QUESTION: I just stored the Christmas tree up in the attic. I realize there is no insulation on the access door in the ceiling nor did it seal well. Is there much energy lost through there and what can I do about it?ANSWER: People seldom think about it, but the attic access opening can account for a significant loss of heat from your home during winter.This loss is a combination of heat flow through the uninsulated cover and warm air leakage where it rests on the molding.During summer, heat from the roof radiates down into your home through the access cover. If you air-condition, a leaky cover draws cool air from your house and forces your air conditioner to run longer. If you do not air-condition, the air leakage actually can help to ventilate naturally.When I moved into my home, the attic cover was just a 20-by-22-inch piece of plywood resting on uneven molding. First, I stuck thick adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping on the top of the molding. Next, I nailed a layer of old drywall over the plywood to give it enough weight to compress the weatherstripping for a tight seal.I glued several layers of rigid foam insulation on top of the drywall to provide a high insulation level. Finally, I covered the rigid foam insulation with aluminum foil. The foil helps reflect the heat from the hot roof during summer so less gets through to my bedroom.The above method works well for a small access opening. If you have a standard large-access opening with pull-down folding stairs or a ladder, you will have to install a tall cover to fit over the stairs and still seal against the floor. The bottom cover of the folding stairs may not seal well against the ceiling nor does it provide much insulation.There are several products designed specifically for this application. Battic Door offers a reasonably priced design that is basically a very strong cardboard box, sized to fit over the opening and the stairs. You attach your own fiberglass batt insulation to the top and sides of the box. The box is delivered collapsed to your home and it is easy to assemble.Another option is an insulated, zippered opening cover by Insulsure. This cover is flexible and is attached to the attic floor for a good seal.Pull down the folding stairs, climb up and unzip the top of the cover to enter the attic. There is an optional reflective foil top to block the summer heat.The third option is a domed, molded-foam cover (similar to a foam cooler), by Atticap, designed to fit over the stairs and opening. It insulates well and is very lightweight. You can easily lift and move it to the side when you enter the attic.The following companies offer attic entrance products:Atticap, 888-292-2229, www.draftcap.com;Battic Door, 508-320.9082, www.batticdoor.com;Calvert Stairs, 866-477-8455, www.calvertusa.com;InsulSure, 877-660-5640, www.insulsure.com;SP Partners, 203-322-0009, www.rainbowatticstairs.com.com.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.QUESTION: I am tired of paying high electric bills and I am considering going off-grid and producing my own electricity with wind or solar. Does this make sense and how do I determine if it will work?ANSWER: Producing your own electricity works, but the cost of the equipment might be prohibitive. Generally, it is difficult to produce your own electricity less expensively than you are now paying your utility company.Your high electric bills indicate you are using a lot of electricity.You will first have to minimize your electric usage and then contact solar and wind equipment contractors in your area for quotes based upon your electricity needs.