Written by Eric Gans, Building Analyst & Envelope Professional
I'm a certified energy auditor and insulation contractor in Maryland. I have completed over 2,000 energy audits and taken over 2,000 trips to attics.

Does one room in your home always feel too hot or too cold?

The problem might be your attic hatch — a small, often overlooked gap that could be quietly sabotaging your home’s comfort and efficiency.

In this step-by-step DIY guide, I’ll show you how to seal and insulate your attic hatch using rigid foam board and a few affordable tools. It’s a quick project with a big payoff in any house that has an access panel connected to an attic. It might be on the ceiling or a wall.

Thermography reveals that the attic hatch is connected to the attic.

Why Insulating Your Attic Hatch Matters

Your attic hatch may look like a minor detail, but it can have a significant impact on your home’s thermal performance. If left uninsulated or poorly sealed, it creates a weak point in your attic’s defense system.

Here’s what happens when it’s ignored:

• Warm or cool air escapes through the hatch, increasing HVAC workload.

• Rooms near the hatch become drafty or uncomfortable.

• The entire attic’s effective R-value drops, even if the rest of the attic is well-insulated.

For example, in a 1,000 sq. ft. attic, just 18 sq. ft. of missing insulation at the hatch can reduce the R-value from R-17 to R-13.
 

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

These are the exact tools and materials I use and recommend in the video. The links below are affiliate links — I earn a small commission if you purchase through them (thank you for supporting my work!).

• Echo Tape (foil + fiberglass scrim + aggressive adhesive)
  Shop on Amazon

• Foam Board Adhesive (PL 300)
  Shop on Amazon

• Rigid Foamboard Insulation (R-value per inch)
  Shop via this link

• 8" Insulation Knife with Wood Handle
  Quick Link

• Weatherstripping: 3/8" wide, 3/16" thick, ~17 feet long
  Get it Here

Also, grab a:

• Tape measure

• Marker or pencil for layout lines

• A clean rag to wipe dust and debris

Step-by-Step: How to Seal and Insulate Your Attic Hatch

1. Inspect Your Existing Hatch

Pop it open and see what you’re working with. You may find:

• No insulation at all, or

• Old foam board that's thin or poorly attached

Either way, you can improve it — and now’s the time.

2. Clear & Prep the Surface

• Remove any old insulation, staples, nails, and debris

• Wipe down the surface to ensure your adhesive sticks properly

Tip: A clean surface = better long-term performance.

3. Measure & Cut the Foamboard

• Measure the hatch panel, but leave a small gap around the edge so the panel fits back into the opening easily

• Cut your rigid foamboard with a long knife

Stack the layers until you reach the desired R-value. In Maryland, I used four layers to achieve an R-52 rating.

4. Attach Insulation to the Hatch

• Use foam board adhesive (PL 300) to glue the layers directly onto the panel.

• Let it cure flat to prevent bowing.

This ensures the insulation stays in place, even when accessing the attic repeatedly.

5. Apply Foil Tape for Durability

• Use echo tape, not duct tape

• Tape around all edges of the insulation for a tight seal and a clean look

Tip: Duct tape will fail in an attic. It breaks down from heat and dust.

6. Install Weatherstripping

• Apply foam weatherstripping along the attic opening’s lip

• Mark where the hatch sits so the weatherstripping doesn’t get in the way

A tight seal here prevents air leakage, especially during the winter stack effect.

Pro Insight from an Energy Auditor

In my years of performing energy audits in Maryland, I’ve walked into countless homes where a single room felt noticeably colder or hotter. Almost every time, the culprit was right above — the attic hatch.

If you see:

• Spider webs near the hatch, or

• Discolored insulation above the panel
  …those are signs of airflow and energy loss.

Fixing it with a DIY project like this one is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Want to See It In Action?

Watch the full video on YouTube: 

DIY Attic Hatch Insulation | How to Seal & Insulate for Comfort
 

It includes:

• Real-world examples

• Time-stamped steps

• Tips to avoid common mistakes

If You're in Maryland…

Schedule your $100 Home Energy Audit using this calendar:

You’ll get:

• A blower door test

• Full insulation + duct analysis

• Rebate eligibility review

• Personalized recommendations

Final Thoughts

Sealing your attic hatch is one of those “small hinge, big door” projects. It doesn’t take long. It doesn’t cost much. But it pays you back in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come.

Start here — and take back control of your home’s comfort.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue creating content that helps homeowners take control of their energy use and comfort. Thank you!

Written by Eric Gans, Building Analyst & Envelope Professional
I'm a certified energy auditor and insulation contractor in Maryland. I have completed over 2,000 energy audits and taken over 2,000 trips to attics.

Did you know that at any given time, there are around 40 contractors approved by BGE & PEPCO to perform energy audits across Maryland?

