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attic insulation, energy smart home improvement, PA

If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency and comfort in a home that is hard to heat and cool, attic encapsulation might be the solution. This building-science-based approach involves insulating the attic rafters instead of the floor, transforming your attic into a semi-conditioned space. Here’s a detailed look at what attic encapsulation is, how it works, and why it might be beneficial for your home.

Understanding Attic Encapsulation

Attic encapsulation involves applying a high-performance insulation material to the underside of your roof deck, sealing off the attic from extreme temperature fluctuations. Unlike traditional attic insulation, which is applied to the floor, encapsulation treats the attic as part of the home’s conditioned (heated and cooled) space, sealing it off from the outside air and insulating it to reduce a building science principle called the stack effect.

How Does the Stack Effect Work?

To understand why attic encapsulation is so effective, it’s important to know how the stack effect works. The stack effect refers to the movement of air into and out of buildings driven by temperature differences between the inside and outside, as well as the air holes hidden throughout a building. Warm air rises and escapes through leaks in the upper parts of the house, such as the attic, while cold air is drawn in through lower areas, like the basement or crawlspace. This continuous air movement can cause drafts, contaminated indoor air, uneven temperatures, and increased energy bills.

Some of the advantages of attic encapsulation include:

  1. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: By encapsulating your attic, you reduce the load on your HVAC system. This is because the system no longer has to work as hard to regulate temperatures in the attic space, leading to significant energy savings.

  2. Improved Comfort: Attic encapsulation helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, eliminating hot and cold spots that can make living spaces uncomfortable.

  3. Moisture and Mold Prevention: Sealing off your attic from outside air prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mold growth and improving indoor air quality.

  4. Increased Usable Space: An encapsulated attic can be used for storage or even living space, as it remains within the home’s thermal envelope.

By encapsulating the attic, you effectively reduce the stack effect. This prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from infiltrating your home, creating a more stable and energy-efficient environment.

Does Attic Encapsulation Have Any Drawbacks?

To get attic encapsulation done correctly, the initial cost can be higher than traditional insulation methods, and in some rare cases, roofing manufacturers may void warranties if insulation is applied directly to the roof deck. However, the long-term energy savings and increased comfort often outweigh these concerns.

Is Attic Encapsulation Right for You?

Determining whether attic encapsulation is the right choice for your home involves a comprehensive home assessment. At Energy Smart Home Improvement, we offer thorough home energy audits and home assessments to evaluate your current insulation and identify areas for improvement. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and extensive building science knowledge to recommend the best solutions for your specific needs.

Schedule Your Home Energy Assessment Today

If you're ready to enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency with attic encapsulation, contact Energy Smart Home Improvement. Our experts are dedicated to helping homeowners in South Central PA achieve their energy efficiency goals. Schedule a no-cost home assessment and take the first step towards a more comfortable and resilient home.

Let us help you redefine home comfort with the power of professional attic encapsulation. Call Energy Smart Home Improvement at 717.896.6063.

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Testimonials

  • Andrew, Eric, and Bryant were all gentlemen. They were a delight to work with. Even Jon was nice. 

  • Owner was first contact - work to be completed was fully explained - pricing was very good. Work was completed quickly with no issues.

  • My wife and I purchased a leaky and minimally insulated older home and knew we needed to upgrade our insulation and have some air-sealing done.

  • I had my home insulated by Energy Smart and noticed a big difference, GREAT JOB!!!!

  • Thanks so much. We are VERY pleased!

    Fred W., Carlisle, PA
  • Good job!

    Ron E., Hummelstown, PA
  • Your staff is very friendly and professional in their work. Pleasure to deal with everyone and Energy Smart. Good job!

    Dennis H., York, PA
  • Very pleased with your company and your people.

    Barry M., Harrisburg, PA
  • We had an audit, attic air sealing, and additional blown-in insulation installed in the attic. Jon, the owner of the company performed the audit. Very thorough and passionate about the work. The two workers who installed the air sealing and insulation were very professional and timely.

    John S., Carlisle, PA
  • We had air sealing and attic insulation and air sealing in basement. The work was completed in one day and all went well.

    Dave K., Carlisle, PA
  • So far, we are very happy with the project. By the way, Bryant and Erik are excellent representatives of your company. They are both gentlemen!

    Don N., Landisville, PA
  • Energy Smart brought insulation amount up to standards in attic crawl space where heat pump is located. They also took care of sealing vents, moisture issues and other necessary work to make house more energy efficient and reduce chance of rot.

    Doris W., Palmyra, PA
  • This whole process was so smooth. Jon was so great to answer questions when he came to do an estimate. Rachel has been extremely helpful with scheduling, rebates, and everything in between. The gentlemen that completed the installation were courteous, efficient, and performed quality work.

    Daniel S., Camp Hill, PA
  • Looking forward to lower heating & cooling bills in the months ahead! Thanks for a good job. Bryant and James did very well. Very professional.

    Lester P., Boiling Springs, PA
  • We were very well pleased with the work. From Jon the owner and Rachel the office staff were very professional. The workers were great . Very hard workers and the with the heat in the attic it had to be a hard job to do.

    John C., Harrisburg, PA
  • Local company. Owner came and discussed his estimate. Workers were excellent, leaving the place cleaner than before. Good work ethic by employees and professional work. Couldn't be happier!

