Hiding in your attic: energy savings and storage
The same attic that stores your holiday decorations also is a spot for energy savings—but it can be problematic in maximizing your home’s energy efficiency.
The issue with attic storage is it typically doesn’t offer enough space for the recommended R-value of its insulation. (The R-value is a measurement of how well a material resists the flow of heat.) Often, plywood or boards are placed directly on top of the ceiling joists, which isn’t enough space for the insulation. Insulation also can get compacted by people moving items in or out, reducing the effective R-value.
If you do need your attic for storage, the best location is over an unconditioned area of your home, such as the garage. You don’t need insulation in attic spaces over a garage or unconditioned area because you are not heating or cooling the space below.
Other options
If that isn’t an option, consider minimizing the number of stored items or the storage area’s footprint. One way to do this is to build an attic storage platform or to buy one in a ready-to-install kit. Allow enough space underneath the platform to achieve the proper R-value. Use lumber to build a frame perpendicular to the existing joists and cover it with plywood or oriented strand board. Once your storage area is set up, add insulation inside the platform to bring the R-value up to the proper level.
Your attic might also have trusses that allow you to build shelves and maximize space by storing items vertically.
A safety note: Always wear a dust mask or respirator when working in the attic. And don’t forget to weather strip the attic hatch to ensure a tight seal.
R’S OF INSULATION
Attic insulation is one of the best, low-cost ways to make your home efficient. For attic insulation, thicker is better. The goal in Kentucky is a minimum grade of R-49, or about 16-18 inches of insulation. In most homes, the ceiling joists are buried in insulation to achieve the recommended R-value.
MIRANDA BOUTELLE writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
