Heat Loss Through Attic

Storm panels reduce winter heat loss by as much as 50 percent.

Heat loss through attic.

Attic hatches can be huge air leaks and sources of radiant heat loss and they are rarely addressed. The importance of air sealing cannot be overstated. In cold weather a large percentage of the home s heat loss occurs through the attic and in summer the attic is one of the greatest sources of heat gain. Heat that flows through layers of an assembly and heat that flows through different paths of the assembly.

Roof attic 25 windows and doors 25 walls 35. This article will address how to insulate an attic hatch. Air leaks into the attic can account for substantial heat loss and can lead to a variety of moisture related problems. An estimated 25 of all heat loss occurs through the attic or roof of a home.

Home heat loss attic. Cracks or holes in an attic along with improperly placed vents allow for much heat loss through the attic space. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing. A poorly insulated attic can result in 25 heat loss in fall and winter that s 25 percent of your average heating costs going toward energy that won t even heat your home.

Many times the door itself isn t insulated properly because it needs to be accessible. Insulation resists the flow of heat in either direction helping you save energy costs for both space heating and air conditioning. The attic hatch is a big energy loss area. Even if an attic is already insulated there may still be an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency and soundness of the house through air sealing.

Allison bailes aka the energy vanguard explains the difference between series and parallel heat flow. If the attic itself is insulated consider insulating the attic access door. Many attics have hatch access doors that are uninsulated. Hot air rises which makes much of the heat that we lose in our homes escapes through the attic.

Small holes and framing members make a difference when calculating the heat flow through building assemblies like walls floors and roofs. 3 of your home s lost heat is through doors. However there are many diy options that homeowners can do to prevent additional heat loss through their attic access door. Prevent heat loss through the attic door or hatch.

Hot air rises just like your energy bill will do if your attic is poorly insulated.