Proper Attic Ventilation Tips
A Guide for Homeowners
Proper attic ventilation can reduce the load on your home’s air conditioner and save you money on energy bills. Circulating the air in the attic also eliminates moisture that can cause rotting or mold. Most attic ventilation setups use roof vents and electric fans to remove the hot air. A good attic ventilation system requires both an air intake module and an air exhaust module. Failure in either of these parts will cause an imbalance of heat and moisture in the attic.
Proper attic ventilation: Air intake
Soffit vents are usually used as the air intake method in most typical attic ventilation systems. The vents are generally made of fiberglass and should include some type of screen to keep insects out of your attic. The soffit vents are installed horizontally, with one between every other rafter. If your attic has poor ventilation, adding more soffit vents is often an easy way to increase the airflow. Simply trace an outline of your desired vent on the soffit’s drywall, then cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure the hole is not blocked by any of the insulation in the attic. Use drywall screws with coarse threads to install the vent.
Proper attic ventilation: Power roof vents
The exhaust portion of an attic ventilation system can be handled by power roof vents, turbine vents, or ridge vents. Power roof vents use an electrically-powered spinning fan to blow hot air out of the attic. These power vents are usually connected to a thermostat that turns the fan on when the temperature reaches a certain level. There are also solar-powered roof vents that operate in a similar manner, but are fueled by solar energy instead of electricity from the grid. Since wiring is involved and it’s a fairly dangerous task for the inexperienced, it’s best to call a licensed contractor to install these. Most electricians or HVAC companies will usually be able to help you out here.
Proper attic ventilation: Turbine vents
Turbine vents are basically power roof vents without the electrical or solar power. This type of attic ventilation depends on wind power to turn the blades of the turbine’s fan. Most roofing companies will install these for you. Obviously, turbine vents are only effective in areas that receive a good amount of wind in the summer. Otherwise, you are probably better off choosing a roof venting system that is powered by another energy source.
Proper attic ventilation: Ridge vents
Ridge vents are simply vents installed along the ridge of a home’s roof. Shingles are usually used to cover the vents and help them blend in with the rest of the house. Ridge vents include a baffle mechanism that creates a low-pressure condition inside the roof, drawing the hot air toward the top and out the vents. The baffle also serves as protection, keeping rain water and moisture from dripping into the attic.