July 2006

Insulate Your Attic to Save Energy

Increase your home's efficiency with attic insulation. Adding insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce your home's energy usage.

 

Loose-fill insulation is typically the best choice for hard to reach areas and crevices. Choose from cellulose and fiberglass loose-fill insulation, both made of recycled materials. Fiberglass consists of 20 to 30 percent recycled material, and cellulose is made from waste paper and added chemicals that promote fire and insect resistance.

 

For safe and proper installation, call a professional insulation contractor. Contractors have special equipment necessary for installing insulation.

 

Research your county and state building codes to find out the minimum amount of insulation required. Most parts of Georgia require R-30 attic insulation. R-values measure insulation's resistance to heat flow.

 

Check the insulation manufacturer's chart for the proper amount needed for your attic's square footage. To check after installation, count the number of bags used by the professional, not the thickness of the insulation.

 

Then, compare the number of bags used with the manufacturer's recommended quantity. The contractor should also leave a card in your attic with details of the R-values installed.

Prevent leaks for added comfort

Cold air can leak inside your home's living space in the winter through small cracks and crevices. Warm air also leaks in the summer. To prevent leakage, use expandable foam or caulk to fill in the trim work around attic fans and access doors.

 

Add an insulated cover over your attic's stairway and attic fan to reduce air leakage. Be sure to remove the cover before turning on the attic fan.

Proper ventilation is important

 

Proper ventilation keeps excess moisture out of the attic in the winter.   And in the summer, it reduces the attic temperature. Undesirable moisture creates potential structural problems like wood decay, peeling paint and wet insulation.

 

Passive vents, including continuous soffit and ridge, typically cost nothing to run after installation. Passive vents let air in at the lowest levels and out at the highest.

 

Learn more about saving energy in Walton EMC Natural Gas's Energy Conservation Center.

 

<Back>