Do Attic Fans Work Well

Do not use mechanical means electric attic fans.

Do attic fans work well.

Whether or not an attic fan really works is a controversial subject. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool. 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. But the house is incredibly comfortable.

Using a fan to blow hot air out of the attic doesn t address the radiant heat flow from the roof to the attic floor. Theory behind attic fans is they work on the principle of drawing hot air out of the attic and pushing it outside through the gable or roof levels. Here is some information so you can decide whether an attic fan is right for your home. 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.

Principal research scientist danny parker of the florida solar energy center has tested solar attic fans and says the gable end models work the best since they move considerably more air than roof mounted mushroom top units you can install pv fans yourself if you have good carpentry skills but it s not necessarily an easy job. Powered attic ventilators or attic fans just as they sound are designed explicitly for placing or installing in the attics. Cold air is drawn in from outside through the soffit vents or roof. A retrofit example that works.

How does an attic fan work. Much of that heat then conducts downward and finds its way into the house. Attic ventilation fans help cool air your attic by pushing out the stifling hot air from inside the attic and bringing in cool air from outside. This prevents hot air from seeping into your home and driving up the temperature in the living space which reduces the load on your air conditioner.

Good attic ventilation is excellent for preventing moisture and condensation but it is usually not enough for cooling in the summertime. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Energy professionals will tell you that they do more harm than good. Venting a homes attic is a very important best building practices will say 50 at the ridge and 50 at the soffits unobstructed.

Manufacturers of attic fans as well as hvac companies will tell you otherwise. As a certified licensed home inspector it is not correct to say too much ventilation is bad for an attic unless rain moisture is getting in.