Tip 19 - The Unknown Attic |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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