How to: Climate Control for an Attic

Check the roofing material for signs of damage or deterioration. Inspect the roof itself for damaged or missing shingles, damaged wood in the eaves or soffits and problems with stucco or wood siding around the attic space itself. Ensure the windows and screens are in good shape, and that window frames have no gaps, damage or other problems.

Inspect the interior attic space for mold, damaged exposed wood, leaks in the roof or gaps in the floor. Tear up older carpet and repair any damage on the attic’s bare wood floors. Check exposed duct work and make sure ventilators, if present, are cleared of any objects that are blocking them.

Hire a professional home inspection service to look over your attic before you do any work on it. Discuss any problems you’ve already found with the inspector. An inspector knows what to look for in the construction and maintenance of attic spaces and can make valuable recommendations for new installation and repairs.

Install a 6-inch layer of R30-rated insulation (or greater) if you have exposed attic walls. If your home is in a northern region and the attic is well-insulated, the layer of snow on the roof will melt slowly as temperatures rise, and you will be able to avoid ice dams and dangerous icicles.

Install an attic fan or combination fan/vent to circulate the air within the attic and control the attic temperature. A general rule of thumb is to install a 1-square-foot ventilator for every 300 square feet of attic. An attic kept at a moderate temperature during the hot summer months can save on cooling bills for the rest of the house. An attic fan can be powered by electricity from the house or by solar panels set up on the roof; the savings on air conditioning alone can soon pay for the cost of the solar panels.