As New York heads into another stretch of sweltering temperatures and high humidity, homeowners may be looking for ways to escape the heat — including in places that aren't typically air-conditioned.
Many homes have central air conditioning and heating, but garages often lack dedicated cooling. With few windows and limited ventilation, garages can become especially hot during the summer.
Some homeowners may be tempted to leave the garage door partially open to improve airflow or make the space more comfortable. But is that a good idea?
Here's what to know about leaving your garage door open during the summer, including the potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
Are there benefits to leaving your garage door open?
Leaving a garage door partially open can allow fresh air to circulate, particularly
in garages without air conditioning or other ventilation.Some homeowners also use their garages as extensions of their outdoor living spaces during the summer, opening the door to let in natural light and fresh air, according to Jalopnik. However, opening the garage door isn't necessarily the best way to cool the space — and it can create other problems.
What are the risks of leaving your garage door open?
Although opening the garage door may seem like an easy way to improve airflow, it can actually make your home less comfortable in some circumstances. HVAC experts at the New York Energy Project say leaving the garage door open can allow conditioned air from the home to escape if the garage is attached to the house. That can make it harder for your air conditioner to keep the home cool and potentially increase energy use.
Security is another concern. Leaving a garage door open, particularly when no one is home or overnight, can make items inside more vulnerable to theft and potentially provide easier access to the home. An open garage also can invite unwanted pests. Rodents, insects and other animals may enter more easily, particularly if food or other items that attract pests are stored inside.
How can you keep your garage cool in summer?
Instead of leaving the garage door open for extended periods, homeowners can take several steps to reduce heat buildup.
Garage Living, a national garage installation company with locations on Long Island and in Connecticut, recommends:
- Avoid heat-generating appliances. Grills, hobby equipment and other heat-producing appliances can raise temperatures inside a garage.
- Insulate the garage. Foam insulation boards, insulated panels, garage-door insulation and weatherstripping can help keep heat from entering and cool air from escaping.
- Let your car cool down outside. A vehicle can radiate heat for some time after it has been parked. If possible, park a recently driven vehicle outside until it cools.
- Use fans. Oscillating fans, box fans or high-powered shop fans can improve airflow in garages without air conditioning.
- Reduce clutter. Keeping the garage organized can improve airflow and make it easier for fans to circulate air.
Heat to continue for days in New York
A heat advisory has been extended for the New York City metro area, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley as temperatures are expected to feel as high as 100 degrees Friday and Saturday.
The National Weather Service extended the advisory from 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, through 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Actual temperatures are expected to reach about 89 degrees, but heat index values — how hot it feels when humidity is factored in — could reach 100 degrees, forecasters said. The heat and humidity is expected to last several more days before cooling off next week.
Beat the heat: What's the best temperature to set your AC in summer?
Counties under the heat advisory
The advisory includes:
- Bronx
- Kings
- New York
- Orange
- Putnam
- Queens
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Westchester
- Nassau
- Suffolk
The National Weather Service generally issues a heat advisory when heat index values are expected to reach 95 degrees or higher for an extended period.
How to stay safe during extreme heat
People 65 and older, as well as those with certain chronic health conditions, face an increased risk of heat-related illness during extreme heat.
Homes without air conditioning can become significantly hotter than outdoor temperatures. Health officials recommend seeking air-conditioned locations, including local cooling centers, during periods of extreme heat.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that outdoor workers take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water.
New York City, Lower Hudson Valley weekend forecast
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89 degrees. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m., with heat index values as high as 100 degrees.
Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 74 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 2 a.m.
Saturday
Patchy fog is possible between 4 and 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89 degrees. There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.
Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 75 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms is expected before 11 p.m., followed by a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 89 degrees.
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Why leaving your garage door open might be a mistake
