Your attic can get absolutely roasting during the summer months. All that heat coming directly from the sun is going straight in there. It makes it very difficult if you use your attic for something other than storage space. Maybe you have a little office up there. You might even use the attic for a bedroom. Nobody likes to feel like they’re living in a sauna. It’s unbearable.
The easiest way to stop this from happening is to keep it from warming up in the first place. You can’t block out the sun, but you can make some changes which will result in you being a lot more comfortable. You will now be able to work away without feeling like you’re stuck in the middle of an oven. There are plenty of things you can do, but let’s look at 4 common solutions.
Install a velux window
Most attics will usually have some little window. That will do the job most of the time, but sometimes it just isn’t large enough to let out any considerable amount of heat. If you install a velux window it takes this problem away. This is especially a good idea if you are using your attic as a livable room. You want to let as much natural light in as possible.
Throw in a ridge vent
If you use a ridge vent it automatically creates a hole in your roof. But this isn’t some hole that rain water can get in, at least not if they install it properly. It will just sit there and constantly allow the heat to escape without the need to open any windows. It’s simple to use, but you will need someone to put it in for you. It’s not a weekend job for the aspiring carpenter.
A cheap attic fan
A simple little attic fan will take all the hot air and push it out of the attic. It’s one of the easiest things you can have installed. You will need an electrician to do it, but it should take him practically no time at all. Choose this option if you’re after a quick and easy solution to reducing hot air.
Go solar powered
This is an option if you don’t mind spending a little more in advance. It has the same functionality as a simple electric fan, but it will be powered by the sun. During the day when the sun is out the fan will be working directly from the energy it receives, then at night it will run off a battery which has been charged throughout the day with the extra juice it’s been getting.
It’s up to you
What ever you do you’ll save yourself money in the long run. If your attic is boiling hot it will seep down into your house to heat up the colder rooms. It’s just going to make your air conditioning work much harder than it needs to. Look over these options and see what one you can afford. Maybe think about having it in place by next summer.
Hi, I am Jason, I’m an interior decorator by profession and also a freelance home improvement blogger. I have good knowledge about hardwood floor installation and other flooring materials that I share through my articles.
