A HOT ATTIC CAN LEAD TO PROBLEMS KEEPING ROOMS COOL
During the summer months, as the sun beats down on your roof for 9 hours or more each day, heat from the roof can build up in the attic. The heat build-up will eventually penetrate the living spaces below, making it hard to keep rooms cool.
The only way to keep heat from building up in the attic is good attic ventilation. Here in the Midwest, many homes have insufficient or non-existent attic ventilation. The older the home, the less likely it will have currently recommended attic and/or roof ventilation. With nowhere to go, the heat spreads to living spaces below. As a result, many homeowners find they must run their air conditioners around the clock to achieve pleasant room temperatures.
Here is what the EPA has to say about attic ventilation>
BEAT THE ATTIC HEAT
First, make sure you have a properly ventilated attic. Attic ventilation consists of intake vents (vents that let cooler outside air in) and exhaust vents (vents that let hot air escape outside). Without ventilation, heat accumulates and eventually transfers to living spaces. Not only does this cost more to keep rooms cooler, but it also puts a tremendous burden on your air conditioner, often leading to system failure.
ATTIC FANS CAN HELP
A powered attic ventilator or Attic Fan can dramatically improve attic air circulation and minimize heat transfer to living spaces. An attic fan is installed on your roof and connected to a thermostat. When your attic reaches a set temperature, the fan activates and pulls hot air from your attic while pulling fresh cooler air in to replace it. When hot air is exhausted, there is less heat to penetrate living spaces below, rooms stay cooler longer, and your air conditioner runs less often (saving cooling costs).
Learn more about attic fans here>
ATTIC INSULATION
Most people associate attic insulation with keeping their home warmer in winter. But attic insulation also plays an important role in keeping rooms cool in summer too. Attic insulation slows the heat transfer from your attic to living spaces below, so rooms stay cooler longer, and you run your air conditioner less.
The combination of sufficient attic ventilation and adequate attic insulation can work together to keep your home more comfortable all year while saving you money on utility costs in both summer and winter.
WE ARE ATTIC AIR
Not sure if you have good attic ventilation or insulation? Call us for a free attic assessment at 630.830.3870