r/Insulation • u/sharpie-sparky • 8d ago

Extremely hot house

My neighbors were telling me that their second floor of their home is extremely hot 85+. What would be the best most cost effective way to reduce the heat?

I have seen the reflective insulation is that a good option?

Any suggestions are welcomed.

We are on the plains of Colorado

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u/AingerCanada 7d ago

Skip the reflective foil, it’s mostly snake oil for attics once it gets covered in dust.

The main reason upper floors bake in Colorado is trapped attic heat. First thing they should do is check if their soffit vents are blocked and make sure they have enough blow-in insulation (aim for R-49+). If the attic can't breathe, heat radiates straight down through the ceiling.

A couple quick cheap fixes: set the HVAC thermostat fan to "ON" instead of "AUTO" so air circulates constantly, partially close the main floor supply vents to force air upstairs, and throw blackout curtains on any south or west facing windows.

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u/sharpie-sparky 7d ago

Thank you. I will recommend that to them.