    Jack C., Dillsburg, PA
  • Jon the owner came personally to provide job estimate and was confident the insulation install would solve our present issues. The Techs were on time and professional. They ensured minimal disruption and cleaned afterwards.

    Ana N., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • I appreciate the workers explaining what they were doing. It helped to understand why this work is so important!

    Jim H., Fayetteville, PA
  • We were very pleased with everyone from the company from the owner on down. They were knowledgeable, professional and courteous. I'm sure our utility bills will reflect the difference.

    Mary C., Harrisburg, PA
  • Project:  Cantilever, Porch, and Window Air Sealing Hey Rachel! Thanks for the great work you guys did yesterday! I'm looking forward to having the upstairs 2 bedrooms a lot more comfortable and energy efficient, especially in the winter. 

    Paul B., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Project:  Attic Air Sealing & Insulating "The crew that performed the work were courteous, well-spoken, and proceeded to their work without delay. They explained each step of the project and invited us to inspect the results.  We were made to feel comfortable with the job that was done."

    Bill & Judi L., New Bloomfield, PA
  • Project:  Energy Audit I did a Google search to find a local reputable company to perform a home energy audit. Choosing Energy Smart was with out question the correct choice.

    Tom K., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Project: Attic Insulation Removal & Disposal, Air Sealing, & Insulating Very nice, efficient, responsive company to work with. Will recommend them to others.

    Joanna R., Camp Hill, PA
  • Project: Attic Insulation Removal & Disposal, Air Sealing, & Insulating Very nice, efficient, responsive company to work with. Will recommend them to others.

    Joanna R., Camp Hill, PA
  • Andrew was a real pleasure yesterday. He left the basement in such good shape, it's hard to tell if anything was done (just kidding, of course). Thanks to [your team] for making this year long nightmare a simple process. We will definitely recommend your company to all of our friends. Dottie

  • My 5 star rating so far is based only on the first level of doing business with the contractor who performed the audit very informatively and efficiently. I expect that the follow up report will be very comprehensive and informative and I will comment after our next meeting.

    Russ C., Palmyra, PA
  • Workers were great - professional & friendly. Thank you!

  • This was one of the most professionally and thoroughly prepared and executed home projects I ever experienced. I was given full explanation and reasoning for the project up front, including the energy efficiency audits before and after, as well as ongoing explanation during the actual work.

  • The men were very kind and did a great job explaining the job if I had questions. We were very pleased! 

  • Men were knowledgeable and friendly. 

  • Everyone I met and spoke with was very pleasant and professional. We are also thrilled to see a 27% improvement in our energy efficiency. Thank you all!

  • Everyone on the staff was professional and friendly!

  • The two guys on the job were more than excellent. Everything went so smoothly. I couldn't ask for anything better. 

  • Efficient job. took great care in protecting flooring and furniture. Took time to review what services were done. Polite, personable installers & they tolerated my dogs which is a big plus!! Looking forward to the fruits of their labor (i.e. lower utility bills!)

  • Please let us know if there are energy rebates available. Thanks for your promptness in meeting our need and working into our schedule. 

  • Erik & Bryan were amazing. Professional, courteous, and  offered to follow up with future questions. Couldn't be more appreciative.

  • Just an FYI. The guys were here this morning and did a great job. Very professional. Cleaned up everything. Couldn’t be more pleased. You run a good business! Thanks!!

  • I want to pass along to the Boss that the workers you sent out to my job (Eric & Brandon) did a great job and were a pleasure to deal with! We were very pleased with their work and them over all.

  • Everything was perfect. 

  • I appreciate the process of evaluation and options listed in benefit order. It makes decisions much easier and better. 

  • The job was done well and quickly. Since my lines only freeze in the winter, only time will tell if the project was successful. Fingers crossed and thank you!

  • Project: Test Indoor Air Quality

    Very up front and professional..easy to work with. The workers were polite and explained things well. I felt very comfortable with this contractor and not intimidated as others tend to do.

    Tonya N., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Very friendly, professional staff - highly recommend!

    Morgan & Nathan R., Harrisburg, PA
  • Great Job. The crew did a great job. Answered all questions, addressed any concerns. 

    Dave L., Myerstown
  • Bill was very professional and straightforward. I forgot to make barriers to keep the insulation contained and was surprised to see that they took the extra time to put them up. We noticed an immediate difference in the comfort of the rooms under that attic space. Thank you!

    Jan Z., Dillsburg
  • The crew was courteous and kept us informed of their progress throughout the project!

    Russell & Stella K., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Wonderful experience. The initial consultation was extremely thorough and well explained. The work was done quickly and professionally.

  • I received many other quotes and no one else proposed using rebates. By using those available rebates, it made the job affordable! Thanks!

    Dennis S., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Everyone from the quoting process, scheduling, and installation were polite knowledgeable, and great to work with!

    Mindi Y., Lewisburg, PA
  • Very prompt service, good quality workmanship

    Regina W, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Thorough, Consistent, and Honest! Thank you!

    Cappel, Camp Hill, PA
  • We are very pleased as we could notice an immediate improvement in the lack of heat loss in our home. Would Definitely recommend others get this done in their homes!

    William Stum, Landisburg, PA
  • We just wanted to thank you and your team for your recent service. We opted for "the works" – Soffit Baffles, Attic Air Sealing and Attic Insulating. Your field workers completed all of the work in about 3.5 hours; much sooner than anticipated by us.

    Mr. and Mrs. Randal Rhoades, Mechanicsburg, PA