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Attics can have a significant effect on the temperature, comfort level, and condition of the rest of your house. Proper attic ventilation is the best way to head off most attic problems and keep the space dry and at a tolerable temperature.
An attic with little or no ventilation can contribute to many troubles in your home. They can:
Overheat in the summer and cause excess heat to be transferred into every area of your home. This drives up indoor temperatures and makes your air conditioning system work harder to keep up with the additional demand.
Develop moisture problems that can damage your home’s structure, roof, attic floor, and insulation. Mold and mildew can develop, and insects and other pests can find an inviting environment in which to live.
Produce increased amounts of airborne contaminants, particulates, and odors that can reduce your indoor air quality.
When it comes to ventilating your home, keep these points in mind:
Put in enough vents. There must be enough vents to properly ventilate the entire attic space. Ridge vents are usually the best type of static vent to use in the attic.
An attic fan or heat recovery ventilator will provide high levels of air circulation and ventilation.
Be careful of roof penetrations. Every vent you put in requires another roof penetration where water leaks, wind damage, and energy loss can occur.
In general, attics should have 1 square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. Don’t restrict ventilating efforts just because of cooler climates. Even in winter, it’s important to ventilate your attic to cut down on moisture buildup and related damage.
Some air and energy will escape through the vents, but this loss is acceptable when compared to the moisture damage, mold growth, and other problems that can occur in a poorly ventilated attic space.
For more than 12 years, Pipe Works Services has offered top-quality professional heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services to customers in the Chatham area and surrounding communities. Contact us today for more information on attic ventilation and how it can help benefit your family and your home. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, NJ, and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
