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  Seattle City Light Conservation | Tip of the Day
 


Tip 19 - The Unknown Attic
Summertime temperatures in a poorly vented attic can reach 150°F, or more. You can save a substantial amount of money and aid the environment by knowing your attic better.
 
ENERGY FACTS
  • In summer, stuffy attics can add considerably to air-conditioning needs. The sun heats attics the hot attic air warms the rooms beneath even if the attic is insulated. Rooms under poorly vented attics are 10° hotter than if the attic was well-vented.
  • Whole-house fans also can be installed in the attic or ceiling to pull fresh air through the house -- usually at night when it's cooler -- and make air conditioning unnecessary.
  • In most attics, pipes, ducts, dropped ceilings and electrical conduits enter the attic from the living space. In winter, these allow warm air to escape.
SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY
  • Make sure your attic is well-insulated. It may make sense to add to existing insulation. City Light recommends at least R-38 -- 12" to 16".
  • Seal holes where conduits and pipes enter the attic and along partition walls, eaves, knee walls. Use caulk or compressed fiberglass insulation.
  • Make sure your attic is well-ventilated. Look for unclogged, screened vents near gables or roof line and under eaves.
  • Properly placed high and low venting will keep air flowing through the attic.
 

Tips Directory

Order print version of 30 Simple Energy Things You Can Do To Save The Earth from Residential Conservation Help Line



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