Improving your attic energy efficiency can be a simple thing if you take time to learn the right tricks. In a bid to preserve the environment and keep global warming at bay, it is imperative that we preserve as much energy as possible not only for ourselves but for future generations. Below, we have discussed the three main areas to concentrate on to ensure your HVAC serves you properly without crippling your energy bills. With the ever rising costs of living, we are all looking to keep things within manageable limits ,and this guide should do exactly that.
1. Insulate your attic.
Proper attic insulation will save you up to 30 percent on energy costs. With this step, however, you would be better off if you paid attention to air sealing first. Did you know that a lot of air escapes through the duct system even before reaching its intended destination? The best plan for saving energy in the attic would be to seal all the air leaks, and then insulate the attic. Areas to pay attention to would be the plenums, boots and other sources of leakage, like the junction boxes.
Insulation works by slowing down the rate at which heat is transferred. When a house is properly insulated, the natural flow of heat from warmer to cooler areas is regulated, thus saving you lots of cash during both warm and cold seasons. To put this in simpler terms, heat will be preserved in the cool seasons and the opposite will work when the warmer seasons approach.
2. Install a radiant barrier.
This involves the installation of a highly reflective material to act as a deterrent for radiant heat. This kind of heat is responsible for a large percent of the energy used for cooling, so if you curb the amount of heat that penetrates the attic, you will substantially decrease your energy bill.
There are several types of radiant barriers. The basic material is mostly aluminum foil, which is used to coat another material. It can even be purchased in spray foam.
Note that radiant barriers are more helpful for those who live in hot, sunny climates. Those in cooler areas are better served when they focus on proper attic insulation.
3. Ventilation.
It reduces your cooling costs by up to 25%. This is mainly because proper ventilation allows for excessive heat and built up moisture to escape. Most attics do not have ample space for ventilation, but you can easily rectify this by purchasing a solar powered fan to air out the place. Do not, however, mistake heat escapes as an indication that you need to ventilate. This problem would be solved by thermal insulation.
Remember to constantly check your installations to ensure that things are running smoothly. Something like dust collecting in the air ducts may seem harmless at first, but as the dust accumulates, it immensely reduces efficiency. For example, a radiant barrier that has layers of dust would not work properly against heat gain. Getting a certified HVAC installer is highly recommended. They are better placed to do a proper job, and you can be sure that they will do the subsequent follow ups for a highly efficient home heating and cooling system.