When you hear the term “attic fan,” you might immediately wonder what good it would do. You don’t spend much time in your attic, so why would you need a fan up there?
Attic fans, however, are extremely useful devices. Their purpose is to remove excess heat and moisture in the attic. During the summer, the radiant heat from the sun on a roof can superheat the attic to a sizzling 130°F. True, you won’t go up there, but that heat affects your home in other ways.
We offer attic fan installation in Yakima, WA, and we’d like to explain all the ways you can benefit from getting an attic fan.
Better Indoor Comfort
An attic fan can have a direct affect on comfort in your home. Because the attic gets extremely hot, it becomes a heat sink that distributes extra heat to the rooms below. Attic insulation slows this down, but an attic fan will make an ever bigger difference. The house may be 8°F cooler because of an attic fan, and in a mild summer climate (like ours) this is definitely something you’ll notice!
Energy Savings
With the attic fan keeping your house from getting so hot, you won’t need to run the air conditioner as frequently—8°F often is the difference in whether you need the AC on or not. So not only will you feel cooler, you’ll pay less on your cooling costs. Plus, attic fans work silently and efficiently, creating a more pleasant environment for you and your family than running the AC all the time.
Extended Roof Lifespan
Excessive heat buildup in your attic will take a toll on your roof’s longevity. The extreme temperatures can speed up the deterioration of roofing materials, leading to premature aging, warping, and cracking. With an attic fan helping to regulate the temperature, you’ll prevent the accumulation of heat and lower the strain on your roof and give it a longer life, avoiding an expensive early roof replacement. The fan helps protect the roof in winter as well because it vents out moisture that can get into the roof and create wood rot.
Prevention of Mold and Mildew Growth
Attics are susceptible to moisture buildup that rises up from the house. This creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can cause structural damage to your home and create health risks for your family. Attic fans help control moisture levels by expelling the humid air and preventing condensation from forming. With attic ventilation, you’ll minimize the chances of mold and mildew growth and the problems that come with them.
Better Indoor Air Quality
A less well-known advantage of an attic fan is the significant improvement in indoor air quality. Attic spaces tend to accumulate heat, moisture, and pollutants such as dust, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Without ventilation, these contaminants can find their way into your living areas. Attic fans expel stale air, excess moisture, and pollutants, keeping the air in your house fresher and cleaner.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”