Attic insulation and ventilation save energy
Insulation
Home insulation is one of the best improvements you can make for the least amount of money. Insulation keeps the heat out in the summer and the heat in during the colder months. Check out CPU’s great home energy calculator.
Attic Fan
Mechanical attic ventilation, such as an attic fan, is often promoted as a way to cut heat gain in a house. However, the effectiveness of any attic fan will depend on several factors, including the amount of insulation in the attic and natural ventilation.
“It could be 82 degrees outside and, depending on how well the attic is passively ventilated, at peak heating hours the attic could reach 140 degrees or higher,” said Rick Richart of Richart Builders and Remodelers in Vancouver. “When the fan pulls out hot air, it replaces it with outside air. If the attic is well insulated, the fan will help protect the inside of the home from that hot air.”
However, if the attic has inadequate insulation, blocked soffit vents or is not well sealed from the rest of the house, the fan could end up pulling cooled air from the living area into the attic. This will increase your energy bills if you have air conditioning—not to mention do nothing to add to the comfort of your home.
For more information, contact Clark Public Utilities Energy Conservation Counselors at 360-992-3355.
Roof Vents
In the attic of a house, ventilation serves a number of purposes. The flow of cold air beneath the roof deck in winter helps remove moisture that works its way up through the ceiling and insulation. During the summer, vents help carry away the hot air that accumulates under the roof deck, lowering cooling costs in the space below.
Unused Items
Most of us store unwanted items in the attic where they can easily become out of sight, out of mind. Move those unneeded items along by putting them on 2good2toss.com, giving them to family or friends or take them to a thrift store for resale. Make sure any used baby items are still considered safe for use.
-
Insulation
Home insulation is one of the best improvements you can make for the least amount of money. Insulation keeps the heat out in the summer and the heat in during the colder months. Check out CPU’s great home energy calculator.
-
Attic Fan
Mechanical attic ventilation, such as an attic fan, is often promoted as a way to cut heat gain in a house. However, the effectiveness of any attic fan will depend on several factors, including the amount of insulation in the attic and natural ventilation.
“It could be 82 degrees outside and, depending on how well the attic is passively ventilated, at peak heating hours the attic could reach 140 degrees or higher,” said Rick Richart of Richart Builders and Remodelers in Vancouver. “When the fan pulls out hot air, it replaces it with outside air. If the attic is well insulated, the fan will help protect the inside of the home from that hot air.”
However, if the attic has inadequate insulation, blocked soffit vents or is not well sealed from the rest of the house, the fan could end up pulling cooled air from the living area into the attic. This will increase your energy bills if you have air conditioning—not to mention do nothing to add to the comfort of your home.
For more information, contact Clark Public Utilities Energy Conservation Counselors at 360-992-3355.
-
Roof Vents
In the attic of a house, ventilation serves a number of purposes. The flow of cold air beneath the roof deck in winter helps remove moisture that works its way up through the ceiling and insulation. During the summer, vents help carry away the hot air that accumulates under the roof deck, lowering cooling costs in the space below.
-
Unused Items
Most of us store unwanted items in the attic where they can easily become out of sight, out of mind. Move those unneeded items along by putting them on 2good2toss.com, giving them to family or friends or take them to a thrift store for resale. Make sure any used baby items are still considered safe for use.
