If your summer energy bills are climbing faster than the temperature outside, your attic insulation might be the culprit. While most people associate insulation with keeping their homes warm in winter, it’s just as important for keeping your home cool in the summer. Let’s take a closer look at how attic insulation affects your air conditioning bill, and what you can do to keep your costs down without sacrificing comfort.
What Does Insulation Actually Do?
Attic insulation acts as a barrier between the air in your home and the extreme temperatures outside. In the winter, it keeps warm air in. In the summer, it helps block heat from radiating down from your attic into your living spaces. This thermal barrier reduces how often your heating and cooling system needs to run. That means less energy usage, lower utility bills, and a more consistent indoor temperature.
How a Poorly Insulated Attic Impacts Your AC Bill
When your attic isn’t properly insulated, it essentially turns into a giant heat trap. In the summer, temperatures in an uninsulated or under-insulated attic can soar well over 120°F. That heat radiates into your living spaces, making your air conditioner work overtime just to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Here’s how that plays out on your utility bill:
Increased Run Time for Your AC
Your air conditioner has to cycle on more frequently and run longer to combat the heat coming from your attic. This increases energy consumption—and your bill.
Hot and Cold Spots
Poor insulation can lead to uneven temperatures throughout your home. Some rooms may stay cool while others feel warm and stuffy, prompting you to crank the thermostat lower (and use more energy) to compensate.
Premature Wear on HVAC Equipment
Running your AC constantly causes it to wear out faster. That means more frequent maintenance, potential breakdowns, and costly repairs—or even an earlier-than-expected replacement.
High Cooling Bills
Inadequate attic insulation can increase your summer cooling costs by hundreds of dollars each year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating their attics.
How Much Insulation Do You Need?
Insulation is measured by R-value, which stands for resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. In Minnesota, it’s recommended that your attic insulation reaches R-49 to R-60. This typically equates to around 18 to 20 inches of blown-in fiberglass insulation. Many older homes fall short of this recommendation, especially if the insulation has settled over time.
To find out where your attic stands, schedule a Free 12-Point Attic Inspection with Midwest Attic Solutions. We’ll measure your insulation levels, use thermal imaging to detect hot spots, and give you clear, honest recommendations.
The Best Insulation for Beating the Heat
At Midwest Attic Solutions, we use the Owens Corning® AttiCat® Expanding Blown-In Insulation System—one of the most effective ways to insulate your attic for summer and winter performance.
Why we use blown-in fiberglass insulation:
- Superior coverage: Fills every nook and cranny, even around pipes and wiring.
- No settling: Maintains its insulating power for years.
- Low dust, mess-free: Clean installation with minimal disruption.
- Fire-resistant and mold-resistant: Safer, healthier insulation for your home.
Learn more about our Blown-In Insulation Services and how they can boost your home’s efficiency.
Don’t Forget Air Sealing and Ventilation
Insulation is only part of the equation. For best results, it should be paired with air sealing and proper attic ventilation.
Air Sealing
Even with good insulation, tiny gaps around attic access doors, light fixtures, and ductwork can allow cool air to escape. Our team seals these leaks to keep your air where it belongs—inside your home.
Attic Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, your attic can trap hot, humid air, making insulation less effective. We offer customized ventilation solutions, including solar-powered attic fans, to promote air circulation and reduce attic temperatures.
Together, insulation, air sealing, and ventilation form a complete system that keeps your home comfortable and your AC bill in check.
Real Savings, Real Comfort
Here’s what you stand to gain with upgraded attic insulation:
- Lower monthly energy bills (summer and winter)
- Longer HVAC lifespan
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Reduced humidity and better air quality
- Increased home resale value
And with rebates, tax credits, and financing available, getting started is easier than ever.
Save with Rebates, Tax Credits, and Financing
We understand that investing in your home’s insulation can feel like a big step. That’s why we help you take advantage of every available incentive:
- Financing options through Synchrony with flexible payment plans
- Utility rebates through Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy
- Federal tax credits that cover up to 30% of insulation costs
Our team will walk you through the process and help with all the paperwork so you can maximize your savings.
Start with a Free Inspection
The first step to lower cooling bills is understanding what’s really going on in your attic. At Midwest Attic Solutions, we offer a Free 12-Point Attic Inspection designed to give you a complete picture of your attic’s performance—and where energy (and money) might be slipping away. After the inspection, we’ll provide you with a detailed action plan and honest recommendations tailored to your home and budget.
Our comprehensive inspection includes:
- Measuring your insulation depth to determine if you’re meeting recommended R-values for Minnesota’s climate
- Thermal imaging to identify hidden hot spots where cool air escapes or outside heat seeps in
- Checking for air leaks and evaluating attic ventilation, ensuring proper airflow and identifying areas that may need sealing or vent upgrades
- Assessing for moisture, mold, or mildew, which could affect not only your comfort but also your home’s structural health
Ready to take control of your AC bill? Let Midwest Attic Solutions help you create a cooler, more efficient home. Schedule your free attic inspection today and start saving energy all summer long.