Insulated Attic Now Downstairs Is Colder

Since attics are often under insulated poorly sealed and poorly ventilated the temperature environment can be drastically different in an attic than in the rest of the home.

Insulated attic now downstairs is colder.

Attic insulation is put into the home when it is built but over the years it settles or was never enough insulation in the beginning. This can help even out temperatures throughout the home. The insulation institute says a home in northern areas needs 16 18 which equals r49. This is due to faster heat loss caused by cold air in the attic and by ductwork that is too undersized to offset that extra heat loss.

When you turn it on the fan will continually circulate air throughout the home. As an energy auditor one of the most common complaints we come across is a room or area of the house that gets too hot too cold or both. Department of energy doe the average unimproved attic has just r 19 insulation the insulation value of a five and a half inch thick fiberglass batt. This turns on the fan whenever the heating or cooling system is on but for the rest of the time it is off.

According to the u s. Turn fan on usually the fan setting is set to auto. That may be the problem. The doe recommends r 49 or better for good energy efficiency and interior comfort in northern states.

For others the basement turns into an icebox during the winter months. Inadequate insulation in the attic. This can be in any home. Go up to your attic and measure.

This is most notable in the case of attics.