How Hot Is Your Attic Supposed To Be

The revers is true in the winter.

How hot is your attic supposed to be. In the cold winter months the attic s ideal temp should be about par with the ouside temp while in the hot summer months the ideal temp inside the attic should only gain perhaps 15 20 degrees above the outside temp. Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape. For perspective radiant floor heating is usually set to a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees f to keep a room toasty warm during the winter. An overheated attic can bake asphalt shingles on the roof and cause them to deteriorate.

An unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees in the heat of summer 50 degrees higher than it should be. The attic is a huge determinant in keeping your entire home cool so the first place to start cooling your home should be the attic. Take its temperature. With poor insulation your ceiling might be 40 50 degrees f.

What should the attic temperature be relative to the outside and house temperatures assuming a new supposedly well insulated house. A check the temperature an hour before sunrise. Hang an outdoor thermometer in your attic making sure its range. Within the attic insulation is a must.

The truth is your attic plays a major role in your home s overall energy performance and can significantly impact how much it costs to keep your living space comfortable. That means it s 5 percent of your total electric bill. The attic is cold. And it can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to and send your energy bills soaring with the temperature.

If your attic is too cold in the winter too hot in the summer or both it s time for some necessary home energy improvements. Excessive heat deteriorates items you store in the attic and can cause moisture problems in your house.