As a Winter Storm Warning blankets the Cascades with up to four feet of snow and brings gusty winds and freezing temperatures to the Puget Sound region, many Seattle homeowners are discovering their heating systems working overtime to compensate for inadequate attic insulation. Attic Projects, a Seattle-based insulation and crawl space specialist, is urging residents across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to schedule energy assessments now before the next winter weather event strikes.

The National Weather Service reports temperatures in Seattle dropping to the mid-30s this week, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph in areas including Bellevue, Renton, and Tacoma. The storm system, which began Tuesday morning and continues through Thursday, marks the first significant cold weather event of the new year. Residents from Everett to Olympia are experiencing the effects of this powerful Pacific system, which has already dropped several feet of snow in the mountain passes and brought heavy rain and high winds to lowland communities.

For homes with insufficient attic insulation, these conditions translate directly into higher utility bills, uncomfortable drafts, and HVAC systems struggling to maintain consistent temperatures. The problem is particularly acute in older neighborhoods throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, and Federal Way, where many homes were built decades before modern energy codes took effect.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper attic insulation and air sealing can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15 percent. However, most homes in the Seattle and Tacoma metro areas fall well short of current energy efficiency standards, leaving homeowners vulnerable to significant energy loss during exactly these types of weather events.

"When the temperature drops and the wind picks up, your attic becomes the first line of defense or the biggest liability," said Nave Black, Co-Owner of Attic Projects. "We've been fielding calls all week from homeowners in Seattle, Tacoma, and everywhere in between who noticed cold spots in their ceilings or watched their thermostats struggle to keep up. These are clear signs that heat is escaping through the attic faster than the furnace can replace it."

The timing of this winter storm coincides with significant changes in Washington's energy efficiency requirements. The 2021 Washington State Energy Code, which took effect in March 2024, raised attic insulation requirements from R-49 to R-60. This represents a 22 percent increase in thermal resistance standards. Most homes in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and surrounding communities built before this code update do not meet the new standard, meaning they lose more energy than necessary during cold-weather events.

The issue extends beyond comfort. Homes with inadequate insulation also face increased risk of ice dam formation, moisture intrusion, and accelerated wear on heating equipment. These secondary effects can lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed over multiple winter seasons.

"The new year is the perfect time for homeowners to take stock of their home's energy performance," Black added. "Between the updated state energy code and the extreme weather patterns we're seeing across the Pacific Northwest, there's never been a more important time to make sure your home is properly insulated. The good news is that right now, homeowners throughout the Puget Sound region have access to some of the most generous rebate programs we've ever seen in our years of business."

Seattle homeowners considering insulation upgrades have multiple financial incentives available to offset project costs. Seattle City Light rebates remain active through December 2026, offering savings on qualifying energy efficiency improvements. Puget Sound Energy customers in Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and other service areas may qualify for rebates covering up to 95 percent of the cost of insulation for homes built before 1990. This represents the most aggressive rebate structure the utility has offered in over a decade.

These utility incentives can be combined with the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which offers up to $1,200 annually for qualifying insulation improvements through 2032. For many homeowners across King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties, stacking these programs can reduce out-of-pocket costs to a fraction of the typical investment. Some homeowners may pay only a few hundred dollars for projects that would typically cost several thousand.

Attic Projects offers complimentary home energy assessments to identify insulation deficiencies, air leaks, and other efficiency issues. The company's trained technicians evaluate current insulation levels, check for moisture problems and pest damage, inspect ventilation systems, and calculate potential energy savings from upgrades. These assessments help homeowners understand exactly where their home is losing energy and what solutions will deliver the greatest return on investment.

The company serves homeowners throughout the greater Puget Sound region, including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Everett, Kent, Federal Way, Renton, Burien, Auburn, Puyallup, Lakewood, and surrounding communities.

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For more information about Attic Projects SEA, contact the company here:

Attic Projects SEA
Kevin Darchuk
858-246-7421
kevind@atticprojectscompany.com
6839 S 220th St, Kent, WA 98032