Attic ventilation is an often overlooked home issue. Everyone knows the importance of adequate home and attic insulation to help reduce energy costs, but many are unaware of the benefits of proper attic ventilation and how to update a home to include some system of attic ventilation. Depending upon which method, or combination of methods, you choose for your home, adding attic ventilation can be a do-it-yourself project or one you leave up to a professional.
The Benefits of Attic Ventilation
Hot air rises, so heat naturally collects in your attic. Increasing the air flow in your attic will help keep the attic cool during warmer months, which will help reduce the costs of cooling the entire house. Additionally, the air flow and cooler attic space will help keep the roof cooler and prolong the life of shingles.
Attic ventilation also helps reduce the build-up of excess moisture in your attic, which is a benefit in both warmer and cooler weather. Reduced moisture lessens the chance of mold and mildew growth on the framing and sheathing under the roof during warmer months. During colder months, particularly in northern climates, the ventilation which keeps the attic cooler helps prevent the development of damaging ice dams on the roof.
Non-Mechanical Attic Ventilation Options
The most basic type of attic ventilation is the gable vent. Located at the uppermost portion of the attic, the gable vent will allow warmer air to escape, but does not encourage constant movement of air and does not provide uniform ventilation and cooling to the entire attic space.
For the most effective non-mechanical ventilation, a home should have ridge and soffit vents installed. Soffit vents are located along the soffit under the roof line and allow cooler air to enter the attic. Ridge vents, installed at the peak of the roof, allow warmer air to leave the attic. This dual venting system allows for uniform and constant movement of air. Since the process of cooling depends upon the natural qualities of warm and cool air, there is no fan required, so there are no additional energy costs. Installing ridge vents on a house can be done relatively easily and inexpensively. Adding vents to unvented soffits can also be an easy fix.
Mechanical Ventilation Options
If you want more than the effects of passive ventilation, or if you want to use a ventilation system in your attic to improve airflow throughout your entire home, there are attic and whole house fans to suit your needs.
An attic fan can be installed in the attic and used to actively blow out air, which increases air flow at a steady rate. You can find attic fans for both the roof top and gable vent areas of the attic, and you can choose from electric or solar powered units. When purchasing an attic fan, look for a fan with all-metal construction, and a quality thermostat. Be sure that the unit you purchase has a firestat, which will automatically shut off the fan should it detect high temperatures caused by a house fire. The last thing you want in a burning home is extra ventilation! When installing the attic fan, use a quality screen to keep unwanted guests out of your attic.
Whole house fans are often used in homes in cooler climates where air-conditioners are not necessary. This type of fan, located in the attic, is strong enough to increase ventilation and, therefore, cool an entire house. Whole house fans cool more efficiently than air-conditioning units, but can be very noisy. There are two types of whole house fans: direct drive and belt driven. Belt driven units are more expensive, but are considered overall to be more powerful, quieter, and longer lasting than direct drive fans. Another idea for reducing noise annoyances with your whole house fan is to choose a fan that is larger and stronger than what you need for your home. Running the fan on lower power will reduce the noise.
Get the Air Moving
Since you may never have paid much attention to your vents, check out the attic space in your home. For there you can decide whether your attic needs better ventilation. Consider your options and browse your local building supply store to learn more about the various products on the market. And whether you choose to tackle the job yourself or hire someone else to do it, attic ventilation is a home improvement project that will not only affect your long-term energy and home-maintenance costs, but will keep you and your family more comfortable year-round.