Sounds like a lot of options, right? But here’s the reality:

• Not every audit is created equal.
• And not every auditor sees your home the same way.

Now and then, I get a call from a Maryland homeowner who has already had their audit done but wants a second opinion. When that happens, and they authorize it, I can access their previous file through the BGE/PEPCO system.

And to be totally honest?

I’m amazed at how many audits I review that barely scratch the surface.

Some are missing key findings. Others are just boilerplate. Very few include real-world insights that empower the homeowner to make informed decisions.

A great energy audit isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about telling the story of your home. And to do that well, the person holding the clipboard needs more than just a license.

• They need experience.
• They need curiosity.
• They need to care.

So, how do you make sure the person showing up at your house is the right one?

Start by asking these five questions—yes, even if you’re talking to me.

1. How many BGE energy audits have they completed?

Experience matters. An auditor who’s done 50 homes won’t catch the same patterns as one who’s done 500. Every audit requires time in the attic, time at the rim joist, and time listening to you. A seasoned auditor knows how to balance the technical checklist with real-time problem-solving.

Your $100 audit? It’s a one-shot deal at the discounted price. Make it count.

2. What’s their background before becoming an auditor?

Not all auditors are cut from the same cloth. Some came from the HVAC world. Some from sales. Me? I started in home contracting. Replacement windows, vinyl siding, gutters, entry doors, and, these days, insulation. I’ve lived the problems I help solve now.

Ideally, your auditor should understand homes from the inside out, not just from behind a laptop screen. Bonus points if they’re also a homeowner. Because when you’ve lived with a cold baby’s room or an icy kitchen floor, you don’t need a manual to know where to look.

3. What kind of detail will be in the final report?

Yes, BGE provides a standard template. But the magic is in the details.

A mediocre report feels generic—like it could’ve been written for any house. A great report reflects your home. It echoes your questions. It includes photos, recommendations, and context that make it a valuable reference, not just a PDF you’ll forget about.

4. What’s the physical condition of the auditor? (Yes, really.)

This job isn’t for the faint of heart or knees.

A thorough audit requires crawling through tight crawlspaces, climbing into sweltering attics, and inspecting every inch of the home’s shell. If your auditor can’t (or won’t) go where the problems hide, how can they find what’s going on?

Great energy audits don’t happen from the living room couch.

5. Can they communicate clearly and care enough to explain?

This is the big one.

A great auditor isn’t just a building scientist. They’re also a teacher—someone who can simplify technical concepts without dumbing them down.

If the person can’t explain the stack effect, duct leakage, or R-value in plain English, the report won’t help you. And if they don’t take the time to answer your questions, you’ll be left with more doubt than direction.

Bottom Line: Choose Your Auditor Like You’d Choose a Doctor

Your home is a system. And just like with your health, understanding what’s going on takes more than a glance. It takes the right person asking the right questions, in the right way.

So before you book your BGE energy audit—ask a few questions of your own.

And if you want someone who will crawl through the attic, listen to your concerns, and give you the full picture?

•  Schedule your audit with me today. I’ll treat your home like it’s my own.

Because you don’t need a sales pitch, you need answers.

Often times homeowners don't know what a Pepco energy audit is or how it can actually help.

For starters, a Pepco energy audit can help you avoid choosing the wrong solution to a problem around your home. An energy audit through Pepco is a good place to start a home improvement priority list. 

Take the important step of scheduling your Pepco energy audit as soon as you can!

Often times homeowners don't know what a BGE energy audit is or how it can actually help.

For starters, a BGE energy audit can help you avoid choosing the wrong solution to a problem. An energy audit through BGE is a good place to start a home improvement priority list. 

Take the important step of scheduling your BGE energy audit as soon as you can!

Written by Eric Gans

I have completed over 2000 home energy audits in Maryland.  BGE and Pepco standards require me to measure exhaust ventilation rates and determine where each exhaust fan in a residential house terminates.  I must also manage new fan installs and airflow at the end of home performance projects to maintain indoor air quality.  So, I am around this stuff every day.
 

Bathroom exhaust fans are crucial in maintaining indoor air quality by removing moisture, odors, and airborne contaminants. Yet, when these fans malfunction or require replacement, many homeowners are uncertain about which type of contractor to call.

This article explores the different contractors available for this task and why a home performance contractor might be your best bet.
 

Types of Contractors Who Replace Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Understanding the roles and capabilities of different contractors is essential in making the right choice for replacing your bathroom exhaust fan.

Home Performance Contractors

Overview: Home performance contractors evaluate and improve your home's efficiency and comfort. They take a holistic approach to ensure that the fan integrates seamlessly with your home’s ventilation, insulation, and energy systems.

