Insulating your attic may conjure images of wintertime warmth; because heat rises, good attic insulation helps trap it inside for you and keep you cozy. In this article, we will discuss does attic insulation help in summer.
Residential homeowners typically opt for cellulose insulation made of recycled paper with an R-value ranging from 3.2 to 3.7 per inch. Professionals prefer wet spray cellulose containing boric acid and other fire retardants to make the insulation fireproof.
Increased Comfort
If rooms in your house feel hot even with the air conditioner off, this could be a telltale sign that poor attic insulation has been compromised. This can become even more burdensome when energy bills arrive each month.
Cellulose insulation made of recycled paper offers an eco-friendly insulator with a high R-value. It can be placed over fiberglass or blanket insulation to help minimize air gaps in your attic space. It contains substances like ammonium sulfate and boric acid to make it fire-resistant.
Attic insulation creates a barrier against the sun’s heat that keeps it out, thus decreasing the need for air conditioning and creating a more comfortable home environment for all residents. Unfortunately, attic insulation requires ongoing maintenance and inspection to maximize performance.
Reduced Energy Bills
“Hot air rises,” as the saying goes. If your house lacks proper insulation, hot air may rise from its source and increase temperatures. With good attic insulation, you can prevent hot air from growing and raising temperatures throughout your home.
An adequately insulated attic will help trap warm air in your home during wintertime, relieving your heating system of working hard to maintain an ideal temperature while providing lower utility bills.
Many homeowners understand the value of insulation to keep homes warm in winter, yet many underestimate its impact on summer comfort. Attic insulation regulates indoor temperatures and relieves strain on your AC system during hotter periods of the year.
This phenomenon is known as The Stack Effect; warm air rises, but when it reaches an attic, it gets trapped by the insulation and stays there too long to escape.
Furthermore, attic insulation slows heat buildup, which could otherwise cause your shingles to swell and crack!
Reduced Moisture
As well as helping lower energy costs, attic insulation also plays a crucial role in decreasing pollution that enters your home from the outside. By filling and blocking tiny gaps around recessed lighting fixtures, exhaust fans, plumbing pipes, ductwork, furnace flues, and dropped soffits, attic insulation fills them. It can significantly lower mold spores, bacteria allergens, and other harmful pollutants from entering.
Attic insulation helps block out hot air from returning, creating a more comfortable home temperature. Insulation also reduces moisture – crucial in Dallas, where humidity can cause issues ranging from skin discomfort and sticky floors to attic mold formation. Insulation fills any minor cracks that let moisture in while simultaneously blocking out pollutants like toxins, allergens, and smoke that might otherwise enter.
Increased Home Value
Attic insulation will not only save money year-round, it will also increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that houses with sufficient attic insulation command a higher market price, meaning you could recoup your initial installation expenses more quickly.
Many older homes built before 1960 lack adequate insulation due to attic use as storage areas; adding insulation can prevent heat gains in summer and reduce energy costs.
Attic insulation can be constructed from various materials. Fiberglass is often chosen due to its economical and practical nature; other popular choices are rock wool and cellulose (made from recycled paper), which may also be eco-friendly; however, it has been criticized as it poses a fire hazard unless treated with flame retardant chemicals such as ammonium sulfate or borate. Mineral wool offers another good choice that naturally resists moisture while remaining mold-free.
Does attic insulation help in summer?
Certainly, attic insulation provides benefits not only during the winter but also in the summer months. In the summer, attic insulation offers an effective way to protect against hot weather conditions. Good attic insulation helps balance indoor temperatures without allowing them to rise significantly due to hot weather. This creates a more comfortable home living environment while promoting energy savings. Here are some of the benefits of attic insulation during the summer:
- Temperature Regulation: Good attic insulation prevents indoor temperatures from spiking due to hot weather. This provides a more comfortable temperature inside the home and reduces the need for excessive air conditioning.
- Energy Savings: Attic insulation reduces the need for air conditioning and fans during summer. This leads to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.
- Long-Term Investment: Proper attic insulation enhances your home’s energy efficiency and reduces energy costs in the long run. It also increases your home’s value, as potential buyers appreciate energy-saving features.
In conclusion, attic insulation is a valuable investment that benefits both in the winter and during the hot summer months, offering a more comfortable living space and long-term cost savings.
Source: https://www.drenergysaver.com/