Are conditioned attics more efficient?

Conditioned unvented attics have significant advantages over unconditioned vented attics. The building enclosure can be made significantly more airtight much easier by constructing an unvented attic, thereby making the building much more energy efficient.

What is high performance attic?

The proposed residential high performance attic (HPA) measure increases the prescriptive performance of the residential envelope in certain climates, primarily reducing the cooling season heat transfer through the roof deck, contributing to lower heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) loads.

Is a conditioned attic worth it?

Building America research has demonstrated unvented, conditioned attics can substantially improve energy performance while allowing home builders to continue locating HVAC systems in the attic space. Traditionally, building codes have required attic ventilation.

What is a conditioned attic?

In cold Climates, attic ventilation is a common method to remove humid air. In some cases, a conditioned attic assembly may be desired where scissor trusses make it difficult to insulate the floor, or in cathedral ceilings where the intent is to turn the attic into living space.

Should you encapsulate your attic?

So, why should you encapsulate your attic? Insulating from the rafters creates a temperature and humidity-controlled storage space. Controlling the space your HVAC lives in helps to reduce the loss of conditioned air making your home more comfortable.

What happens if attic is not vented?

And if you don’t vent correctly, all that warm, wet heat is going to sit around and take up space in your attic. The more heat that seeps out into your attic, whether it’s through poorly sealed openings (things like recessed lighting or the attic entry) or through general physics, the cooler the rooms feel.

What is an unvented conditioned attic?

An unvented attic system relies on an air seal and no vents to make the attic a conditioned space. By using an air-impermeable insulation, like spray foam, on the roof deck will stop any air movement.

Can an attic be encapsulated?

Attic encapsulation is a system that seals and insulates your attic to control internal temperature and protect your home from extreme outside temperatures. This process can be completed with Spray Foam, Rigid Foam Board, or Dense Packed Cellulose insulation.

Should my attic be sealed?

Air sealing an attic goes a long way to maintain your home. Besides keeping energy costs low, it’ll mainly help to keep your home feeling comfortable long-term. Without a sealed attic, hot air can get inside the living space (heat gain) during warmer months and get outside (heat loss) during colder months.

Which HVAC options are designed for attics?

Options A & B are designed for attics when the HVAC duct is in the attic. Option C is designed for the HVAC duct location to be anywhere but the attic.

But conditioned attics are not unalloyed blessings; they come with their own set of drawbacks.” According to your own estimates, this fundamental design flaw is costing you $1,000 a year. For you, the investment in insulation to create a conditioned attic isn’t worth it, because the payback period is 7 years. That’s your decision.

How common is high RH in unvented conditioned attic with spray foam?

Nick, The phenomenon you are describing — high RH in an unvented conditioned attic after open-cell spray foam was installed on the underside of the roof sheathing — is common.

Is there a GBA article about high humidity in the attic?

The issue discussed by Joe Lstiburek in the article you cite (“Cool Hand Luke Meets Attics”) is also discussed in several GBA articles, including “High Humidity in Unvented Conditioned Attics.” chris8117|Mar 18, 2019 04:40pm|#101