When my a/c guy came by recently to give an estimate on some repairs he pointed out that my attic stair ladder was not insulated and that hot air was likely being sucked from the attic and contributing to increased dust in the house and reduced efficiency of the upstairs air conditioner. I’m always wary of the upsell but a quick search of the energy star website indicated that uninsulated attic stairs can be a big source of waste.
My a/c guy suggested that I install an attic ladder tent. I ended up with this unit and had it installed today.
Measured with an IR gun, the hottest attic temp I can read with the tent closed is now 89 degrees. Before it was 108. Further, with the attic ladder opening fully closed, the air path between the attic ladder opening and a nearby return vent was hovering at 85 degrees. Now that same path is hovering at 75 degrees (same as everywhere else upstairs). In both cases the upstairs air conditioner is set on 73.
This seems to indicate that air is no longer being sucked from the attic and the air being pulled into the return is the risen hot air from the room which is pretty much 75 degrees all along the ceiling.
I also spray foamed in the cracks where they roughed in the attic stair ladder.
I don't know if this is saving me money, but it clearly is reducing the amount of attic air being sucked down and back into my ventilation and that's a great thing. I suspect there are some savings as well.
One last thing. The day after I installed this, my wife mentioned that it felt cooler in be hallway. This happens to be the hallway where the attic ladder is hung. I agree, it feels cooler.
| Material | Nylon |
|---|---|
| Brand | Attic Tent |
| Color | Silver |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Maximum Height | 13 Inches |
| Manufacturer | Attic Tent, Inc. |
| UPC | 673689030608 |
| Part Number | ATT-AT-5 |
| Item Weight | 4.49 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Item model number | ATT-AT-5 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Foldable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
