As fall arrives in Oregon, temperatures begin to drop, the rain returns, and homeowners start turning their heating systems back on. But for some homeowners, turning on the heat does not seem to make their homes feel much warmer.
You may notice cold rooms, chilly floors, uncomfortable drafts, or a home that seems to lose heat almost as quickly as your heating system produces it.
So, why is your house colder in the fall even when the heat is on?
One of the biggest reasons may be hiding above you: your attic.
Your Attic Can Have a Big Impact on How Warm Your Home Feels
Heat naturally rises. If your attic is not properly insulated, the heat you are paying to produce can escape through the ceiling and into the attic.
At the same time, air can move through gaps and openings in your home’s building envelope. These small openings can allow cold outdoor air to enter while warm indoor air escapes.
This can leave you with a home that feels:
- Cold or drafty
- Difficult to keep comfortable
- Warmer in some rooms than others
- Constantly in need of heating
- Less energy efficient
In Oregon, where fall and winter can bring cold temperatures, rain, and wind, these problems can become especially noticeable.
It Is Not Just About Insulation
Many homeowners think the answer to a cold house is simply adding more insulation.
Insulation is important, but insulation alone may not solve the problem.
Before adding insulation, it is important to address the air leaks that allow conditioned air to escape.
Your attic may have openings around areas such as:
- Plumbing penetrations
- Electrical wiring
- Recessed lights
- Ductwork
- Attic hatches
- Chimneys and flues
- Other gaps and penetrations in the ceiling
These openings can allow air to move between your living space and attic.
That is why air sealing and insulation work together.
Step 1: Air Sealing Your Attic
We start by identifying areas where unwanted air movement can occur and sealing appropriate gaps and penetrations.
Air sealing helps reduce the movement of conditioned indoor air into the attic and can help prevent cold outdoor air from entering your living space through those openings.
Proper air sealing is an important part of improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
Step 2: Blown-In Cellulose Insulation
Once the attic has been properly air sealed, we can add blown-in cellulose insulation to improve the attic’s insulation coverage.
Blown-in cellulose can create a more consistent layer of insulation across the attic floor, helping slow heat transfer between your living space and the attic.
By combining air sealing with blown-in cellulose insulation, we can address two important parts of attic performance: unwanted air movement and heat transfer.
Why Does My House Feel Drafty in the Fall?
A draft does not always mean you have a large hole somewhere in your home.
Air can move through surprisingly small gaps. When the temperature difference between your home and the outdoors increases, those air leaks can become much more noticeable.
You might feel drafts around windows, doors, outlets, attic hatches, or other areas of your home.
However, sometimes the source of the problem is not where you feel the draft.
Your attic could be part of the bigger picture.
If your attic has inadequate insulation and air leaks, your heating system may have to work harder to maintain the temperature you want.
How Can Attic Insulation Help?
Proper attic insulation helps slow the transfer of heat between your living space and the unconditioned attic.
Think of insulation as a barrier that helps keep the temperature you have created inside your home from escaping as easily.
However, improving your attic is about more than simply adding insulation. Air sealing, insulation levels, ventilation, and the overall condition of the attic should all be considered.
That is why a professional attic assessment can be helpful.
Do Not Wait Until Winter to Address a Cold House
Fall is a great time to pay attention to how your home feels.
If you are already noticing that certain rooms are colder than others, your heating system seems to run constantly, or your home feels drafty, those can be signs that your attic insulation and air sealing deserve a closer look.
Addressing attic air leaks and insulation before the coldest months arrive can help improve comfort when you need it most.
Make Your Oregon Home More Comfortable This Fall
If your home feels colder than it should, the solution may not be turning up the thermostat.
It may be what is happening above your ceiling.
At Dr. Energy Saver, we help homeowners identify areas where their homes may be losing conditioned air and heat. Our approach can include attic air sealing and blown-in cellulose insulation to help improve comfort and energy efficiency.
If your Oregon home feels cold and drafty this fall, it may be time to take a closer look at your attic.
A warmer, more comfortable home may start from the top down.
