The Secret to Lower AC Bills? Better Attic Insulation

Energy bills are rising, and we’re all looking for ways to save money on AC this summer. If your bills are out of control, you might be thinking about installing a more energy efficient air conditioner, which can certainly help. 

But before you replace your AC, you should take a look at your attic insulation. 

Attic insulation is the key to a comfortable, energy efficient home. If you don’t have enough of it, your house will waste energy, and your energy bills will go up. 

At Total Home Performance, we’ve spent the past 16 years helping homeowners find the best solutions to save energy and keep their bills in check, and we often recommend an attic insulation upgrade.

Here’s why. 

How Attic Insulation Affects Your Energy Costs 

Your attic plays a major role in regulating the temperature inside your home, which impacts your energy costs. 

During the summer, the sun beats down on your roof. If you don’t have enough attic insulation, that heat will quickly make its way into your home, heating it up. Your air conditioner has to work harder as a result, increasing your energy costs. 

The same is true in winter, but in reverse. Heat from inside your house rises up toward the attic. If your attic isn’t well insulated, that heat will escape outside, sending your heating system into overdrive. 

Think of attic insulation as a barrier between the temperature outside your home and the temperature inside. It keeps heat out during the summer and holds it in during the winter, reducing the strain on your heating and AC systems and saving you money on your energy bills. 

The Importance of Air Sealing 

Attic insulation is only part of the solution to lowering your cooling costs. Air sealing is just as important. 

Air sealing closes up the tiny gaps and cracks that form when you build a house. You can usually find them around vents, plumbing penetrations, ducts, and anywhere two different building materials are joined together. 

These openings let air move freely into and out of your home. If your house has a lot of air leaks, your AC will leak right out in the summer while hot air rushes in. 

Sealing air leaks stops air from rushing into and out of your house, while insulation does the same for heat. It’s like a one-two punch that stops energy waste, makes your house more comfortable, and reduces your AC bills. 

Best Types of Attic Insulation to Reduce AC Bills 

There’s no singular best type of attic insulation. Some materials are great for unfinished attic floors, while others are better for insulating rim joists and attic ceilings. At Total Home Performance, we don’t just install one type of insulation. We evaluate your attic and select the best fit for your specific project. 

Some of the attic insulation materials we may recommend include: 

Fiberglass Attic Insulation 

Blown-in fiberglass insulation can fully cover your attic floor and fill irregular spaces. It’s one of the most popular and affordable options for attic insulation. 

Cellulose Attic Insulation 

Blown-in cellulose insulation is a great option for many attics that can be blown in to cover large amounts of open space. It’s also a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. 

Spray Foam Insulation Attic Insulation 

Spray foam insulation is great for attic walls and band joists. It expands to fill the space its applied to, blocking not only heat but air and moisture as well. 

Signs You Need Better Attic Insulation 

Not sure whether your attic insulation is the problem? There are a few signs to look out for. 

• High AC bills - High energy bills are often a sign you need better attic insulation, but it’s not the only one. 
• Hot upstairs - If your second floor is always hot, even with the AC blasting, you probably need better attic insulation. 
• Temperature differences - Drastic temperature differences between rooms and floors can be a sign that your attic insulation is failing. 
• Indoor allergies - A poorly sealed attic lets pollen and other allergens into your home, hurting your indoor air quality and making you feel sick at home. 

If your energy bills are rising and you’re not sure what to do about it, it’s worth checking out your attic insulation. 

Total Home Performance is the local expert on the Eastern Shore and throughout the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County areas. We look at everything, from your attic to your air conditioner, to find out exactly what’s causing your AC bills to rise. Then, we solve the problem at its source. Plus, we can help you claim huge tax incentives and rebates to lower your upgrade costs. 

Lower your AC bills with better attic insulation! Call 410-822-1390 or contact us for a free estimate.