Five Tips for Better Attic Insulation Efficiency

February 8, 2021

Nearly 85 percent of a home’s heat loss happens through the attic. When your attic is not insulated, you lose heat, which escapes your home and raises your utility bills as your HVAC system works harder. However, even the best-insulated attics need maintenance to stay efficient. Here are five tips on how to make your Northern California attic more energy efficient:

  • Seal cracks: Attic air leaks are a common culprit when energy efficiency drops. Cracks, holes and weak points throughout the attic allow outdoor air inside, where it works against your HVAC. Start by sealing these cracks and gaps and filling any spaces where insulation has worn out. If you notice extensive deterioration of your insulation, contact an insulation contractor.
  • Improve ventilation: Installing a venting system in your attic allows warm air to escape. While this approach seems counterintuitive in winter, it reduces damage to your home. If there is a bad winter, keeping your attic cool prevents melted snow or ice on your roof, which lead to ice dams and gutter damage. In summer, proper ventilation allows heat to escape, so it does not damage roof shingles. Moisture is another common problem of built-up attic air, which leads to mold growth. However, venting is not an energy-efficient solution for all homes, so consult with a roofing contractor to make sure it’s the right decision.
  • Install fans: Attic fans are an excellent investment. They regulate your home’s temperature and improve airflow. If you have a well-insulated attic, they enhance efficiency by pushing out hot air while bringing in cool air from soffit and gable vents. Keep in mind that these are specialty fans designed for attics, and regular ceiling fans do not work the same way. You need to hire a knowledgeable contractor who installs the correct fans and ensures proper sealing. Otherwise, the fans will not help you with efficiency.
  • Purchase radiant barriers: Radiant barriers prevent the electromagnetic transfer of heat by reflecting sunlight. They are comprised of aluminum or other highly reflective materials. By reflecting the light, attics maintain constant temperatures, no matter the preferred temperature indoors or the weather conditions happening outside. In warm climates, radiant barriers drape from the attic ceiling or are squeezed between roof beams. In cold climates, radiant barriers are placed inside the attic on the floor to reflect heat from inside the house. Once installed, cooling and heating costs drop by up to 10 percent per year.
  • Upgrade insulation: If you have a leaky attic and high heating and cooling bills, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Insulation improves with new technologies and manufacturing processes, and if you have older insulation, it may not be as effective. Good insulation reduces heating and cooling costs up to 20 percent, so that upgrade may pay for itself quickly!

Want to learn more about how to make your attic more energy efficient? Ace Insulation Inc. can help. We are your Northern California insulation experts, and we can seal up your attic and make your heating and cooling costs decrease. Call us today to schedule an estimate.

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