Most homeowners don’t understand the role the attic plays in whole-house energy efficiency. You need to take action on your attic’s insulation, ventilation and sealing to ensure your home is as efficient as it can be. By addressing each of the following points, you’ll be making the connection between your home’s attic and energy efficiency.
Insulation
Heat moves easily through ceilings and walls that have inadequate insulation. In the summer, that means the hot attic air will penetrate your air-conditioned home, making the A/C work harder to keep your home comfortable. In the winter, much of the heat that the heat pump or furnace is putting out will leak through to the attic instead of staying within your home.
To counter this, check the attic’s insulation level. If you have no insulation, you need to make it a priority. If you have only a thin layer, consider adding more for increased efficiency.
Ventilation
Hot, humid air loves to gather in attic spaces, especially during the peak of summer. That air can cause condensation to form on the underside of the roof, which can damage the roof and the insulation below.
The attic needs ventilation at the ridge line and soffits to help move air through the attic, keeping humidity and heat down.
Sealing
You don’t want air inside your home to escape into the attic. You also don’t want hot attic air coming into your home. Any openings and gaps can let air through. Sealing the attic will prevent this and help keep energy costs down.
Caulk and spray foam are good for closing up any air leaks. Check around chimney and pipe openings, as well as under insulation to make sure you’re not missing any leaks.
If you take action in the attic, energy efficiency will be the result. For more information on how to improve your home’s attic and energy efficiency, contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc., Inc.
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