Attic Temperature In Winter
There are four elements that appear to be involved.
Attic temperature in winter. When i insulate an attic i aim for an r value of at least 60. That will help keep my house nice and warm in the winter but cool during the summer. Ideal attic temperature and humidity settings cold outdoor temperatures affect attics. If it s 90 degrees outside the attic temperatures shouldn t exceed 110 according to home inspector jamison brown of amerispec home inspection services in poquoson.
The ceiling is not well enough sealed. Low drying capacity not the same as high relative. To head off these problems consider these options for bringing your attic s temperature down. Hot summer weather poses the opposite problem for maintaining recommended attic temperatures.
They have thermostats that turn the fan. A good sign is when you open your attic in the winter and you don t see any frost on the nails poking through. Whether it s 110 f or 130 f there s not much difference in the amount of heat flowing from the attic to the living space below. However more often than not.
Too much moisture leaks into the attic for the cold climate to handle. On most mid winter days the attic daily high temperatures are 70f or less. Just like you d use heavy drapes to block the cold in your living room it s necessary to cover areas where leaks promote temperature shifts. After all your attic is at the peak of your house and receives the brunt of the wind s frigid force.
Quelch the heat wave. Alternatively install passive vents such as gable soffit and ridge vents which. Your attic temperature should be at or near the outside air temperature if it is well ventilated and does not leak warm air into the attic from below. Warner is right that the attic should be close to the outside temp.
Install electric ventilators and attic fans which remove hot air from an attic. Cold outdoor temperatures especially below freezing can wear on your furnace. The winter air in these regions have too low a drying capacity. This can be particularly chilling in the winter.
Just make sure the ceiling is airtight and fully insulated and the temperature in the attic doesn t matter much.