More insulation in attic or not?

Question

If I needed more insulation in my attic shouldn't my ceiling feel real warm during the day,it feels really cool but I don't have but 4inch. of insulation in my attic.

I feel like my central air is running too much here lately.

Answer 1

if you feel like it is running to much .then you probably do need more insulation in your attic.

Answer 2

You need at least 15 inches of blown insulation which will give you a r50 R value. This will make your air conditioner not have to work as hard because it will be well insulated.  

Answer 3

Yes, add more.  Every bit helps.  Also find cracks and fill them.

Answer 4

Have you cleaned the filter on your air conditioner.  I thought my air conditioner was not working to maximum efficiency, cleaned the filter and it runs great.

If it was fine before maybe your unit needs maintenance.

Answer 5

Besides reducing the heat gain, insulation will also delay the propagation of heat into the room below.    

If you can get one of those non-contact thermometers, you can measure the ceiling temperature and if you make several measurements in the afternoon and early evening, you may notice the temperature rise even after Sunset.  

In any case, 4" of insulation is better than nothing, but I'm sure it would help a little to add some more.

Also, make sure you don't have a lot of air leaks around windows and doors.    Beyond that, you could put in double-pane windows if you don't already have them, and then maybe add some blow-in insulation to one or two walls that get direct sunlight, or outside of rooms that you find uncomfortable.    

Answer 6

yes u need more...if u have only 4 inches of insulation....we put 9 -10 in new homes, the batted type...

lic.gen. contractor

Answer 7

there is no place in the U,S. that 4 inches of attic insulation is enough. starting in the south you should have 8-10 inches, ranging to 24-30 in the north. however 30 inches of insulation will do you no good if you don't have proper attic ventilation. you must bring ambient air in under the eaves and be able to exhaust it by either ridge vents, gable vents, or turbines

Answer 8

To be honest,  to be efficient your attic should have a r factor of 38 in insulation terms.  This will give you the greatest efficiency of attic insulation.  The reason your roof feels cool is probably that the 3-1/2 inches of insulation you have will keep your ceiling at a comfortable temperature.  If you were to try and bring your inside temp down it would probably be a big drain on your AC unit.  The big plus is that ceiling insulation works best for heating.  Since most of your energy from heating is lost through the ceiling (heat goes up and cool goes down).  So by insulating your ceiling you will save a whole lot more in the winter,  not only that but heating bills are usually about two to three time greater than cooling (unless you live in Phoenix)