Should You Insulate Your Garage or Bonus Room for Winter?

If you have a garage or bonus room that feels like a walk-in freezer every winter, you are not alone. These spaces are some of the biggest trouble spots when temperatures drop, especially in older or unfinished homes. The good news is that the right insulation can transform them into warm, usable, energy efficient spaces. Here is how Koala Insulation of the Westside helps homeowners make smarter choices for winter comfort.

Why Garages and Bonus Rooms Lose the Most Heat

Garages and bonus rooms often lack the insulation that the main living areas of a home have. Many were not originally built for daily use, which means they are prone to heat loss, drafts, and uncomfortable temperature swings. Koala Insulation of the Westside frequently finds:

• Thin or missing wall insulation
• Uninsulated garage ceilings under bonus rooms
• Gaps between the garage and main home
• Cold air entering through garage doors
• Poorly insulated attic spaces above finished rooms
  Without proper insulation, these areas pull heat from the rest of your home, making your HVAC system work harder.

Why Insulating Your Garage Makes a Big Difference

Although most homeowners do not heat their garages, insulating them provides multiple benefits. Koala Insulation of the Westside recommends garage insulation when:
1. You have a bonus room above the garage
Heat escapes through the garage ceiling, making the bonus room cold and uncomfortable.
2. You spend time in your garage
Workshops, gyms, or hobby areas feel warmer and more usable.
3. You want to protect stored items
Insulation helps prevent damage from temperature swings and moisture.
4. You want better whole home efficiency
A poorly insulated garage allows cold air to seep into the main house.

Why Bonus Rooms Need Extra Insulation

Bonus rooms are often the most uncomfortable rooms in a home. They get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter due to poor insulation and ventilation. Koala Insulation of the Westside solves these issues by enhancing insulation in:

• Knee walls
• Floors above garages
• Attics surrounding the room
• Rim joists and air leaks
  When these areas are properly insulated, bonus rooms become comfortable year round instead of seasonal dead zones.

Signs Your Garage or Bonus Room Needs Insulation

• The room is consistently colder than the rest of the home
• Your HVAC system struggles to heat nearby rooms
• Floors feel cold above the garage
• You notice drafts or cold air coming from the garage door area
• Energy bills rise each winter
  Koala Insulation of the Westside can assess these areas and identify exactly where heat is being lost.

The Best Insulation Options for Garages and Bonus Rooms

Different spaces need different insulation solutions. Koala Insulation of the Westside commonly recommends:

Blown In Insulation

Ideal for attics, knee walls, and open cavities that need coverage and improved R value.

Spray Foam Insulation

Perfect for garages, rim joists, and areas needing both insulation and air sealing.

Batt Insulation

A budget friendly option for unfinished garage walls and ceilings.

Air Sealing

A critical step that stops drafts before insulation is added.

Top Benefits of Insulating These Spaces

• Warmer, more comfortable bonus rooms
• Reduced drafts inside the home
• Lower winter heating costs
• Better whole home energy efficiency
• Less strain on your HVAC system
• More usable garage and bonus room space year round
  Koala Insulation of the Westside ensures these improvements provide long lasting comfort and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to insulate my garage if I do not heat it?

Yes. Insulation helps prevent cold air from entering the rest of the home and protects rooms above the garage.

Will garage insulation help my bonus room stay warmer?

Definitely. Heat loss through the garage ceiling is one of the biggest causes of cold bonus rooms.

Is spray foam worth it for garages?

Spray foam is one of the best options for sealing drafts and maintaining stable temperatures.

Can these upgrades lower my energy bills?

Yes. Reducing heat loss improves overall efficiency and cuts heating costs.

Make Your Home More Comfortable This Winter

If your garage or bonus room is too cold to enjoy, insulation may be the solution. Koala Insulation of the Westside can evaluate your space and recommend the best upgrades for long term comfort and energy savings.
Call us at (310) 218-1850 or visit https://koalainsulation.com/the-westside for a free estimate.