If your attic is too cold in the winter too hot in the summer or both it s time for some necessary home energy improvements.
How hot is your attic supposed to be.
Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape.
With poor insulation your ceiling might be 40 50 degrees f.
In the cold winter months the attic s ideal temp should be about par with the ouside temp while in the hot summer months the ideal temp inside the attic should only gain perhaps 15 20 degrees above the outside temp.
The attic is a huge determinant in keeping your entire home cool so the first place to start cooling your home should be the attic.
Take its temperature.
A check the temperature an hour before sunrise.
The attic is cold.
What should the attic temperature be relative to the outside and house temperatures assuming a new supposedly well insulated house.
For perspective radiant floor heating is usually set to a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees f to keep a room toasty warm during the winter.
The truth is your attic plays a major role in your home s overall energy performance and can significantly impact how much it costs to keep your living space comfortable.
Excessive heat deteriorates items you store in the attic and can cause moisture problems in your house.
A final word about your attic remember regardless what temperature your attic space is 140 150 or 160 degrees if you are close to having r 30 or r 38 insulation above your ceiling the attic temperature in the middle of the summer only adds about 10 percent to your cooling bill.
Hang an outdoor thermometer in your attic making sure its range.
An unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees in the heat of summer 50 degrees higher than it should be.
Taking advantage of this natural process referred to as passive ventilation is the most common way to vent an attic.
Within the attic insulation is a must.
The revers is true in the winter.
A thick insulation between 14 to 18 inches will help reduce heat from entering your home.