Thoroughly sealing your attic is an effective way to keep the cooler temperatures of winter from getting into your home and driving up your seasonal heating bills. Many attics are large, unfinished open areas where heated air and energy can easily leak out. Without adequate insulation in the roof, wall or attic floor, energy can be lost even from finished attics.
It is usually easy to add attic insulation. You have two good choices for the type of insulation to use. Roll insulation, also known as batts or blankets, works well between beams and joists in the attic wall, floor or roof. This type of insulation is usually made of fiberglass or other mineral fibers. Loose-fill insulation, consisting of fiberglass, cellulose, or rock wool pellets or fibers can be blown into spaces needing insulation. Loose-fill insulation is a good choice to use where it’s difficult to place other forms of insulation.
Choose attic insulation with the highest R-value possible. The R-value represents the insulation’s ability to resist heat, and higher R-values mean better protection against drops in temperature. In Los Angeles and the surrounding areas in southern California, for example, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends insulation with an R-value of R30-R60.
Before adding attic insulation, you should seal off all air leaks in the attic. Seal gaps and openings around the chimney with furnace cement or with caulking designed to withstand high temperatures. Use silicone or other type of long-life caulking to seal smaller gaps at the top of interior walls. If there are larger gaps there, use expanding foam or rigid fiber board insulation to fill them. Make sure all exhaust fans vent to the outdoors to prevent build-up of moisture in the attic.
Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service since 1967. We serve customers in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Glendale and Santa Monica. Contact us today for information on effectively insulating your attic before winter arrives and temperatures drop.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about insulation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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