4 Ways to Cool a Hot Attic

Hot air coming from your attic? Wondering how to lower the temperature? Attics are often one of the hottest places in your home—they can reach 150° F on a hot summer day, which can wreak havoc on the efficiency of your cooling system, waste energy, and increase cooling bills by up to 40 percent!

The good news is that there are ways to lower the temperature in your attic. Here are four ideas to improve the comfort of your home by cooling your attic:

1. Open the Windows at Night

A popular strategy in southern states, this technique is sometimes called “Texas Cool.” 

Using the Texas Cool routine means opening the attic windows after sunset, and closing them again early in the morning before the sun has fully risen. This can be a simple and effective way to avoid an excessively hot attic.

2. Create Better Attic Ventilation

One of the best ways to keep your home cool is through good ventilation. A QuietCool Whole House fan is a terrific solution because it is super efficient, cooling your entire home with 90% less energy than traditional cooling systems, and quiet, so you don’t have to deal with irritating mechanical noise.

You might be wondering, how do whole house fans work, and do they really cool down your house despite how little energy they require? The answer is a resounding yes!

The QuietCool Whole House fan system quietly draws fresh air into all areas of the house and releases the hot air out through vents in your attic. This creates a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy!

3. Block Out Sunlight

You already know your attic heats up so dramatically because of the sun’s heat, but you might not realize that light from the sun can also make a significant impact. 

Covering windows to keep out the light during the day can lower the temperature of a hot attic, particularly if you have west-facing windows that receive afternoon sun. Opaque shades are available at any price point, and exterior alternatives include installing awnings or planting tall trees for shade.

4. Boost or Replace Your Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is key to maintaining the temperature of your whole home, even during the summer! Contrary to popular belief, insulation isn’t just for colder climates—the right insulation keeps cool, conditioned air in during the warmer months while also keeping cold air out during the cooler seasons. 

There are a lot of potential indicators that your insulation levels might not be sufficient: uncomfortable or uneven indoor temperatures, rising energy bills, drafty rooms, signs of pest infestation, and more could all be clues that your attic’s insulation is past its prime. 

Not noticing any of these signs but still struggling to keep your attic’s temperature down? It could be that your existing insulation is in good condition, but is insufficient. The insulation experts at Greencat can assess your attic insulation levels and help you determine if you’d benefit from upgrading your attic insulation.

Consult the experts at Greencat to discuss all your attic cooling options. Call 323-208-9071 or contact us to improve your home’s comfort today.