Hot Attic? Consider Boosting Ventilation With An Attic Fan

When the weather outside is warm, homeowners rarely consider their hot attic. Though you may not give it much thought, a hot attic that’s not properly ventilated may be contributing to your utility spending. To reduce energy usage and improve your home comfort, consider installing an attic fan.

• Determine your need. Before making the decision to install an attic fan, evaluate its ventilation. In terms of vents, more is better. If in doubt, take a look at your shingles. Typical signs of an overheated attic include bulging shingles or asphalt shingles with curled up corners. Also check to see if your vents are clogged with debris. If your vents aren’t controlling the heat on their own, you may benefit from an attic fan.
• Select a fan. There are two basic styles of attic fans. A roof fan can be installed by cutting an opening near the peak of your roof and inserting the fan. A gable wall fan is simpler to install because no shingles need be disturbed. If you already have a vent in your gable, you may be able to mount the fan behind it, eliminating the need for structural alterations.
• Reap the benefits. You can reap big benefits from placing a fan in a hot attic. Your attic is capable of reaching temperatures as high as 150 degrees, and the heat from your attic can account for approximately 20 percent of your utility bill. You will also be saving money in the long term, as an overly hot attic can decrease the life of your roofing materials. Additionally, as more heat will be removed from your home, you will enjoy increased comfort from your cooling system.

If your home seems too hot and your energy bill is out of control, assess your need for an attic fan. This simple and affordable solution can raise your comfort levels and lower your spending.

Sobieski serves Wilmington, Delaware and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems). For more information about ventilation, attic fans and other HVAC topics, visit our website today.

Image Credit: Mr. Tom