How Do I Keep My Attic Cool in the Summer?
During the summer, the temperature inside your attic can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Intense heat can cause the asphalt shingles on your roof to crack and crumble from becoming dried out. Your air conditioner will also cycle more to compensate for the added heat and moisture in the air, which means your summer electric bills will be a lot higher than usual. To avoid some of these problems, consider the following options for reducing attic temperatures.
Install Insulation
People often only think of insulation in the winter, but it also has its benefits in the summer. Insulation helps prevent heat from building up in the home by acting as a barrier to extreme temperatures. As a result, homeowners can lower their energy costs by 20% by installing insulation in floors, ceilings, walls, basements, and attics. It is one of the most energy-efficient things you can do for your home.
Install Attic Vents
Venting your attic will allow the hot air to escape, reducing the heat inside the room. However, if hot air collects inside your attic, it can damage roofing tiles, as well as create excess humidity. That humidity can cause mold growth in areas of your attic and roof, which is a situation that must be avoided at all costs.
Installing an attic vent can improve the air circulation, keeping the air dry and cool inside your attic space. There are three popular styles of attic vents, such as soffits, which are installed under your roof’s overhang; ridge vents that are installed on the ridge of your roof; and a gable, which is the spot on your roof where two sides meet and form a triangle. Professionally installed roof vents make a perfect escape route for excess hot air.
Ceiling or Room Fans
If your attic space is used as an extra bedroom, venting alone may not make the temperature bearable for the occupants. In that case, you may want to bring in a couple of fans to help the air circulate and keep the room cooler. Fans don’t cool the air, but they do move it around so that the hot air can escape through the vents and cooler air can be drawn in. Another tip is to use blackout curtains on the windows that face the sun and keep them closed when it’s hot.
Install an Air Conditioning Unit
If your air conditioning vents don’t produce enough cold air to cool off your attic, you might consider bringing in a portable air conditioner or installing a window A/C. Portable units only require an electrical outlet and a nearby window to vent the hot air outside. A window A/C unit is installed on the roof through one of the attic windows. A third option might be a Ductless Mini Split System. A professional HVAC company can recommend the right one that will fit your needs.
If you would like more tips on staying cool in the summer, contact Command Service Center. We offer Ductless Mini Split Systems and other services to help cool your home during the hot summer. Call us today!