Although we’ve had a rough winter, spring is around the corner and it’ll be warm again soon. This means many homeowners are thinking of ways to keep their homes cooler and more comfortable and save money on their energy bills.
What can you do? One solution is to install attic insulation. But don’t just insulate—for maximum energy efficiency, your attic should be properly insulated and ventilated.
Why Is Proper Attic Ventilation Important?
Proper attic ventilation systems provides a continual flow of outside air through the attic, which helps the insulation do its job better and also helps cool the attic so moisture doesn’t build up. Maintaining good airflow and keeping your attic cool can help:
- Prevent moisture problems
- Keep mold and mildew from developing
- Prevent wood rot
- Improve the overall efficiency of your AC
- Prevent ice dams or gutter and roof problems (which can occur if your attic isn’t cool enough and the ice and snow on the roof melt and then refreeze)
Proper attic ventilation is just as important as proper insulation installation. In fact, if you have insulation installed in an unventilated attic, the space can still overheat (and make the rest of your home uncomfortable too).
Attic Insulation 101
How much attic ventilation you need will depend on the size of your attic. In general, one square foot of ventilation is needed for every 300 square feet of space. If there isn’t a vapor barrier in this area, more ventilation can be used. It’s best to use vents in different locations, some up higher on your roof and some lower—this way, air can flow in one and out the other, keeping your attic cooler.
Additional Info
It’s usually not recommended to cool the attic with the air conditioner. Pulling conditioned air up into the attic not only uses more energy and can result in higher utility bills, but it also makes your AC work harder, which can increase the risk of a breakdown or replacement later on down the road.
Although these are good tips to keep in mind when it comes to attic insulation and ventilation, you won’t have to worry about any of this yourself! A professional insulation company will be able to make sure everything is installed correctly and works the way it should.
Attic Insulation Installers in the Austin, TX Area
Attic ventilation is just as essential as insulation. Both work together to keep your attic in good condition. Whether you want to learn more about attic ventilation and insulation or you’re ready to insulate your Austin, Texas area home, contact Hinkle Insulation & Drywall today!
