What is The Stack Effect?

How this little known piece of physics is creating discomfort in your home.

The stack effect is when hot air rises within a home and escapes out the top. For every amount of air that escapes the same amount enters the home. This air infiltration mostly comes in from the bottom. The impact is exacerbated by how tall a home is and temperature differences between inside the home and outside.

What Does This Mean for Me?

If your home is drafty and uncomfortable then the stack effect tells us that typically the best place to start is the attic and the foundation! Another example, of how this effect plays out is in Maryland homes can get pretty humid during the summer. Where does that humid air come from? Well, the stack effect tells us that the humid, summer air is coming from the foundation and that area should be focused on.

How Do We Fix?

The answer is air sealing leaks (What Is Air Leakage?) (6 Common Attic Leaks) with spray foam at the attic floor and foundation area. This is different than insulation which only stops heat transfer and does not stop air because of how cotton-like it is.

These huge wire gaps are like a plumbing leak for your AC. Plugging them will help your cool air and your money from escaping.

What Are The Results?

Supply boot has been sealed to the master bedroom knee wall.

The outcome of sealing the top and bottom of the home is a more comfortable (Why Is My Second Floor So Hot) and energy efficient home.

If you are interested in learning how this applies to your home then the first step is to complete an energy audit. In Maryland, you can access UP TO $7,500 in rebates to offset the cost of work. Please click here to contact us or here to schedule an appointment.