrier Paint

Many home building contractors avoid insulating and hanging drywall in garages. Is this true for you? If so, get that done. Need a handyman? Find local unbiased reviews on the best handymen. Try Angie’s List.

Next, paint the walls and ceiling with radiant barrier paint. You can buy the powder and mix it into white latex paint or buy it pre-mixed. If you use the powder wear a respirator while mixing the powder into the paint.

Do you have additional tips? Share them with our readers in the comment section below!

About the Author

This guest post was written by Vivint. The Vivint home securityand home automation can help your house be more safe and energy efficient.