ENERGY STAR®’s Rule Your Attic campaign offers valuable insights into improving your home’s energy efficiency while saving money and providing comfort. At The Home Depot, we’re committed to helping you achieve these goals.
Why the Attic Matters
Your attic plays a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. A poorly insulated or ventilated attic can lead to significant heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, increasing your energy bills and impacting your comfort.
According to the energy experts at ENERGY STAR, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. This means that 90% of homeowners could be saving money and energy. Sealing and insulating your home is a simple and cost-effective way to save money, improve your comfort and reduce your carbon footprint. And one of the best spots to start is in the attic. Thankfully, it’s easy to check insulation levels and determine if your home is one of those that could use some help.
Insulation and R-Values
Insulation ratings are measured in R-values per inch of thickness. An R-value tells you how well a type of insulation can keep heat from leaving or entering your home. Insulation R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the insulation material. Typically, a higher insulation R-value means better home climate control and energy efficiency. A higher insulation R-value usually means a higher price point as well. R-values can be a helpful tool for comparing insulation products. For every type and material of insulation, manufacturers list the R-value per inch of thickness.
Your home doesn’t necessarily need the highest R-value insulation. The R-value your insulation needs depends on your local climate. Once you know the recommended R-value for your home, and you’ve measured your insulation, a little bit of math will reveal any gap. If you need to add insulation, the next step will be determining what type and how much insulation you need. To learn more about types of insulation and guidelines for various regions, read our Insulation Buying Guide.
The Benefits of Insulation
- Reduce your energy bill by up to 20%. Heating and cooling typically account for half of household energy costs. Attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. If your home is under-insulated, that means your seasonal energy costs could be up to 20% higher than they should be.
- Improve your HVAC unit’s performance and longevity. Insulation is part of a whole-house energy efficiency solution. A well-insulated home keeps your HVAC unit from running constantly and straining to keep your house cool or heated. Along with HVAC maintenance and tune-ups, properly installed insulation helps preserve the longevity of your HVAC unit.
Product Feature: Greenfiber
Greenfiber is a leading manufacturer of cellulose insulation, providing energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions for homeowners. Their latest product, Sanctuary 25 lbs. Cellulose Blown-In Insulation or Spray Applied Insulation, is designed with sustainability in mind and Energy Star-certified. Made from living trees, it is the only major insulation product that is proven to reduce global warming potential. Along with its global impact, Sanctuary is engineered to provide superior sound absorption and cut heating and cooling costs down by 25%, making homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Sanctuary is easy to install, is safe for indoor air quality and contributes to a healthier living environment.
Additional Ways to Rule Your Attic
Seal Air Leaks
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- Inspect for Gaps: Look for gaps or cracks around the attic hatch, pipes, chimneys and vents.
- Seal with Caulk or Foam: Use appropriate sealants to close these openings. The product Great Stuff is a spray foam sealant that seals gaps and cracks that is long lasting, airtight and weather-resistant.
- Consider Attic Air Sealing Kits: These kits provide a comprehensive solution for sealing air leaks.
Improve Ventilation
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- Ventilation Requirements: Follow local building codes and ventilation guidelines.
- Types of Vents: Choose between passive vents (like gable vents or ridge vents) or active vents (like attic fans).
- Balanced Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
Consider Additional Measures
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- Solar Attic Fans: Reduce heat gain by exhausting hot air during the day. This 20-Watt Solar Powered Attic Fan from the brand Remington Solar is a great option.
- Roof Coatings: Reflective roof coatings can help reduce heat absorption.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Install LED bulbs in your attic for energy-saving lighting. Check out the EcoSmart 4-Pack 60-Watt Dimmable ENERGY STAR LED Bulbs on your next visit to The Home Depot.
The Home Depot Can Help
The Home Depot offers a wide range of products and services to help you implement the Rule Your Attic recommendations. Our knowledgeable associates can provide guidance on insulation materials, ventilation equipment and other essential components.
Check out our Eco Actions project library for more ideas on how to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
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