How Attic Insulation Affects Your Summer Cooling Bills?

Many people consider attic insulation a wintertime necessity. After all, heat rises, so insulation is vital to keep heat inside when it’s cold out. However, attic insulation also affects your summer cooling bills, so it’s worth investing in quality insulation to avoid comfort problems and high energy costs. Learn more about how attic insulation works, why it’s beneficial for home heating and cooling, and what type of insulation you should install.

How Does Attic Insulation Keep Your House Cool on a Hot Day?

Attic insulation acts as a barrier between the inside of your home and the outdoors. During the summer, heat from the sun penetrates your roof and transfers into the attic, allowing heat to build up. If your attic floor is not insulated, this heat can seep through the ceiling. A thick layer of insulation slows heat transfer from the attic, making your air conditioner’s job easier.

Check your attic insulation levels by peeking inside the attic hatch. You know you need more insulation if the floor is bare or you can see the joists sticking through the existing insulation. Remember, insulation works best on a tightly sealed attic floor, so patch air leaks around wiring, ductwork, and plumbing penetrations before adding insulation.

Common Summer Problems That Insulation Helps Solve

If you’re wondering whether insulating your attic is worth it, consider these summer problems insulation can help fix:

• High cooling bills: When your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, it uses more energy and raises your energy bills. Attic insulation reduces your AC unit’s energy usage, making it more cost-effective to cool your home during the summer.
• Hot upper floor: If you have a multi-story home, you may notice that the second floor is always hotter than the ground floor. One reason for this is because hot air rises. Another could be that your attic is poorly insulated, allowing hot air to seep into the upstairs living space. Stand on a ladder and place your hand on the ceiling. If it feels warm, you know you’re wasting energy and could benefit from adding more insulation.
• Increased AC wear and tear: The hot air that enters your home due to poor attic insulation increases the strain on your air conditioning system, leading to increased wear and tear, more frequent breakdowns, and costly repairs. Insulating your attic helps your air conditioner operate at its peak for more reliable performance and a longer lifespan.

Best Types of Attic Insulation

If you decide to install attic insulation, consider your budget, the size and shape of your attic, and the local climate. If you’re unsure how much insulation you need or what type is best, consult a professional who can help you make a cost-effective decision. Here are four of the best types of insulation for the attic:

• Fiberglass insulation is manufactured from tiny glass fibers woven together to create a soft, fluffy material. This affordable, easy-to-install material comes in batts and rolls for a snug fit between attic joists. Loose-fill fiberglass is also available for oddly shaped spaces. No matter what form you choose, the fire- and moisture-resistant qualities of fiberglass make it a safe and durable attic insulation.
• Mineral wool insulation, also known as Rockwool, is made from volcanic rock and slag, which is melted and spun into fibers. Mineral wool is denser, heavier, and more water-resistant than fiberglass, making it better at reducing heat transfer, sound transmission, and mold growth. This material comes in batts, rolls, and loose-fill forms, just like fiberglass.
• Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option made from recycled paper, cotton, wool, straw, or hemp treated with fire-resistant chemicals. This material effectively reduces heat transfer and is safer to install than fiberglass because it doesn’t cause skin or eye irritation. Cellulose insulation is only available in loose-fill form, so it must be blown into the attic using a special machine.
• Spray foam insulation is the gold standard for attic insulation. It applies wet and then hardens and expands as it dries, creating an airtight, water-proof barrier. Inch for inch, spray foam has a higher heat flow resistance, or R-value, than traditional batts, rolls, and loose-fill insulation. It also fills every nook and cranny, making it great for hard-to-reach spaces. Spray foam is more expensive than other types of insulation and requires professional installation, but the investment could be well worth it.

Schedule AC Services in Omaha, NE

Installing attic insulation is important to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer, but that’s not the only thing you can do. Maximize AC performance with help from Aksarben ARS. Our experienced HVAC technicians offer a complete range of cooling services, including AC repair, maintenance, and replacement. Call us today at 402-509-4016 or contact us online to request AC services in Omaha or La Vista.