When the temperature begins to spike in your attic, the heat can become an infectious problem that spreads to your entire home and can only be cured if you insulate and ventilate properly. Though you may not think about it much, your attic can raise your utility bill by as much as 20 percent.

Why should I insulate and ventilate my attic?

We all know that heat rises, and as it does, your attic is capable of reaching temperatures as high as 200 degrees. A properly ventilated attic will keep this hot air moving out of your home. Without adequate ventilation, hot air can continue to accumulate in your attic until it begins to radiate back down through your ceiling and into your house. It’s the job of your insulation to act as a barrier to this heat. However, with too little insulation, your home will be unprotected.

How can I adequately insulate and ventilate my attic?

It’s imperative that you inspect your attic’s ventilation regularly to make sure that it’s not clogged with debris. If you’re not sure if your attic is too hot, your roofing materials may give you a clue. A telltale sign of an excessively heated attic: shingles that are curled up on the ends from the heat. A simple solution to reduce heat in your attic as well as extend the longevity of your shingles is to install an attic fan. These fans require little to no structural alterations and are very affordable on any budget.

It’s a smart idea to work with a contractor to evaluate your attic’s insulation. A professional can help you to compare your current insulation’s R-value (resistance to heat) with the R-value recommended for North Carolina by the U.S. Department of Energy. If your insulation is lacking, your contractor can help you determine how much insulation you’ll need and which type will serve you best.

For more expert advice on how to insulate and ventilate your attic, contact the professionals at Smoky Mountain Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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