Attic Cooler Than House

Insulation can only slow and not stop the energy transfer.

Attic cooler than house.

The third graph shows attic temperatures from the middle of the attic for several different types of roofing as well as a sealed attic. If you ve got an older home or poorly installed insulation there s a good chance upping your r value and air sealing in the attic will make your upstairs cooler and more comfortable in summer. Attic fans perform this ventilation by pushing hot air out into the environment while also pulling fresh cool air into the attic. The ideal temperature outside is at least 5 degrees fahrenheit below the desired indoor temperature.

The obvious benefit of increased ventilation in the warmer months is a lower attic temperature which can decrease cooling costs in the home. So everything else being equal any house would benefit from a cooler attic. Regardless of what the insulation level is there will be some level of energy transfer from the warmer attic to the cooler house. Proper attic ventilation has year round benefits.

In summer the ideal is to have lots of air movement so the attic is as cool as possible. Which way does your house face. Maybe but not always. In contrast whole house fansare most effective in the cooler temperatures of the evening and early morning.

Attic fansare most effectiveduring the hottest part of the day and they are usually controlled by a timer thermostat 2 or humidistat. In this case the most reflective roofing material ivory ir selective metal tile is 23 4 f cooler than attic covered with dark shingles.