What is "The Chimney Effect?"
Homes built with vented attic spaces experience a phenomenon known as "The Chimney Effect." This happens when air comes in through the eaves and escapes through a ridge or gable vents. The moving air creates a suction that carries 30-50% of your homes conditioned air out through the roof venting. Eliminating this "chimney effect" alone can save you substantially on your heating and cooling expenses.
Q. Why does so much of my conditioned air escape through the attic?
A. Because your home was built that way. In years past, when energy was inexpensive, this was not considered a problem. Builders simply installed larger air handling systems to make up for the loss. Just like we used to drive cars that got 9 mpg, it was not an issue until energy prices increased and awareness of the environmental costs became widespread.
PROBLEM: As a part of your home purchase, you acquired some expensive equipment to distribute conditioned air throughout your home. 30%-50% of that conditioned air escapes outdoors through your attic.
SOLUTION: Stop the leakage of air by air sealing your roof with spray foam insulation. You save money and carbon emissions by containing the air you've paid to heat and cool.