Every summer, homeowners confront the same challenge of keeping their houses cool without going broke on their energy bills. Many people are unaware that their attics is a major energy waste source.
The heat from the roof frequently gathers in the attic and radiates into the lower living areas. As a result, homeowners are forced to turn up the air conditioning, resulting in higher energy costs.
There are several ways for homeowners to cool their attics and make their homes more energy-efficient. Continue reading to learn why attics hold so much heat, how to keep your attic cool, and how to fund these modifications.
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What Are The Reasons For Heat Retaining In Attic?
If you have an attic, you should be aware that it is crucial to keep your home cool. On the other hand, many homeowners grow angry when their attic contributes to the problem, and their home becomes impossible to cool without constantly using the air conditioner.
Well, there are several reasons for heat-retaining in the attic. Let’s discuss a few of them in detail;
Inappropriate Insulation
The most frequent approach for cooling your attic and reducing heat transfer downstairs is to use insulation. It keeps cool air from escaping to the attic while also preventing heat from spreading downstairs.
Insulation between the roof and the attic and the attic floor and the rest of the house is created by attic insulation. Fiberglass and even reflective surfaces comparable to foil are among the materials available. Your attic is free to absorb and keep a lot of heat if you don’t have enough insulation.
Improper Ventilation
Even if your home is brand new, attic ventilation is frequently inadequate. On the other hand, good ventilation is an important part of maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. What’s the best way to tell if your attic has this problem?
It’s a clue that your ventilation isn’t up to par if it feels stuffy or moist or you notice symptoms of moisture or growth. Because the attic is directly above the roof, it can help to warm it up. The color, particularly dark hues, and the materials used on your roof can lead it to absorb and trap more heat, which can then be transferred to the attic.
Ways To Cool Down A Hot Attic
Install A Proper AC System
If you plan to use your attic as a functional space, such as a bedroom or a workroom, an indoor air conditioning unit is a good idea. An air conditioner will make staying in your attic much more pleasant and comfortable for lengthy periods.
A portable air conditioner is the most convenient way to cool your attic. It’s a self-contained unit with wheels. The hot air from portable air conditioners must be vented outside. Most come with a window kit that connects to a hose for this function. Your attic, on the other hand, might not have a window.
If this is the case, you’ll need to make a hole somewhere for optimal ventilation. A nice location is down through a soffit, which will keep the rain out.
Add Radiant Barriers
A typical practice is using a radiant barrier or numerous radiant barriers to keep attics cool and prevent radiant heat from developing in your home. Reflective material in the barriers prevents heat from being transferred electromagnetically.
Radiant barriers, in short, reflect sunlight out of your attic, preventing it from becoming an oven due to the sun’s intense beams. Radiant barriers are commonly made of aluminum foil, but other more durable materials are also available.
Make Sure To Close All Gaps And Cracks
When it comes to the best way to cool an attic, whether with or without an air conditioner, you must care for any cracks, gaps, or holes. As you might expect, leaving any exposed places throughout the summer will allow warm air to flow into your attic.
Furthermore, leaving cracks, gaps, and holes open throughout the space increases the likelihood of water seeping into your attic, resulting in water damage and rot. If you have a chimney and are having problems with it, apply a heat-resistant caulk to seal the openings.
Use an expanded foam spray for holes larger than a quarter inch. This effectively closes the hole, ensuring that your attic does not leak air or let air in from the outside.
Improve Ventilation System
Because it allows heat to escape on hot days, installing proper ventilation in a hot attic is one of the most effective ways to keep it cool.
Hot air and radiant heat can fester within your attic if you don’t have a ventilation system, causing wood rot, mold, and other serious problems over time. There are a variety of inexpensive solutions to add ventilation to your attic.
As a result, inadequate ventilation leads to hotter attics. As a result, your upstairs rooms will be hotter, putting extra strain on your air conditioners. Less heat will be trapped in your attic if you build good ventilation and allow air to circulate in and out.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Too Hot Attic?
It can be tough to cool off your attic if it becomes warm. This hot air condenses and expands in the living area, making your living space uncomfortable for you. It may wreak havoc on your roofing materials, hastening their deterioration.
Excessive heat might also result in an increase in moisture, which can eventually damage your stored belongings.
Bottom Line
While your attic is a real hotspot for summer heat, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on energy costs. Use the tactics discussed in this article to make your attic significantly more energy-efficient right now.
You’ll want to install an air conditioner of some form to manage the temperature in addition to any of the best ways to keep an attic cool stated above.
