Q. What Can I Do To Save Energy In My Home?

A. THE ROOF and ATTIC

Your attic may be accumulating the very thing your spending money on the beat; namely heat! The principal source of  summertime attic heat is direct sunlight on the roof of the home. As anyone who has worn a black T-shirt on a summer day can attest to, black absorbs heat. Sooo…when you need to replace your roof, go for a lighter color.

FYI, white absorbs the least amount of heat; however, although white is an option, I haven't seen too many homes with white roofs. Furthermore, I don't suggest you “sport” the first white roof on the block. Roofs should be “invisible” from a curb appeal strategy. A home with a white roof is kind of like that old guy who shows up at the party in Bermuda shorts, white socks, and white patent shoes; very noticeable and very conspicuous. Ask your roofer what color, 25 year, laminated, composition shingle is their most popular and stick with that!

INSULATION

Adequate insulation in your attic creates a barrier to help reduce the transmission of heat from the attic space to the attic floor (or the ceiling of the room below) and consequently to the room below.

VENTILATION

Attic fans and turbines helps regulate the temperature in your attic by exhausting excessive heat directly to the outside of the home. Turbines are passive, make no noise, and cost nothing to operate. I like them better than thermostatically controlled electric fans.

Ridge vents help provide air circulation in the attic and allows for excessive attic heat to escape through the top of the roof. Soffit vents, usually found along the bottom perimeter of the attic space, work well in conjunction with ridge vents to promote the circulation of attic air. Make sure, however, that your soffits are clean and free from obstructions like bird and squirrel nests.

Any of the above, or combination thereof, should certainly provide some relief for your home and pocketbook as you endure the summer heat. As always, I’m ready to help you with any questions you might have regarding roofs, ventilation, and attics; as well as, referring knowledgeable and competent vendors who can help you with the same.

Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers!

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