Garage Ventilation: 6 Ways to Promote Airflow and Keep It Cool

Do you spend a lot of time working on projects in your garage? If so, you’ll want to think about the indoor air quality. From engine fumes to chemicals from storage items, the space most likely has particles in the air that can be harmful to breathe. 

Garages also tend to get extremely hot in the summer (and you don’t want those musty smells that come with it). The solution to all of this is to ventilate your garage properly. When there is air circulation, it helps regulate the temperature inside and prevents hazardous gasses from accumulating indoors. 

In this guide, we’ll show you six different ways to ensure proper garage ventilation and keep fresh air inside. But first, here’s why it’s important.

Importance of Garage Ventilation

Adequate garage ventilation allows harmful fumes to escape while clean air enters the structure. If you use machinery or store chemicals like gasoline in your garage, fresh air should be circulating at all times. If not, these chemicals can seep into your house if you have an attached garage, leading to illness from inhaling the fumes. 

Mildew is another problem that can occur in poorly ventilated garages. Since molds thrive in dark, moist environments, ventilation is a must. A closed environment filled with moist air can lead to dangerous mold growth, and inhaling the spores can cause illness, breathing problems, headaches, and more.

Also, if you live in an especially humid climate, you definitely don’t want to neglect your garage. Stale air can become trapped inside of it and cause those unpleasant smells we know all too well. 

Garage Ventilation Options

Now that you know why your garage needs ventilation, the next step is to figure out the best method to do it. Here are a few options to help you figure out how to ventilate your garage:

1. Add Roof Vents

Increase the level of ventilation in your garage or shed by installing a ridge vent. This type of vent is one of the most common exhaust vents and is installed on the peak or ridge of your garage roof. Ventilation occurs when warm air goes out of the ridge vent while fresh air flows in through it.

Another type is the gable vent. This one is commonly used on a gable style roof and is visible just beneath the edge of the garage roof. Since warm air rises, this type of ventilation gives it a way to escape from the structure. Just be sure not to stack anything in front of the gable vents in your garage so the air can freely flow out.

2. Open Windows for Fresh Air

Windows are probably the easiest and most popular way to bring fresh air inside and clear out the stuffiness. Their main drawback, however, is if you live in a hotter climate. Keeping windows open may actually increase the heat and humidity levels inside in this case, so it’s best if you choose a different option. 

3. Use Doors to Aid Airflow

Doors are another quick and easy solution to ventilate the garage space, especially when using the garage door. Like windows, doors aren’t as effective as other options. Leaving windows and doors open may also be a security risk depending where you live. 

4. Install Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are one of the best ventilation methods for a garage in any climate. Not only do they help regulate indoor temperatures, but also allow fumes and gasses like carbon monoxide (CO) to escape. This is extremely important for attached garages, where CO released from running car engines can leak into the home and poison the air.  

The best place to install exhaust fans in your garage is high up on a wall or the ceiling, away from entryways into the home. 

5. Add Floor and Ceiling Fans

In addition to exhaust fans, you can buy a floor or ceiling fan for the garage. These fans are available in a variety of sizes and come in handy for a two-car garage space or larger. Floor and ceiling fans also create a nice cool breeze for when you’re spending a lot of leisure time in the garage on a warm day.

6. Mount an Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioners are often overlooked as ventilation options because their main use is to cool a space. However, cooler air in the garage actually helps reduce dust and pollen in the air, and lowers humidity levels that would otherwise cause mold growth. 

Garage Ventilation Safety Precautions

When properly ventilating your garage, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind, like: 

• Install a CO detector: A CO detector will alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your garage, giving you time to evacuate and call emergency services.
• Always turn off and unplug fans: Before performing any maintenance, be sure to disconnect all power sources. 
• Consider a qualified electrician: If you’re uncomfortable installing an exhaust fan yourself, consider hiring a licensed electrician to ensure it’s done safely and according to code.
• Keep flammable materials away from exhaust fans: Fumes from gasoline, paint, and other solvents can ignite near a spark from the fan motor.
• Use GFCI outlets: Consider using a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet for your exhaust fan, especially if there’s a risk of water exposure.
• Ensure electricity is off: If you’re installing anything yourself, you’ll likely have to work with electrical wiring during installation. That said, be sure to turn off all power to your garage. 

Following these safety precautions can help you avoid any costly or harmful hazards as you ventilate your garage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re dealing with fumes, moisture, or simply trying to regulate the temperature, this FAQ section answers common garage ventilation concerns. 

Breathe Easy In Your Ventilated Garage Space

Nowadays, we spend a lot of time in our garages for projects and hobbies, so it’s important that we can breathe safely inside. Ensure proper ventilation of your garage using our 3D garage builder. Here, you can customize your garage design with windows and doors, and add other features to fit your tastes.