What Does My Attic Have to Do with Energy Efficiency?

Not many homeowners tend to make use of their attics.  They are dark and damp, freezing in the winter, and super hot in the summer. They are usually not insulated well, they aren’t heated or cooled, and they tend to have a lot of humidity and moisture no matter the weather outside. Even with the most effective and updated HVAC system in your home, your attic is likely to be a big energy waster, especially if it’s not properly insulated. Without effective and proper insulation, your attic can leak cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter, increasing your power bill and minimizing your in-home comfort.

Here at Comfort Experts, we are not an insulation company, but we know how important it is to have your home properly insulated so that your HVAC unit can work the way it was intended while keeping your energy bills low. If you’re experiencing higher than normal energy bills or suspect issues with your attic insulation, we’d recommend that you look into getting that taken care of. Our AC repair technicians are amazing at what they do, but sometimes your issue may not be with your HVAC unit.

Attic insulation, along with ventilation, is key to your home’s energy efficiency.  The insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  That insulation also keeps the air from escaping out the attic.  If it somehow is escaping, it’s causing your system to work overtime to make up for that loss of temperature.  Having the proper attic insulation will reduce the wear and tear of your HVAC system and add years to its lifespan while also lowering your energy cost.

The Three Main Types of Insulation

There are a few types of attic insulation.  The least expensive is the roll-on or blanket insulation which comes in rolls of fiberglass batts that are designed to fit in between the framing of your home.  It is very flexible and easy to install.  This method keeps air trapped inside the house.

Blown insulation or loose-fill requires the use of a machine that shoots streams of cellulose over the framing. This insulation works well because it fills small crevices or hard-to-reach places.  This method is moisture resistant and can block mold and odors from forming inside your house.

Sprayed insulation, which has the highest rating, is usually the most expensive. This is the most energy-efficient option, however, and it usually lasts the longest.  This spray molds to the rafters block water vapors and almost completely stops air from going in and coming out.

Comfort Experts Has AC Repair Techs to Diagnose Your Problem

If you’re not certain what issue you’re having but know there is a problem, give us a call. We’ll come out and check out your HVAC unit and give you a diagnosis. If there isn’t an issue with your unit, we’ll tell you that too, and you can look into getting your attic insulation checked.