Attic Ventilation
An Important Part of Your Home's Design
In hot weather, proper ventilation prevents the attic from becoming a hot box that spills unwanted heat down through the attic floor, into the living area. Improper attic ventilation can lead to higher energy consumption, as an air-conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant indoor temperature on the upper floors.
Ventilation in Winter
In cold weather, proper ventilation helps prevent moisture from condensing on the insulation, structral members, shingles or on the roof. This will minimize chances for mold growth and will help prolong the life of these components. Proper ventilation, combined with proper insulation, is the key to reducing the chances of ice-dams forming along the lower roof edge in the wintertime. The chart below shows an example of proper ventilation and air exchange, combined with quality insulation, in your attic:
Ventilation in Summer
Your attic can reach temperatures of 150 to 160 degrees on a hot summer day, even when outside air temperatures are only in the high nineties. The load on your air conditioner can be significant when this occurs. Reduction of attic temperatures from 155 degrees to 105 degrees F will result in a significant reduction in cooling load. Without adequate insulation, heat movement through ceilings may account for 30 percent or more of the total cooling cost.
Proper Ventilation Benefits Throughout the Seasons
Proper ventilation of your attic can greatly reduce your heating and cooling bills by reducing movement of heat from your attic into your home during the summers. In the winters, combined with quality insulation, proper ventilation can reduce and eliminate ice damming from your roof and lower your heating bills.
Contact us today for a no-obligation assessment of your attic ventilation and insulation needs.
More Ventilation Information
