Have Your HVAC Technician Assess Your Attic Ventilation
Summer is nearly here, and for most parts of the country, that means relying heavily on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. It's always a good idea to schedule an annual air conditioning checkup with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professional, and spring is the best time to do so, before the HVAC technicians get busy with air conditioner repairs. But one thing homeowners often overlook is having an assessment of the ventilation system in their attic. Your attic's ventilation—or lack thereof—plays a big role in the efficiency of your air conditioner. Here is why you should consider scheduling an attic ventilation evaluation when you schedule your annual checkup.
Hot Air Rises
All summer long, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home at a tolerable temperature. As the temperature rises outside each day, so will the ambient air temperature in your house. Your air conditioner also must battle the sunlight streaming through the windows, the normal heat produced from cooking and bathing, and the heat that humans and their pets generate raising the temperature even higher.
While hot air typically rises, if your attic isn't properly ventilated, that heat is simply sitting there, with nowhere for it to go. It's like having an oven at the top of your house. This can make cooling your home very difficult for your air conditioner.
How Can This Hot Air Be Removed?
Attic fans are the best way to get the air flowing again. There are two options when it comes to attic fans. The first are gable fans. Two fans are installed in the attic in each gable end. One fan is set to draw cooler air in, while the other fan is reversed and expels the hot air out. Together they form an attic exhaust system.
The other type of attic fan is a rooftop fan. This is a single unit that is installed outside on the apex of your roof. The rotating blades simultaneously both remove the hot air and replace it with fresh air.
Another advantage of having your attic properly ventilated is that it can reduce ice buildup on your roof in the wintertime. Ice is heavy, and icicles that hang from your eaves can be dangerous, not just to your home but to people as well.
How Are Fans Operated?
While you can get traditional wired attic fans, it makes more sense in the long run to invest in solar-powered models. The sun is out when the fans need to most be utilized, so they will automatically run when you need them most.
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