Powered Attic Fan And Ridge Vent

By installing more roof vents such as a ridge vent you increase the possibility that most attic air will come from outside says tim carter a residential contractor in cincinnati.

Powered attic fan and ridge vent.

When the power vent goes on it can actually pull air from the ridge vent which can cause an imbalance of airflow along the underside of the roof deck. When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan consider the needs of the attic. Having both a power vent and ridge vent installed on your roof can short circuit the attic ventilation system. A fan may actually suck air conditioned air from your home into the attic.

And then the vent fits on top of that. Since your solar vent fan only moves 500 cfm a third to half that of a typical hardwired attic vent fan it probably won t move enough air to reverse the action of the ridge vent. Attic fans can also make a lot of noise. An attic fan is an active system that actually forces air out.

Unlike ridge vents attic fans use electricity and need regular maintenance to keep working properly. Also since the fan is powered by the sun it should turn off when the sky is overcast during a storm which will keep it from drawing rain into the attic. If all this seems like too much to take in you can always call on the pros for help. Choosing a ridge vent or an attic fan.

And be careful with the type of vent that you. Ridge vents are a passive system simply allowing hot air to rise up through them rather than pushing it out as a fan does. Make sure the ridge line is cut open at least an inch to an inch and a half so you have a good wide gap at the top. Fan rarely necessary vents that run along the roof ridge are an alternative to those that exit through the roof decking or gables and if the ridge is long enough they may be the only roof vents.