Attic Exhaust Fans

Attic exhaust fans play vital roles in ventilating a home and keeping the rooms comfortable, especially in the warm summer months. Because heat rises naturally, the warm air inside a house eventually ends up in the attic, where it may reach temperatures approaching 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat in your attic increases the workload on your air conditioning system, resulting in higher costs to cool your house's interior.

Even if your roof is equipped with vents to release the heated air in the attic, the air may not be expelled efficiently without the force of attic exhaust fans. These highly efficient attic exhaust fans push hot air out of your home, resulting in cooler temperatures in the upper portion of your home, on the other side of the attic doors. The cooler the attic, the less energy is expended in cooling your rooms. Attic exhaust fans also maintain air circulation throughout the year, so that moisture doesn't accumulate in your attic. Moist air can eventually affect the structural stability of a home and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Attic Fans and Energy Usage

Cooling a residence can be extremely expensive, especially if you live in a region of the country that experiences very high temperatures and high humidity in the spring and summer. In the warmer months, a significant percentage of the cost of cooling a residence may result from the heat in the upper regions of your house. When the space in these areas becomes stiflingly hot, the cost of air conditioning can increase dramatically. Exhaust fans keep the air flowing out of these areas of the building, where heat naturally tends to accumulate.

Thermostatically controlled exhaust fans respond to the temperature of the environment. When temperatures in the attic rise above a certain level, thermostatically controlled fans turn on automatically. An energy efficient fan will automatically exhaust the hot, dusty air in this space through the vents in the roof and the sides of the structure. With a humidistat, fans will automatically respond to exhaust moisture. For a relatively low cost, exhaust fans can result in a significant savings and a reduction in your family's impact on the environment.

When you work with an experienced contractor to install an efficient exhaust system, you'll soon notice that your residence is not only more livable in the summer, but that your energy bills are lower. If you're considering a remodel project in order to make your dwelling more energy efficient, a fan installed in your roof or in a gable will reduce energy usage, contributing to the health of the environment while saving you money. For the best results, discuss your plans for increasing the energy efficiency of your home with a home improvement specialist or electrician before you take on this project.

Installing Attic Exhaust Fans

For many homeowners, attics are the one area of the dwelling that's never used to its full potential. Attics may include an extensive amount of square footage; however, these rooms are often dedicated to storage. To turn this under-utilized space into a valuable bonus room, adequate ventilation is essential. Attic exhaust fans can turn an unlivable area into an extra living space. If the space at the top of your house is simply gathering heat, consult photos of remodeling projects for ideas about how you can make the most of this extra square footage.

Before you decide to invest in exhaust equipment, check the upper areas of your residence for signs of overheating. If you already have vents in place, they are probably providing a certain amount of air flow. Check your vents first to make sure they aren't clogged with leaves, dirt or other materials. If you have asphalt shingles that are warped by the effects of heat, the high temperatures may be coming from below your roof.

Roof and gable attic exhaust fans are available, and both models are fairly easy to install. Solar attic exhaust fans are innovative, environmentally friendly products that are powered by batteries charged by sunlight. You may need the help of a contractor to cut an opening in the roof to accommodate a rooftop product. In some cases, a model may be installed in the opening where a vent already exists. Consult a licensed professional about the most cost effective, energy efficient way to modify your roof or gable for the maximum ventilation.

Attic exhaust fans may seem like a relatively minor addition to your property. However, these inexpensive products can make a dramatic difference in the comfort level of your rooms and the cost of your air conditioning bills. In the cooler months, your equipment will control the moisture entering your dwelling and discourage the growth of mildew. Compare quotes from a number of licensed professionals in your area to find the best deal on equipment and installation.