Attic Fans & Ventilation

Why You Need an Attic Fan

Attic fans serve several purposes. First and foremost, they cool your attic and the rest of your home by pushing out hot air through the attic vents and replacing it with cooler air from outdoors. Most fans use a simple soffit and gable ventilation system to draw in the cooler air. This saves energy, especially in the fall and spring months when you might not want to run your central A/C all day and night.

Second, attic fans promote good air circulation. This reduces the humidity in your attic, inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew. Their installation can save you lots of money on repairs and mold treatment in the future and improve the air quality inside your home.

Finally, attic fans can extend the life of your roof. Asphalt shingle roofs are very common in North Texas, but they are at a disadvantage during the hotter months. Super-heated attics cause heat to rise up through the shingles, which damages them over time and shortens their lifespan. Dark-colored shingles are especially vulnerable, since dark colors absorb more heat. A dark shingled roof can cause your attic temperatures to rise between 20 and 40 degrees. You can prevent this damage by installing an attic fan and ventilation.

Here are some additional benefits of using an attic fan and ventilation system:

• More energy-efficient than central A/C.
• Doesn’t require gas.
• Affordable and low maintenance.
• Good to have if your A/C goes out.
• H&H Heating and Air gives great service at a great price.

Getting the Most Out of Your Attic Fan

Though attic fans are energy-efficient and require very little upkeep, there are some steps you must take to make sure they are giving you the best possible results. Homeowners commonly make the mistake of not checking to make sure the vents are clean and clear. Insulation in your attic and debris on your roof can block your attic vents, causing the heat to rise and your A/C to work harder than it should to compensate. It’s a good practice to check your vents periodically, especially after storms have passed through the area.

It’s also important to leave your windows open when your fan is running. The fan and ventilation system depend on the availability of cool outside air. They create a negative pressure that sucks in the outside air through open vents and windows, causing it to pass through and cool your entire home. If your windows are closed, the fan will not be able to create a cool airflow like it should. Be sure to open them up so you and your family can fully enjoy the benefits of your attic fan.