Attics without ventilation can reach 150 degrees during summers, which is 50 degrees higher than they should be. When overheated, these spaces can bake asphalt shingles on the roof, leading to deterioration. It also causes air conditioners to work harder than needed, sending energy bills soaring. These can be prevented quite easily, fortunately.

1. Cooling the Attic:
Insulating and
Venting It Out
Home Comfort Experts

2. Attics without ventilation can reach 150 degrees during summers, which is 50 degrees higher than they
should be. When overheated, these spaces can bake asphalt shingles on the roof, leading to
deterioration. It also causes air conditioners to work harder than needed, sending energy bills soaring.
These can be prevented quite easily, fortunately.
Install Insulation
Whether it is for cooling or heating, the installation of insulation is a must, as it prevents the
transference of cold and heat from the attic to the home's living spaces and vice versa. When
calculating the amount of insulation needed for an attic, it is vital to take into consideration the
insulation's R-value. After all, a higher R-value means better insulation effectiveness.
The R-value required is dependent on the region upon which a house is located. For instance, the
State of Indiana is divided into Zones 4 and 5, with cold and mixed-humid climates. These attics
require an R-value between R38 to R60.
Ventilation
When installing a ventilation system, it is vital to ensure that there is one square foot of venting area
for every 300 square feet of floor space to maintain moderate temperatures even during summers.

3. Installing attic fans or electric ventilators are a must to cool the attic, as these appliances remove hot
air from the space with the aid of thermostats that turn them on at recommended preset
temperatures of between 100 and 110 degrees. Installing passive vents, such as soffit, gable, and ridge
vents, are also a must as these create openings in the roof that enable hot air to escape.
According to Home Comfort Experts, having natural ventilation that relies on the wind and the
“chimney effect” is vital to keeping the house and attic cool. This way, the wind can move through
the house’s windows.
Cooling attics during summers requires a fair amount of consideration, especially when ventilation and
insulation are considered.

4. References:
https://www.homecomfortexpertsinc.com/
http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/how-to-cool-a-hot-attic
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/heat-cool-attic-home-73019.html
https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/10/f27/ba_climate_region_guide_7.3.pdf
https://energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation