Unless you are among the few throughout the Vegas Valley that has a finished attic, you probably avoid being in the attic during the hot summer months. The attic temperatures are multiplied and soar as the hot sun beats down on the roof and with no air conditioning vents pumping cool air into that space. Needless to say, the hot air trapped in that space only radiate through the ceiling. Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning would like to expound how the insulation in the attic impacts the HVAC system and the efficiency of the air conditioning in the hot months.

Heat Trapped in Attic

The air conditioning in your home is continually battling the heat that is produced on a daily basis. Sunlight surging through un-shaded windows, steam accumulating from oven and stove use, body heat, appliances in action, and of course, the biggest source of all, the heat trapped in the attic. Unless you intend on converting your unfinished attic into additional living space, investing in sealing and routing the HVAC system in the attic makes little sense.

Attic Humidity, Moisture & Mold Control

Additionally, the unventilated attics don’t only have the heat retention, but they are susceptible to trapping excess moisture in the form of natural humidity that has seeped in from the outdoors and the manmade humidity is produced from hot showers, boiling pots, and other such sources. As the humidity accumulates in the attic, it has nowhere to go, creating mold and mildew growth, which can be a major concern. Mold expedites the deterioration process, especially on porous materials such as wood and insulation. Not only does it cause property damage, but it also can be a health concern with long term exposure, and short term exposure to those with respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. Not to mention, as the mold spores develop, they have the potential to spread into other areas of the home.

Attic Insulation

The insulation in your attic is what contributes to the added protection of keeping the humidity out and retaining the cool air in the home. Without a tight seal between the living space and the attic and proper insulation, the energy efficiency drops, cool air is lost, and the HVAC system has to work harder than necessary causing more wear on the system. With proper insulation in your attic, you will see a noticeable difference in energy consumption, and increased performance with your cooling. Insulation is given a certain rating, or an assigned R-Value. The “R” represents the resistance to heat flow which is standard that measures how easily heat is transferred through the particular material. There are several types of materials used to manufacture insulation, Batt and Blanket Insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, Rockwool Insulation, Cotton Insulation, Loose Fill Insulation, Loose Fill Cellulose, Loose Fill Fiberglass, and Spray Foam Insulation.

Emergency Air Conditioning Repair in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson, Nevada

Depending on the region depends on the R-rating of insulation that is optimal in your attic and the different materials used for insulation purposes have specific ratings. Knowing which material is optimal depends on several factors. With a professional assistance, you can ensure your attic is properly insulated to conserve energy and optimize the cooling this summer. For additional help, contact Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning and we will help you get your home ready for the oncoming months of hot temperatures.