Your home’s attic can become increasingly heated during the summer months. To understand how to keep your attic cool, you must consider insulating or air-sealing any holes or gaps in your space. This helps prevent air from entering or leaving the attic, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout.
Needless to say, staying in the attic during extreme temperatures can be treacherous and hamper your home's structure. Using an eco-friendly, portable solar generator like the Jackery Solar Generator can solve your query on how to keep your attic cool in summer. It can charge your air conditioning system, coolers, and humidifiers, among other appliances.
Key Takeaways
Understanding how to keep your attic cool requires you to learn about different factors affecting its temperature. In this comprehensive guide, you can find out about:
- Limited or poor ventilation, roof damage, and poor insulation might make your attic drastically hot in the summer.
- The consequences of your attic getting overheated in the summer include the impact on energy efficiency, damage to stored goods, and other health hazards.
- Different ways to keep your attic cool include air sealing, insulation, ventilation, installation of attic fans, reflective roofs, and ductwork.
- The costs of cooling your attic using different appliances, such as air conditioning systems, portable ACs, ceiling fans, and solar-powered generators.
- You can make your attic cool the rest of your home with cooling appliances.
Why Is My Attic So Hot?
Hot air rises, following the principle of convection. In the summer season, heat emitted from the appliances in your space travels upwards, making the attic hotter than usual. This follows the principle of convection.
Additionally, your attic receives heat directly from the sun. This exterior form of heating can cause a drastic rise in the temperature inside your attic. You need to identify why your attic gets so hot to find solutions to make it naturally cooler, even during the summer months.
Limited Or Poor Attic Ventilation
Check to see if your attic has vents. These are crucial in maintaining airflow in your space. If you have vents that are clogged by dust or debris or are damaged, they can trap air in the attic, leading to overheating.
The vents have screens that can be replaced if they are damaged. If you live in an old house, you can seek professional help to determine whether your attic needs more vents or the current ones are in the wrong place. This is another reason why the airflow might be blocked.
Damages To The Roof
It is essential to check your attic’s roofing to determine what is causing your space to overheat. Mold buildup or cracks and leaks in the roof can trap air, producing more heat.
Leaks often lead to water contamination and mold buildup in homes. Once that happens, respiratory issues are not too far away. If you spot any in your attic, it is imperative to have cracks and holes sealed.
Poor Insulation In The Attic
Good insulation ensures that cool air can circulate in your attic in the summer season. If your attic lacks insulation or is damaged due to external factors (rain or wildlife attack), it can quickly become overheated. Poor insulation can make an attic hot, making it unbearable to live in. Moreover, the humidity can cause mildew to grow.
Existence Of Wildlife In Your Attic
It is common to find birds nesting or spiders making their homes in your attic. Wildlife breaking through the attic is a considerable factor in ruining the space’s insulation and ventilation. In this case, you should seek professional help to remove them immediately.
Consequences Of A Hot Attic
Even if you don’t spend too much time in your attic, it is crucial to maintain consistent airflow and a cool temperature in this space. On the flip side, overheated attics can cause several issues, not just for your health but also for your commodities and home.
Impact On Energy Efficiency
If your attic is hotter than usual, power up your appliances, such as your air conditioning systems and humidifiers. This will increase your energy consumption, leading to a hefty bill by the end of the month.
In addition to your appliances running for longer periods, a hot attic can wear them out. This further leads to additional expenditure on fixing damages or replacing the appliances. Fixing your attic’s ventilation and insulation can ensure the longevity of your cooling devices without burning a hole in your pocket.
Damage To Stored Goods
An attic can be a space to spend some time away from the ordinary structure of a house. More often than not, it is used as a storage space for old items and extra goods. These can include old childhood albums, clothing, furniture, seasonal appliances, and important documents that you may not require daily.
Due to the rise in temperature during summer, an overheated attic can potentially damage your electronics. It can attract insects and bugs, causing an infestation of clothes and seasonal items.
Health Hazards
If you spend much time living in your overheated attic, you might be at risk of potential health hazards. For example, you might be exposed to chemical off-gassing caused by the release of certain toxins in a poorly ventilated attic.
