What Is a Smart Attic?

Temperature

• A smart attic's ducts and air conditioning equipment are placed inside the home's thermal envelope, or what's known as the "conditioned" space. The smart attic's temperatures generally are within a few degrees of the conditioned living space. Conversely, the temperature in a typical attic assembly can soar to nearly double the temperature of the home's conditioned interior space.

Air Flow

• Infiltration of cold or hot air via drafts in an attic's walls and ceiling causes heating or cooling systems to work harder to maintain a desired temperature. In a smart attic, sprayed polyurethane foam adheres to the attic walls and roof rafters to create an insulating barrier that stops air leakage. As a result, duct energy losses decline and equipment operates more efficiently.

Costs

• Foam is the most expensive insulator, but sealing attic roof rafters and walls with foam insulation can offset other costs. Savings on utility bills, for example, can be substantial. Size requirements for heating and air conditioning equipment also may be reduced. Items stored in the conditioned space of a smart attic do not bake as they do in a typical attic. The extra storage space that a smart attic allows is a convenience and an asset in the home's resale.

Building Technology

• The notion that "they just don't build 'em the way they used to" is true. Homes built in the 21st century represent huge advances in many areas, but none come close to the strides made in energy efficiency. Smart attics are an example of new products and technologies that raise the bar of energy efficiency and represent new schools of thought in design practices and construction techniques.