Cooling Attic Spaces

That cuts cooling costs and prolongs shingle life.

Cooling attic spaces.

Good ventilation allows the heat and moisture to escape. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. If you re designing and building a new home keeping an unconditioned attic cooler in summer is pretty much irrelevant. Keeping them covered in the summer will block sunlight and excess heat while allowing the sun to stream through in the winter will provide heat.

That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation. If you want to cool your attic proper insulation is the best place to start. The best option for insulating florida homes is spray foam insulation which has a high r value and is water resistant. Most come with a window kit for this purpose that attaches to a hose on the back of the unit.

When the temperature within the attic reaches a set point the fan will turn on and start venting the heated air cooling the attic space. Likewise adjustable thermostats will shut the fan off. In the summer good attic ventilation reduces heat buildup. Just make sure the ceiling is airtight and fully insulated and the temperature in the attic doesn t matter much.

In other words the entire vent opening doesn t count as vented space. It will keep the unwanted hot air out of your home and make it easier to cool your living space. Make sure the windows are properly sealed and caulked so that no drafts get through. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep your home cool which means higher energy costs for you.

A portable air conditioner is the easiest solution for cooling your attic. An overheated attic can bake asphalt shingles on the roof and cause them to deteriorate. Windows play a part in regulating the temperature of your attic space. Portable air conditioners do need to be vented to pump the hot air outside.

It s a standalone unit that s about two feet tall and 18 inches wide and has wheels for mobility. Keep your attic from boiling over with these venting and insulating tips. We already showed you several cool attic bedrooms but this is the time to show you more. An attic bedroom is usually associated with romance because it s perfect to get some privacy.

It usually looks quite appealing even though some people think that attic space is unusable. In the winter warm moist air seeps into the attic from the living space below.