You might also be exposed to skin irritants that cause rashes or inflammation. In extreme cases, certain carcinogens can be released as a result of poor insulation or insulting products containing carcinogenic material, exposing you and your family members to the risk of cancer.
How To Keep Your Attic Cool In Summers
Now that you have identified the issues in your attic space, you can explore different ways to keep it cool in the summer. Install a thermostat to compare the temperature inside and outside. Ideally, your attic should have a 10-20-degree difference from the temperature outside to ensure optimum cooling.
Air Sealing
Your attic might have holes or cracks that should be sealed to keep it cool. Attic sealing includes plugging the gaps in your space and preventing hot air from entering inside. This further helps with:
- Maintaining a consistent temperature in the summer months by keeping cool air trapped in your attic space for longer.
- Preventing dust, debris, and wildlife from entering your attic, further rescuing you from allergies, infections, and infestations.
- Lowering your monthly electrical consumption by limiting the usage of your cooling appliances.
You can take on this work yourself or hire a professional to seal the gaps in your attic.
Attic Insulation
Every second home in the US uses a cooling system during the summer months. If you also use a cooling appliance for your attic that isn’t properly insulated, most of the air is blowing out in the open. Hence, it is important to have a good insulation system that acts as a barrier between your attic’s interiors and exteriors.
To insulate your attic in the right manner, you can opt for the following methods:
Method 1: Fiberglass Batt
For thermal retention in the attic, you can install fiberglass batt sheets that offer maximum energy savings for your space. These sheets are highly recommended by interior designers and other professionals. They also help in limiting dust and noise from the outside.
Method 2: Blown-in Fiberglass
This is a relatively low-cost method of keeping your attic cool in summer. Fiberglass can be blown into gaps and holes in your attic to cover them up and ensure consistent insulation. Usually, professionals use their loose fill form to cover the area around pipes and wires.
Method 3: Blown-in Cellulose
You can try cellulose if you are looking for an affordable alternative to insulate your attic. This is made of shredded paper to cover small cracks and crevices. However, this method of insulation might cause mold and mildew buildup due to extreme moisture.
Method 4: Spray Foam
Professionals have used spray foam insulation for years to insulate attics and other home spaces. It is moisture-resistant and tough in structure, making it one of the best methods for ensuring an attic. The only downside of spray foam insulation is its price point, which can be steep for some homeowners.
Attic Ventilation
According to a 2022 study conducted by the National Center for Healthy Housing, over 90% of homes in the US lack mechanical ventilation systems. Your home might just be one of them. You might also have vents installed in your attic, but they may be in the wrong direction, which might be blocking airflow.
When installing or repairing vents, look for the following vent types for your attic:
Ridge Vents
You can install a ridge vent at the top of your roof. This type of vent is barely visible from the inside and offers a natural method of quickly escaping hot air from your attic. It also blocks external materials like dirt, debris, or insects from entering your space.
Static Vents
This is the most common type of vent, and you can install it depending on the location of your attic. Static vents are usually affordable and have no movable parts. Make sure to contact a professional to install them, as the wrong location or unfortunate damages can cause leaks.
Gable Vents
This type of vent includes two vents, each placed on opposite sides of your attic. Gable vents ensure hot air flows from inside and cool air leaves outside. Both work together to maintain good airflow in your attic space.
Attic Fans
You can install attic fans to push out hot air. These are great for lowering the energy consumption of your air conditioning systems. The air from the fans enables good circulation and maintains consistent cooling in your space.
You can opt for the below-mentioned types of attic fans:
Roof Fans
Installed at the top of your roof, these fans are a highly reliable option for good ventilation in your attic. They can also easily withstand harsh weather conditions.
Window Fans
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of heavy installations, opt for window fans for your attic. These work great with air-sealed attics by increasing the airflow in the space.
Gable Fans
In addition to having Gable vents in your attic, Gable fans can help to increase the airflow. They can quickly push out the hot air from inside and maintain a cooler temperature.
Reflective Insulation
Since the sun directly overheats your attic in summer, it is important to block this source to maintain a cooler temperature. You can use reflective insulation to block the sun’s rays.
- The radiated heat from the sun falls on your attic, making the walls, roof, and commodities hotter.
