During the cold winter months, heating your home is imperative. What you might not realize is that heat rises in your home, ultimately escaping through the attic. This is counter to the goal of keeping your home warm, and can add to your energy bill at the end of each month. Not to mention during the summer months, when the sun is bearing down on your roof and passing additional heat into your home, requiring you crank up the air conditioner in response.
Taking the steps to improve your attic space can help slow the transfer of heat through your roof, and ultimately save you money on your energy bill.
Sealing the air gaps in your attic. Don’t neglect air sealing in your attic simply because it isn’t a habitable space. The sealing on your interior walls and floors can be less effective than the exterior walls. Are there ducts in your attic? Those should also be inspected and sealed, as well.
Improving the insulation in your attic. Your attic is exposed to a substantial amount of heat from the roof. By insulating the attic walls, you’re able to slow both heat gain and heat loss. Not sure what type of insulation to use? Consult your local HVAC technician for advice on what to purchase.
Properly ventilating your attic space. Even if your attic is not a habitable space, proper ventilation is important. Increased humidity in your attic due to poor ventilation can degrade the insulation or lead to mold and fungus. An attic with good ventilation will also help keep your home cooler during the summer months by expelling the warm air.
Even if you feel you are satisfied with your energy bill each month, it never hurts to consider making upgrades to your attic. Your home environment could be improved, at the very least.