Should I Have A Ridge Vent And Attic Fans

Attic fans are intended to cool hot attics by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents soffit and gable and pushing hot air to the outside.

Should i have a ridge vent and attic fans. One of the leading causes for fires. Ridge vent must me installed per the manufactures instructions. 5 stick to the formula for the roof as close as possible dont worry if you have to much soffit vent especially if you have electric fans. 4 if you have a ridge vent and if it is not effective most brands arent add old fashioned roof vents the average on requires a hole with an 8 inch diameter.

If you have suitable intake venting a ridge vent might be a better choice while larger attics and those with poor ventilation might be better served by an attic fan. Electric attic fans however often increase energy consumption and cancel out any savings unless the attic is not insulated at all. When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan consider the needs of the attic. Once inside the air heats up and rises higher ultimately exiting through venting at the roof s gables through ridge vents cut into the roof s apex or other vent holes in the roof.

The ventilation that controls moisture from condensation and regulates the temperature in your attic relies on air circulation. However if your attic has blocked soffit vents and is not well sealed from the rest of the house attic fans will suck cool conditioned air up out of the house and into the attic. Attic fans can also make a lot of noise. Choosing a ridge vent or an attic fan.

Do you need an attic fan if you have a ridge vent. Attic ventilation should protect the roof sheathing insulation and shingles from. One static vent style is the turbine vent which uses wind to power its enclosed fan all it takes is a light breeze to rotate the blades and suck heat out of the attic view example on the home. Air leaks by installing more roof vents such as a ridge vent you increase the possibility that most attic air will come from outside says tim carter a residential contractor in cincinnati.

Do not use mechanical means electric attic fans. With any attic ventilation system the attic can be 20 degrees hotter than outside. More than 50 of the attic fans i see do not work and have current still live to the motor. Most homes already have some passive attic venting built in.

If you have a hip roof with very little ridge a power fan with both a thermostat and humidistat for both temperature and humidity should be installed with no ridge vent.