- Through reflective insulation, you can obstruct the attic and the radiated heat. It limits the transfer of heat, keeping the cold air inside longer.
Ductwork
Properly constructed ductwork channels ensure consistent home airflow and lower energy consumption. For your attic, ductwork can especially prevent cool air from escaping.
While installing ducts for your attic, keep in mind the following points:
- Prevent placing them near your roof. Since the roof is exposed to the sun, the ducts can get overheated and warm your attic. In extreme weather conditions, they can also get damaged.
To ensure maximum cooling, install ducts at the bottom of your attic close to the floor.
Costs Of Powering Attic With Cooling Equipment
In addition to the various insulation and ventilation methods suggested earlier, you can use cooling appliances to make your attic cool in the summer.
Use an Air Conditioning System
This is a great way to keep your attic cool in summer. Air conditioning systems or ACs do not need additional installation or ductwork for an attic. This helps you save resources and not waste extra time and energy modifying your space.
Like its pros, installing an AC in your attic also has its set of cons.
- Summer months can impact ACs, causing them to overheat since they’re in the attic. This can damage the AC compressor, lowering its efficiency.
- If you have a poorly ventilated attic, installing an AC there might cause you to incur some additional costs.
- ACs release condensed air, which is a breeding ground for mold buildup. Due to moisture, this is quite common in attic spaces.
Get a Portable AC
Getting a portable AC or cooler is a good idea if you want to cut down on your expenses in the summer. They are usually portable and energy-efficient, helping you lower your consumption by a mile.
The installation process is simple and does not take up too much space in an attic.
Install Ceiling Fans
ACs of any form or shape are expensive to use during summer. You can install ceiling fans to maintain airflow and consistent cooling in your attic. They do not consume too much energy and are a great alternative to save on your electricity bills.
You can choose between a gable or a roof fan for your attic. The only difference between the two is the location in which they are installed. A thermostat powers a gable fan, whereas a roof fan can be operated manually.
Using these appliances will also significantly increase your energy consumption. Let's take an example to understand how much energy is consumed every day.
For instance, you are using a 3500W AC unit for 5 hours, which means your daily consumption is 17.5kWh. If you consider the national average rate in the US of 16.88 cents per kWh, your cost of consumption for one day is $2.8. Your monthly consumption would, therefore, be $84.
|
Cooling Equipment |
Electricity Usage (kWh) |
Costs (monthly) |
|
AC System |
17.5kWh |
$84 |
|
Portable AC |
7.5kWh |
$36 |
|
Ceiling Fan |
0.375kWh |
$1.80 |
If you want to reduce the expenses associated with powering cooling appliances, you can opt for a solar-powered generator. Jackery Solar Generators use green and clean energy and can charge your cooling appliances through solar power.
Equipped with an intelligent BMS system, these generators provide 12 layers of protection for your devices. These cooling systems also provide 9 temperatures with a 30% dissipation energy rate. Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for hot and cold climates, operating between 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C).
Jackery Solar Generators Explained
One simple and effective way to cool the attic space is to use a solar-powered generator to charge cooling equipment, such as portable ACs or fans. The Jackery Solar Generators are powerful solar-powered generators that can supply steady electricity to 99% of your cooling appliances for long hours.
