All About Attics - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBSep 12, 2014 · Types of attics. There are several kinds of attics: The classic attic is located above a flat ceiling and has the same footprint as the house below. Some attics are smaller than the footprint of the house, like the attic above the second floor ceiling of a Cape. Some attics have a triangular cross section, like the attics behind the kneewalls ...
Attic Upgrades and Ventilation - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBSep 30, 2024 · The 1000-sq.-ft. attic has two small gable vents, the AC/furnace system is 25 years old, the roof is a 6-7/12 pitch covered in clay tiles, and on hot days the attic temperature can reach 130°F. BGG had an energy audit done, which informed his plan to remove the existing fiberglass batts, air-seal the attic, install a ducted heat pump system ...
Installing an ERV in an Unvented Attic - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBJun 26, 2020 · The temperature is about few degrees less or the same as outside temperature with stable RH. If its 91 degrees outside with 70%RH, its expected to be 90 or 91 degrees with 45-50RH inside the attic. 1) Noticed that the humidity is around 35 at the lowest and 52 at the highest and usually it drops down to around 40ish and stable.
Creating a Conditioned Attic - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBDec 31, 2010 · Most duct seams leak; as a result, supply ducts lose conditioned air to the attic, while return ducts suck in attic air — air which is hot in summer and cold in winter — and bring it to the air handler. If access to the attic is through a hatch, servicing any HVAC equipment in the attic is awkward at best. The bottom line: running ducts ...
Air Leaks From Your Home To Your Attic Need To Be Sealed
WEBJul 3, 2014 · Attic air may contain contaminants, including mouse droppings, fiberglass, asbestos, and mold. If this contaminated air gets sucked into the living space, it can cause health problems for the occupants. Air from the living space below can carry water vapor into the attic, hitting a cold place in the attic and causing rot and mold growth.
Are Powered Attic Ventilators Ever a Good Idea?
WEBSep 9, 2021 · Powered attic ventilators can keep an attic cool, but they also can cause combustion safety problems and increase your cooling bills. [Photo by Energy Vanguard] It’s time to revisit one of my favorite topics: the powered attic ventilator. Ten years ago, I wrote an article titled “Don’t Let Your Attic Suck — Power Attic Ventilators Are a ...
How to Air-Seal an Attic: Introduction - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBNov 4, 2010 · Luckily, a leaky attic can often be the easiest and cheapest place to make energy-saving improvements. In this video series, remodeler Mike Guertin identifies common air leaks and shows you the best materials and methods for sealing them up right.
How to Air-Seal an Attic Access - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBJul 14, 2022 · Inspect the attic access carefully to find any air-leakage pathways that need to be sealed. For house plans, use the pen test. Make it easy for occupants to use, including returning it to the sealed position. Attics can be as cold as the outdoor air in winter and much hotter than outdoor air in summer.
A New Look at Conditioned Attics - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBMay 28, 2021 · The problem is attic ductwork. The main reason that anyone talks about conditioned attics is that some builders want to install ducts in the attic. Installing ducts in an attic is a bad idea, but many builders don’t know that. While locating ducts in an attic reduces installation costs for the builder, it increases energy costs for the homeowner.
All About Attic Venting - GreenBuildingAdvisor
WEBDec 6, 2013 · Here are the four most common reasons people suggest to explain the practice of venting attics: To reduce the chance of moisture build-up in the attic or condensation on the underside of the roof sheathing. To make roofing shingles last longer. To lower cooling bills during the summer. To reduce the chance of ice dams.