Local Knowledge About Attic Fans

Attics, especially in older homes, often lack proper ventilation. This causes a buildup of excess heat during the cooling season, and can lead to premature aging in roofing materials and excess heat inside the home. This is especially true if there is inadequate attic insulation. Louvers and roof ventilators help prevent heat and moisture buildup in the attic. Attic ventilation can greatly reduce home cooling costs, since temperatures in an unventilated attic can reach 145 degrees F on a hot summer day. The temperatures in a ventilated attic will usually not exceed 115 degrees F. A cooler attic results in cooler living areas. Thermostatically controlled attic fans are the means of last resort to assure proper attic ventilation. However, care should be taken to insure that there are no air leaks from inside the home to the attic. This will result in cooled or conditioned air being needlessly drawn into the attic and outside.