Solar generators are portable, so you can easily move them around the house to charge other household appliances, such as refrigerators. You can easily charge the Jackery Portable Power Stations with the help of wall outlets, car chargers, and even Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. Based on the wattage consumption of the cooling equipment, you can choose the solar generator of the right size.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a large-capacity generator that can charge 99% of household appliances, including portable fans and heavy-duty air conditioners. It can even be carried from one place to another with the help of a pull rod, double wheels, and a foldable handle. The generator can also be connected to the home's electrical system so you can charge the essential appliances during an unexpected power outage.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (1500W) = 1.7H
- Attic Fan (50W) = 51.4H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 6.4H
- Lights (20W) = 128.5H
- Dehumidifier (150W) = 17.1H
Customer Review
“This generator is a game changer. The battery lasts for hours. Solar panels work great and can be used anywhere.” — Kenny Barrett.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable charging solution that can charge 99% of cooling equipment to keep the attic cool in summer. The solar-powered generator can even charge heavy-duty ACs so you can keep the entire home cool in summer. If you want more power, the battery capacity of the solar generator can be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (1500W) = 1.1H
- Attic Fan (50W) = 34.7H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 4.3H
- Lights (20W) = 86.8H
- Dehumidifier (150W) = 11.5H
Customer Review“I went off-grid with it, and we love it. We live in a camper and power up everything for at least 2 days without charging but using everything, so I'm very happy that we got it.” — Marcin Powichrowski.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) has a large battery that can be used during long-term power outages or when living off-grid. It can also charge 99% of indoor or outdoor appliances, such as air conditioners, fans, lights, refrigerators, etc. The double wheels and foldable handle ensure you can move the generator anywhere. When you are charging the cooling appliances, the solar generator can be used to charge TVs, refrigerators, laptops, microwaves, and more.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (1500W) = 2.3H
- Attic Fan (50W) = 69.4H
- Refrigerator (400W) = 8.6H
- Lights (20W) = 173.6H
- Dehumidifier (150W) = 23.1H
Customer Review
“This will take care of my family during power outages. It's portable enough that we can take it with us if we move or buy an RV or cabin. All charged and ready. I like that it's expandable. Thank you, Jackery!” — Dennis Johnson.
Will My Attic Cool My House?
Yes, your attic can cool your house if it is well-insulated and ventilated. When the sun’s radiated heat is properly circulated in the attic, the overall temperature remains cool and consistent. Fresh air from outside enters through ventilation, keeping the overall living area cool. The cooling appliances you use further help keep your attic and house cooler. Since you will use them for a limited time, you can also drastically reduce your energy consumption.
FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my attic?
To understand what size generator is required for attic cooling appliances, you need to be mindful of the size of your attic. If you have a small space, you can purchase a small solar generator. For larger spaces, bigger solar-powered devices and generators are advisable.
Let’s say you are using the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro to power up a portable AC for your attic, drawing 500W of electricity per hour. The running time of the solar generator can be calculated using the following formula:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2160Wh × 0.85 ÷ 500W = 3.6H.
Note: We have multiplied the battery capacity by 0.85 because changing appliances will cause some power loss.
How can I cool my attic cheaply?
If you’re looking for cheaper cooling options for your attic, you can install a ceiling fan. These consume less energy than full air conditioning systems and can ensure proper air circulation in your attic. You can also get a solar-powered generator like the Jackery Solar Generator to charge your cooling appliances and reduce the overall utility bills.
How hot is an attic on a 100-degree day?
On a 100°F (37.7°C) day, the radiated heat from the sun can warm up your attic to 170°F (76.6°C) or more. This is unbearable to live in and can cause health hazards. It can also cause damage to the goods in your attic space.
What happens if your attic gets too hot?
If your attic gets too hot in the summer, it can overheat the cooling appliances in your space, leading to lowered efficiency. Moreover, it can damage any goods in the attic, such as old electronics, and cause bug infestations on old clothes and fabric. Spending hours in an overheated attic can expose you to skin irritants and carcinogens released from appliances.
Will a box fan in the attic help cool the house?
A box fan is a small device that can ensure good airflow in a small space. Using it in the attic will limit the airflow and circulation and not spread further in the house. You need to install a better or separate cooling system to ensure your whole house remains cooler in summer.
Final Thoughts
You need a respite from the hot and humid climate by ensuring that your cooling systems work properly at home. Understanding how to keep your attic cool through insulation, ventilation, and the installation of additional cooling devices is a great way to remain comfortable in these months.
If you want to reduce your electricity bills because cooling appliances consume a lot of energy, you may consider investing in a solar-powered generator like the Jackery Solar Generator. It can charge most essential cooling appliances, such as ACs and fans.
Remember to inspect your attic occasionally for possible cracks, gaps, or damage to your vents. Always seek professional help to maintain the functioning of your attic space and keep it comfortable and cool.
What precautions do you take to keep the attic cool in summer? Let us know in the comments below. If you need any suggestions regarding the choice of solar generator for charging the cooling appliances, do let us know!
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