Attic Cooler Than House

Regardless of what the insulation level is there will be some level of energy transfer from the warmer attic to the cooler house.

Attic cooler than house.

In many houses it is impractical to increase the insulation in the attic. Insulation can only slow and not stop the energy transfer. In this case the most reflective roofing material ivory ir selective metal tile is 23 4 f cooler than attic covered with dark shingles. 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.

In contrast whole house fansare most effective in the cooler temperatures of the evening and early morning. Proper attic ventilation has year round benefits. But other factors impact this sort of thing too. Which way does your house face.

The result is a cooler attic space with plenty of air exchange. In summer the ideal is to have lots of air movement so the attic is as cool as possible. Maybe but not always. The ideal temperature outside is at least 5 degrees fahrenheit below the desired indoor temperature.

Attic fans perform this ventilation by pushing hot air out into the environment while also pulling fresh cool air into the attic. The third graph shows attic temperatures from the middle of the attic for several different types of roofing as well as a sealed attic.