One of the most important spots in your home when it comes to energy savings is your attic. Because of the location of this key area, it can truly make a difference on your home’s ability to stay warm in the winter or keep cool in the summer. If your attic has issues, you could see higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. Here are some reasons why your attic impacts your home’s ability to be energy-efficient.
Insulation
An energy-efficient home starts with a well-insulated attic. If you have enough insulation in all parts of your attic, your heat or air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. The best type of insulation to use in your attic depends on what your climate is and what kind of attic you have. Foam board is a popular type of insulation that offers a large amount of protection through a thinner piece of material. Attics that aren’t finished may do well with a loose fill or spray insulation, which can insulate in tight spaces.
Roof Condition
Next, your attic can impact your home’s ability to use energy because of the condition of your roof. Since the attic is the last space in your home before the roof, it’s important to make sure your roof is strong enough to keep animals and the elements out of your attic. If your roof is 20 years old or older, chances are it’s not going to make your attic as efficient as it could be. Other factors like missing shingles or worn away spots can also affect your attic’s temperature.
Roof Material
The material that your roof is made of also affects your attic, which in turn impacts the comfort level of your home. Materials that offer reflective properties can help keep the heat from impacting your attic too much. You can also try radiant heat barriers along your roof to keep heat from getting trapped at the top of your home. These materials help you control the space in and around your attic.
Air Circulation
Your attic also needs to have sufficient air circulation in order to keep your heating and air conditioning system working at its peak. One way to help keep the air flowing is with an attic fan installed. Some homes can also benefit from having well-positioned attic vents and ductwork to help the bitter cold air in the winter and the sweltering heat in the summer escape from your home. This, along with proper roofing maintenance, can help your home’s heating and cooling to be more effective.
Water Seepage
Finally, it’s also important to ensure that your attic doesn’t have water seeping in. A small leak or crack from your attic’s exterior surface could be enough to allow a significant amount of rainwater or snowmelt into your home. Over time, a tiny leak could cause problems like mold, structural damage, or ceiling collapse.
Your home’s comfort level is greatly impacted by your attic’s condition. If you’ve forgotten about this little-used space, it’s important to take a look and see if your attic may cause problems in the rest of your home.
