The attic.  That dirty, hot, dusty place that you probably never go except perhaps to toss the Christmas decorations until next year.

It deserves more respect.  No other part of your home does more to hold in the heat of your home, for the simple reason that heat rises.  It should hold out the heat in the summer, too, because that attic becomes a veritable oven under the scorching summer sun.

So learning about your attic is a major part of ensuring your home is as energy efficient as possible.

pull-down stairs insulated with a purchased insulating tent. Not much air sealing value.
A well air-sealed home-made cover for pull-down stairs
storage on top of insulation reduces its effectiveness
Nice installation of blown cellulose in the attic
A well air-sealed home-made cover for pull-down stairs
A purchased box to air seal recessed lights
a dam around a chimney to keep the insulation from touching
A well air-sealed home-made cover for pull-down stairs
An open junction box in the attic is a fire danger
a dam around a chimney to keep the insulation from touching
well air-sealed attic hatch. Note the latches to keep it tight.
A hot furnace flue should have at least 2 inches of clearance all around it.
Nice installation of blown fiberglass insulation