The short answer is yes – attic insulation is an effective way to keep your home cooler during the summer months. While it's true that insulation helps keep the house warm during the winter, it's not as widely known that it can also help keep the house comfortable during the summer. In cool weather, a good layer of insulation in the attic helps keep the house cooler and reduces the burden on air conditioning equipment. To install this insulation, a professional will send a long tube to the attic to disperse the insulation between the floor beams and ensure that every corner of the attic floor is completely covered.
If most heat loss is due to windows (even good ones are notorious energy leaks) or through air leaks, doubling attic insulation may not make things much better. However, it can still be beneficial in other ways. Increased home value is one of them – if you're thinking about listing your home for sale, checking your attic insulation could be a good first step. In addition, attic insulation not only helps keep you warm in winter, but it also helps keep the whole house cool in the hot, sticky summer months. Sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what type of insulation to choose for your home, so it is always recommended that you consult a professional in your area to evaluate and estimate the attic.
In this way, we can decide together which insulating material best suits your needs and those of your home. Since determining the R value isn't the easiest calculation, it's essential to have a professional insulation installer help you choose the best insulation option for your home. According to the Department of Energy, the R-value of the insulating material must be at least R-30, and thicker layers of insulation must achieve higher R-values. If you double the amount (thickness) of insulation in one part of the roof, using the same type of insulation that already exists, you will reduce heat loss through that part of the roof by half. Knowing how attic insulation works won't guarantee you'll be better prepared for another snow apocalypse, but it will also help you reduce comfort and energy costs during the summer.
Make sure that the attic insulation has the proper R value, that the insulation is placed in all suitable areas, by installing a hatch cover in the attic and even sealing the air. An attic with adequate insulation can benefit your home in many ways, in addition to keeping the house at a comfortable temperature all year round. Before calling to schedule a professional attic insulation installation, or buying the materials to do it yourself, first check what you have. Attic insulation could significantly reduce your energy bills without affecting your quality of life. The table below shows the approximate thickness of each type of insulation you should ideally have in the attic. In conclusion, investing in attic insulation is an excellent way to save money on energy bills while also increasing your home's value and comfort level.
It's important to consult with an expert before making any decisions about what type of insulation is best for your home and how much you should install. With proper installation and maintenance, attic insulation can provide long-term benefits for years to come.
