Having an attic in your house is a great way to add some extra space. However, if it is not properly insulated, it can be a huge source of heat loss in your home. Making your attic energy efficient is a great way to save money on your energy bill and it lets you enjoy a comfortable and quality air to circulate around your house. This is a project that you can either do yourself by taking the small and easy steps, or let the experts work the hard ones out for you. So read on for tips on how to make your attic more energy efficient!
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#1 Insulation Upgrade
The changing seasons is one of the problems you have to face. During summer, you would have to deal with the blistering heat, and during winter, the freezing cold. These extreme temperatures can be unbearable at times, which is why some invest in cooling and heating devices to keep the right temperature inside the house. Although, the increase of your cooling or heating bill might just be because of your poorly insulated attic.
Attic insulation upgrades should be on the top of your list if you want to make your attic energy efficient. If you have old, worn out, or insufficient insulation, heat will escape through the roof and walls of your attic and cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Attic insulation comes in many different forms, so it is important to choose the right type for your home and climate. It includes:
- Fiberglass Insulation.This is the most common type of insulation found in homes that is affordable and easy to install. You can actually do it yourself! It makes use of extra fine fibers of glass to serve as an insulator— keeping the temperature just right. It also limits the flow of air from the outside to inside of your house, and vice versa, for you and your family’s own comfort.
- Cellulose Insulation. Although this type of insulation is made from recycled paper products, it is fire resistant and does a great job in blocking noise. These grounded paper is treated heavily with borax or ammonium sulfate which are not hazardous to people. Instead, they make this type of insulation non fire hazard and pest-free. If you want an eco-friendly option, then this is the way to go.
- Radiant Barrier Insulation. The heat from the sun is absorbed by your roof and affects the temperature of the inside, or the attic by conduction. Radiant barriers are thin sheets of material that reflect heat away from your attic, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This is a great option if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or with a lot of sun, as it can help to keep your attic at a comfortable temperature year-round, while saving your money on energy bills.
- Spray Foam Insulation. It is one of the most effective insulators because it can fill in all the cracks and crevices as liquid that eventually turns into foam is applied into it. This provides tight sealing of spaces that causes air leaking. With this type of insulation, it also helps reduce molds while keeping the indoor air conditioned. With its numerous benefits, it is not a shock that it is also the most expensive option. However, even the best type of insulation cannot fully give you the benefits if not installed rightly. If you’re interested with this type of insulation, you can always ask your local insulation experts such as iFoam in Boise Idaho.
#2 Proper Ventilation
Another important factor in making your attic energy efficient is to make sure that it is properly ventilated. Attics can get very hot in the summer, and if they are not properly ventilated, this heat can build up and cause damage to your home. Right ventilation also helps to keep the air in your attic dry, which prevents mold and mildew from growing.
There are many different ways to ventilate an attic, some common methods of attic ventilation include:
- gable vents
- ridge vents
- soffit vents
- power vents
#3 Solar Attic Fans
Ventilation may not just be enough in keeping your attic cool, especially if you live in an area with a lot of sun. In this case, you may want to consider installing a solar attic fan to add ventilation to your attic without using any electricity. They work by drawing hot air out of your attic and replacing it with cooler air from outside. This helps to keep your attic cool even if it’s summer, which can cut you some cost on your energy bill. Solar attic fans are relatively easy to install, and they are a great way to go green and save money at the same time.
#4 Air Seal
Cracks and holes in your house provide a passageway for the air to freely escape or penetrate your closed space. One great way to make your attic energy efficient is to use an air sealant. Air sealants are applied around the edges of your attic, and they help to prevent air leaks. This is important because air leaks can cause heat to escape from your home, which will raise your energy bills. Air sealants are available in many different forms, so it is important to choose the right one for your home. Common types of air sealants are:
- caulk
- spray foam
- weatherstripping
#5 Attic Stairway Cover
Another great way to make your attic energy efficient is to install an attic stairway cover. This helps to prevent heat from escaping through the opening in your attic. Attic stairway covers are available in many different sizes, choose the right one that best fits your attic to ensure that there will be no air leakage.
Summing it Up
Have your expensive energy bills problem solved right away! There are multiple ways that you can do your own in order to have your comfort in your own home while also saving money. Making your attic energy efficient doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even if some methods are costly, the long-lasting effect makes you save more money by lowering your heating or cooling charges. This would make a good house investment. If you’re not sure which method should you choose, consult with a professional contractor who can assess your needs and recommend the best option for you.