Strengths: They provide a comprehensive service, considering how the fan impacts your home’s air quality and energy efficiency. Their expertise in building science allows them to optimize the installation beyond just the mechanical aspects.

Services: Hometrust Remodeling, for example, not only replaces bathroom exhaust fans but also evaluates where the fan terminates, ensuring optimal performance. We consider insulation and an airtight installation to prevent air leakage and energy loss.

HVAC Contractors

Overview: HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) contractors are skilled in managing the mechanical aspects of heating and cooling systems, including ventilation.

Strengths: They excel at ensuring proper airflow and can effectively address ventilation systems and ductwork issues.

Weaknesses: However, their focus is typically narrow, often overlooking the broader impacts on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. They might not address the insulation and sealing around the fan, which are crucial for preventing moisture problems and maintaining energy efficiency.

Electricians

Overview: Electricians are essential for ensuring bathroom fans' safe and code-compliant electrical connection.

Strengths: Their expertise is handling electrical wiring and installations, ensuring that everything meets safety standards.

Weaknesses: Electricians may lack the specialized knowledge required for proper venting and integration with the home's overall ventilation system. They often do not consider the fan's implications for home performance or energy efficiency.

General Contractors or Handyman Services

Overview: General contractors and handymen offer a wide range of home improvement services, including installing bathroom exhaust fans.

Strengths: They are versatile and can handle various aspects of the installation, from mechanical to minor electrical work.

Weaknesses: These contractors may not have specialized ventilation or energy efficiency knowledge. Their installations might miss critical elements like proper duct insulation and air sealing, leading to potential issues with moisture and energy inefficiencies.
 

Why Choose a Home Performance Contractor?

Home performance contractors have unique skills and knowledge, making them the ideal choice for replacing bathroom exhaust fans.

Comprehensive Home Assessment

Detailed Analysis: Home performance contractors thoroughly assess your home’s ventilation and insulation systems. They ensure the new fan fits and enhances your home’s efficiency and comfort.

Preventive Approach: By considering how the fan interacts with the entire house, they can identify and prevent potential issues, such as moisture buildup in the attic or improper airflow.

Building Science Expertise

Informed Installation: These contractors apply building science principles to ensure the fan is correctly installed, and the surrounding areas are properly insulated and sealed. This prevents energy loss and enhances the fan's effectiveness.

Holistic Integration: They understand the importance of a tight building envelope and the role of ventilation in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. This knowledge helps them integrate the fan seamlessly into the home’s systems.

Quality Assurance and Follow-Up

Thorough Testing: After installation, home performance contractors perform detailed testing to ensure the fan operates efficiently and does not introduce air leaks. They measure the airflow and inspect the installation to confirm everything is functioning as expected.

Post-Installation Support: They often provide follow-up visits to check the fan’s performance and address any issues, ensuring long-term satisfaction and performance.

Integration with Other Home Systems

Energy Efficiency Focus: Home performance contractors look at the big picture, considering how the new fan will impact your home’s energy usage. They can recommend improvements like air sealing or duct insulation to enhance efficiency.

Optimized Solutions: Ensuring that all systems work harmoniously helps maintain optimal indoor air quality and comfort levels throughout your home.
 

Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate contractor for your bathroom exhaust fan replacement depends on your needs and the project's scope.

1. Assessing Your Specific Situation

   • Evaluate Your Needs: Consider your home's overall performance and determine whether you need a simple replacement or a more integrated approach.

   • Identify Potential Issues: Look for signs of moisture problems, inadequate ventilation, or energy inefficiencies that suggest a more comprehensive assessment is needed.

2. Licensing and Certification

   • Check Credentials: Ensure the contractor has the necessary licenses and certifications, such as MHIC or BPI certifications for home performance contractors or relevant HVAC and electrical permits, if applicable.

   • Quality Assurance: Certified contractors are likelier to meet high safety, quality, and performance standards.

3. Service and Pricing Considerations

   • Compare Services: Review what each type of contractor offers regarding services and support. Home performance contractors often provide more extensive services, including energy audits and efficiency improvements.

   • Understand Pricing: Home performance contractors might have higher upfront costs due to their comprehensive approach, but their services can lead to long-term savings on energy bills and home maintenance.

YouTube Playlist: Highlights of a Home Performance Bath Fan Install

When replacing a bathroom exhaust fan, consider the unique benefits of hiring a home performance contractor. Their holistic approach, expertise in building science, and commitment to quality assurance make them the ideal choice for ensuring your new fan enhances your home’s comfort, efficiency, and air quality.

For homeowners in Maryland, Hometrust Remodeling offers specialized services that provide lasting benefits and peace of mind.

For expert bathroom exhaust fan replacement and comprehensive home performance services in Maryland, contact Hometrust Remodeling today.

Schedule an assessment and discover how they can improve your home’s efficiency and comfort.