A malfunctioning home heat source, potentially doubling summer energy costs and causing indoor temperatures to rise excessively, can be swiftly remedied.
In the midst of a sweltering heatwave, keeping your home cool can be a challenge. One often-overlooked area that contributes significantly to heat gain is the attic. By sealing the attic door effectively, homeowners can reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills. Here's how you can achieve this.
**Steps to Seal Attic Doors**
1. Assess the Door Condition: Inspect the attic door and frame for any gaps or cracks. These openings can allow hot air to enter or cool air to escape.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or spray foam to seal any gaps between the door and its frame. This creates an airtight seal that prevents air leaks.
3. Install Weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around the door edges to further seal the door when it is closed. This helps prevent air from escaping or entering.
4. Use Insulation Materials: If the attic door is not well-insulated, consider adding insulation to the door itself. Foam board or fiberglass batting can be attached to the back of the door to provide additional insulation.
5. Cover the Door: During intense heatwaves, consider covering the attic door with additional insulation or a reflective barrier when not in use.
6. Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain the attic door seal to ensure it remains effective over time.
**Additional Tips for Energy Efficiency**
- Seal all air leaks in the attic to prevent heat from entering or escaping. - Installing radiant barriers under the roof deck can help reflect heat and reduce attic temperatures. - Proper ventilation can help manage attic temperatures. Consider installing attic fans or improving existing ventilation systems.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively seal your attic door and contribute to lowering your energy bills during heatwaves.
The 'caveman cooling method', while less factual and more of a marketing gimmick, serves as a reminder of our ancestors' methods of staying cool during hot weather. Sealing those gaps and insulating the door can stop hot air from moving into the living space, while covering the attic door helps to block hot air from radiating down and mixing with the cooler air in the home.
Experts like Michael, the founder of Pyramid Eco, and industry veterans such as Chuck, the general manager of The Bee, and Lisa, the CFO and vice president of a family-owned HVAC company, emphasise the importance of sealing attics in summer. They advise using reliable and durable materials like weatherstripping and ultra-strong caulk, which can withstand extreme temperatures without unsticking or losing their insulating properties.
For instance, the attic tent, made of two layers of aluminum and air bubbles, blocks heat transmission, reflects 97% of radiant heat, and provides an R-Value of 14.5. This makes it an effective solution for keeping hot air out during the summer months.
According to the Department of Energy, at least R-38 insulation is recommended in attics, which is equivalent to approximately 10 to 14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose in most homes. By following these recommendations, homeowners can significantly reduce heat gain in their homes, lower energy bills, and create a more comfortable living environment during heatwaves.
Implementing weatherstripping around the attic door, in addition to sealing any gaps with caulk or spray foam, can help maintain an airtight seal and prevent heat transfer from the attic to the home-and-garden living space. Additionally, insulating the attic door with materials like foam board or fiberglass batting can further reduce heat gain, contributing to a more energy-efficient home-improvement project.
