At JHM Butt, we believe garages operate best when they change with the seasons. For a successful garage this summer, you need to ensure you’ve invested appropriately and made any needed alterations. It gets hotter every summer, so we believe some preparation before the inevitable heatwaves is important.

We have some ideas which many garages implement to work as efficiently and cooly as possible in the summer months.

Ventilation

A well-ventilated garage is a lifesaver during the summer. Stagnant air acts like an insulator, trapping heat and making the space feel even hotter in your garage. Good ventilation, however, encourages air circulation.  Hot air gets pushed out by strategically placing fans and opening the garage door (when safe and practical) while cooler air is drawn in. This creates a more comfortable workspace and prevents the garage from becoming impossibly hot to work in. Also, proper ventilation helps remove fumes and dust accumulating in your garage, making it a healthier environment overall.

Declutter & Organise

This is something quite underrated in limiting how heated your garage will get during warm weather. Having an open and tidy workspace helps keep it cooler. Dedicate some time to remove unused items and organise what remains. Consider investing in shelving, cabinets or pegboards to maximise storage space and keep frequently used tools within easy reach.

A well-lit garage is not only safer but also feels more inviting. Ensure your existing light fixtures are functioning properly. Upgrading to brighter bulbs or installing additional lighting can significantly improve the space.

Air-Conditioning Unit

Your workshop will be busy no matter what time of year, but the services your customers need change like the seasons. In winter they may need their batteries and wipers checked, but in the summer it’s persistently the A/C units needing service.

JHM Butt can help with providing your garage with suitable equipment, giving your customers the best service. We stock Evotech A/C units, proven to be reliable and efficient in garages nationwide. The unit has a comprehensive vehicle database, making your job far easier. Alongside this, it has automatic recovery, vacuum and charge, so a lot of it is automated for you. Easy-read gauges and an easy-to-use Rotary Switch Function amplify this unit's quality.

If you already have a unit, ensuring that it is in fully working condition and has all the kit which goes with it is crucial, as business ramps up. Starter kits and Nitrogen test kits are also available with JHM Butt. (Send an email to [email protected] for more information.)

Lighting

Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs generate significant heat as a result of creating light. This wasted energy causes your garage to be warmer. These bulbs can contribute noticeably to the summer heat. LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient. They convert most of the energy they use into light, with minimal heat generation. By switching to LEDs, you can keep your garage cooler and reduce your overall energy consumption, saving money on your electricity bill, too.

Health & Safety

Summer heat can exacerbate fire hazards in your garage.  High temperatures can cause spontaneous combustion of oily rags or improperly stored materials. Additionally, electrical wiring can overheat and malfunction if exposed to excessive heat, causing some expensive repairs. To combat these risks, you should perform a thorough inspection of your garage. Look for any frayed or damaged electrical cords and replace them immediately. Consider having a qualified electrician inspect your garage's wiring, especially if your workshop is older. Finally, designate a cool and dry area away from heat sources to store flammable liquids and ensure all rags soaked in oil or paint are disposed of properly.

Overall, there are clearly a lot of things you can do to ensure your garage works optimally and efficiently this summer. Ensuring customers, who need Air-Conditioning support for their vehicles, will have top-tier service is a must from a business standpoint. Alongside making sure your workspace is cooler this summer for your mechanics to be as productive as possible, making your garage safer this summer will only enhance its reputation and service.

JHM Butt & Co are the UK's leading garage & workshop equipment provider in the UK, being your garage's One Stop Shop. Contact us today.