How An Attic Fan Fits Into A Smart Energy-Savings Strategy

It may seem counterintuitive to add a fan to ventilate your attic, but it’s not. In fact, ventilation will help create a durable attic space and lower energy costs.

Why Ventilation?

In summer, your attic is prone to significant heat buildup, as hotter outdoor temperatures cause the attic space to become dangerously hot, often reaching temperatures above 150 degrees. And when humidity rises along with extreme temperatures, mold growth can occur. That can cause your home’s wood structure to warp or crack. Ventilation gives the attic a way to “breathe,” allowing relatively cooler outdoor air to move into the attic, and ushering hotter air out.

During winter, ventilation is necessary to keep the attic cool, decreasing the likelihood of ice dams, which can cause significant damage to the roof, eaves and the attic itself.

How To Ventilate Your Attic

A combination of an attic fan, along with venting, will ensure efficiency in both seasons. Installing an attic fan will draw cooler outdoor air into the attic through the soffit and gable vents, and circulate hot interior air out through exhaust vents.

It’s important to avoid blocking soffit vents with insulation, however, along with ensuring that the space is tightly sealed between the attic floor and the home’s living spaces. Otherwise, the fan will draw conditioned air from inside the house and move it into the attic. While it’s ideal to cool the attic, it’s not ideal to do so with cooled air from your home, which will dramatically increase energy costs — causing your A/C to work harder.

Talk to your local HVAC contractor before installing an attic fan. Most homeowners need professional help to assess current venting systems. An expert can help you select the best attic fan for your home.

With an attic fan correctly installed, you’ll create an efficient space that is well ventilated, and you’ll  prevent moisture problems, reduce energy costs, and create a more comfortable home — in every season. For expert advice, or to talk to a home-comfort expert about attic fans, contact us at Quality Mechanical Services today. Serving northwest Ohio homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about attic fans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Quality Mechanical services Lima, Kenton, Bellefontaine and Upper Sandusky in Ohio. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!