What Is Stack Effect And Why Should You Care? | Koala Insulation

What Is Stack Effect And Why Should You Care?

 

You invest heavily in the perfect plumbing, install the best HVAC equipment. Yet, you witness moisture in your house. Have you experienced such an undesirable effect?

If yes, you are the victim of the ‘stack effect.’ This phenomenon is the air movement that affects your energy systems, leading to a rise in those hefty monthly bills.

What’s more? You soon begin to feel uncomfortable and look for options to counter the same. The stack effect can definitely wreak havoc if you own a tall house. The million-dollar question is — what will stack effect exactly do and whom to contact in such cases?

 

Stack Effect: The Cause Of Serious Energy Issues

People living in states like Michigan experience a huge thermal difference. Especially, mid-Michigan areas experience extreme weather conditions, which leads to detrimental problems like the stack effect.

In a nutshell, the stack effect results from temperature and pressure differences. Commonly known as the ‘chimney effect,’ it is the air movement in and out of a house or building.

This airflow happens in the common elements of a house.

• Chimneys
• Basement
• Attic
• Walls

You can experience this phenomenon during any season.

 

The Winter Stack Effect

The cold air from outside moves in the basement or bottom floors. This dense air enters your home through crevices and gaps.

Eventually, the air begins to warm up, rising through the house, and exits through the chimney.

However, during this upward circulation, the cold air comprises your comfort, increasing the load of the HVAC systems.

 

The Summer Stack Effect

Hot air is lighter than cold air. Hence, outside hot air enters the top of your building or house during summers.

This entry creates a draft down. Thus, cool air is pushed to the bottom, whereas hot air circulates throughout the living space.

Thus, the stack effect impacts a home’s attic insulation. In addition, the air pressure difference present in the house causes various issues.

 

The Impacts Of Stack Effect

The air movement and pressure difference could cause serious troubles if left addressed. Here are some common issues faced in the states.

• Increased strain on HVAC systems
• Moisture build-up
• Noise due to air movement
• Impact on attic insulation
• A rise in energy bills

Each effect can lead to further issues. Here’s a table that explains how one problem leads to a series of multiple challenges.

 

Table: Negative impacts of the stack effect

Main Effect	Related Issues
Strain on HVAC systems	High energy requirement Need of periodic maintenance Decrease in comfort Inefficient temperature regulation
Moisture build-up	Bacterial and mold growth Potential health issues Damage to existing insulation
Attic insulation	Air leakage Moisture problems Damage to insulation material

 

 

How To Cope With Stack Effect?

Mold build-up will become noticeable if you live in Mid-Michigan areas like Flint, Grand Blanc, or Swartz Creek.

As mold grows in moist places, the chances of allergens will increase considerably. You can suffer from mold spore allergies like runny nose, fatigue, or headaches as air moves through your house.

Thus, you should create an air seal to cope with the stack effect. Here are common methods to prevent and fix the stack effect.

• Air sealing
• Attic insulation
• Caulking
• Spray Foam insulation

 

How To Inspect Air Leakage?

Koala Insulation of Mid-Michigan is a reliable contractor that suggests short-listing the following air-leakage elements.

• Chimney
• Plumbing vent
• Windows
• Exhaust vents
• Rim joists
• Crevices and gaps on the floor
• Electrical wiring

Blower door testing and infrared imaging are well-known techniques to spot air leakage. People won’t be fully versed in detecting air leakages in most cases. Hence, you can contact an expert insulating contractor for quick and accurate inspection.

 

Rectify The Infiltration Points

In short, to prevent this undesirable phenomenon, you need to reduce air movement. Thus, it is imperative to identify two main infiltration points.

• Vertical
• Horizontal

Consequently, adding airlocks, spray foam insulation, and weather-stripping can rectify and block infiltration points.

Remember, the stack effect reduces when you stop air movement and pressure difference indoors. Thus, measures to prevent outside air from entering the house are precious.

 

Wrapping Up

With global warming already causing ill impact, there will be a rise in thermal difference, causing stack effect to increase.

In addition to the rise in monthly electricity bills. Also, an effect on health and comfort is paramount adversity of homeowners.

It is imperative to avail services of expert insulation contractors. If you live in Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, Flint, Mount Pleasant, Birch Run, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Clio, Essexville or any other Mid-Michigan city, Koala Insulation of Mid-Michigan  is the perfect choice.