North Carolina recently took critical action that will make homes more comfortable all year long, help consumers save on energy bills, and maximize energy efficiency.
Specifically, North Carolina established new provisions for unvented attics, an important component in the overall energy efficiency of any home. An unvented attic is created when an air impermeable insulation, like spray foam insulation, is used on the underside of a roof deck, creating a “conditioned space” for duct work and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanical equipment. This allows duct work and HVAC systems to operate in a more hospitable environment, where the temperature in the attic is comparable to that of the entire home.
Installing an unvented attic is like putting a hat on your house. By utilizing spray foam insulation to create an unvented attic, homeowners can be assured that their HVAC systems are keeping their homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter in an energy efficient way that will help save on energy bills.
North Carolina is incentivizing energy efficiency by helping to make unvented attics more competitive in the state. The law will provide builders with new options to meet the energy code, which will lend itself to the production of stronger, more energy efficient houses at an affordable price.
The Institute for the Building Envelope applauds North Carolina for promoting the use of unvented attics, a common-sense approach that helps builders, consumers, and the environment.