The roof of your home can be a weak link when it comes to energy efficiency and whole-home comfort. That’s where a radiant barrier comes into the picture. The Basics About Radiant Barriers Not every home benefits, so the more you know about radiant barriers and how they work, the better you’ll be able to […]
Home energy efficiency largely depends on the quality of critical home systems: roof, attic, HVAC, and the home’s envelope. Any issues in one of these systems have a notable effect on home comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. HVAC ducts are an integral part of the home’s HVAC system. However, because most ducts are […]
Take a peek into the average Bay Area attic, and you’re likely to see a big, empty space laden with cobwebs, dust, and some stored odds and ends. However, contrary to how it might appear, your house’s attic is essential to whole-home comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. While homes with a flat roof don’t […]
There are several red flags indicating issues in the attic. Some of the most well-known are unusual rises in heating/cooling costs or excessive cycling of the HVAC system. Condensation in the attic is another sign that something is out of balance and needs to be repaired or replaced. Attic Condensation Is A Major Red Flag […]
Attic baffles are one part of an attic ventilation system. They’re used in combination with exterior soffit vents to ensure air flows freely between the insulation and the vents. This reduces the build-up of moisture and combination that negatively impacts whole-home comfort and energy efficiency. Attic Baffles Improve Air Flow & Energy Efficiency Also called […]
As the weather turns colder, you may notice some scratching sounds coming from the attic. Or, you may become aware of an unpleasant, urine-tinged smell in certain areas inside the home or when turning on the heater the first few times. These are signs that rodents are setting up shop in the attic for the […]
Solar heat gain is the leading source of your cooling bills, most of which transfers from the roof to the attic and into the home’s interior spaces. Radiant barriers installed in the attic reduce this heat gain, creating a more energy-efficient - and cost-efficient - home. Benefits Of Installing A Radiant Barrier In The Attic […]
Do you or someone in your household suffer from chronic, year-round allergies? Your attic could be the source. Neglected attics become a hotbed for all of the most common allergens, including mold and mildew spores, rodent fur and dander, dust, pollen, and other irritating particulates. If allergies are a constant source of irritation in your […]
Mold is a major red flag in any home, indicating a combination of existing and future issues. Your home's attic is notorious for harboring many types of attic mold because moisture issues in the attic go undetected without regular inspections. Attic Mold Is A Major Red Flag Mold found in the attic indicates one or […]
If your attic is large enough, it may feel an empty wasteland better served by transforming it into a functional living space. Bay Area attics often have plenty of room to create living spaces that are recreational or that become a source of income. How To Convert An Attic Into A Functional Living Space However, […]
In addition to supporting whole-home comfort and energy efficiency, attic ventilation significantly optimizes indoor air quality (IAQ). If you’re in the process of replacing your roof or replacing/updating attic insulation, use that opportunity to evaluate whether your attic is sufficiently ventilated and the many types of attic ventilation. Attic Ventilation: Categories & Options Sufficient attic […]
The term “thermal envelope” or a home envelope refers to the structural borders of your home and how they interact or support a trifecta of additional home systems - air sealing, insulation, and ventilation. These parts protect the temperature-controlled interior of the home. The goal is to keep warm air indoors during the winter and […]
Insulation is essential to whole-home comfort, and that’s typically linked to temperature regulation and energy efficiency. However, insulation also plays a role in reducing sound pollutants. That’s important here in the Bay Area, where houses and apartments are vulnerable to busy street noise and the ambient noise created by neighbors and their dogs. Upgrade Your […]
Adequate home insulation is essential to protecting the environment and reducing your home’s carbon footprint. According to the EPA, “The average household in a single-family home spends about 53 percent of its energy-related expenditures on heating and cooling.” The lion’s share of that energy comes from petroleum and coal. The more you do to reduce […]
One of the things we love most about our job as attic solutions and insulation professionals is our role as educators. From household to household and business to business, we spend our days sharing information about home energy efficiency and the essential players in the whole-home energy equation: insulation, ventilation, and air sealing. Whole-Home Ventilation […]
Both batt insulation and blown-in cellulose or foam have DIY attic insulation potential. However, after decades of working as attic insulation professionals, we’ve observed that very few homeowners know how to do it right. Unless you’re a licensed contractor, it’s best to skip DIY insulation jobs and let the professionals handle it. There are several […]
Any attic air leaks pose a threat to the whole home's comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. Leaks are a major source of heat loss and heat gain in any home. And, if you live in the Bay Area, the combination of a leaky home or attic and inadequate venting and filtration affects indoor air […]
That last Bay Area heat wave signaled the final hurrah for summer. Now, the notable arrival of fall means it’s time to inspect the attic and determine whether or not your home is under insulated. Even without a professional attic inspection, seven signs indicate a building’s insulation requires attention. 7 Red Flags Indicating Your Home […]
Even the smallest mice or rats can cause a tremendous amount of noise as they scurry about at night. But, more importantly, rodent-proofing your attic prevents critters from damaging insulation, HVAC ductwork, and any exposure. Equally important, eliminating existing rodents and professional-quality rodent prevention reduces the toxic fumes and irritants caused by their fur, dander, […]
Routine attic maintenance is an essential part of whole-home comfort and energy efficiency. Knowing more about your home’s attic anatomy and what each part does, helps homeowners make better decisions when it comes to attic and roof maintenance, repairs, or replacement. Attic Anatomy 101 Here is a list of the average home attic's general parts […]