Summer’s the season when attic fan benefits can really pay off. Solar heat accumulates in an enclosed attic on a hot summer day. When outdoor temperatures reach 95 degrees, temperatures inside the attic can rise as high as 150 degrees.
Ideally, attic temperatures should not rise more than 20 degrees above the outdoor temperature. However, passive ventilation such as simple roof vents often don’t provide enough air circulation through the attic to reduce temperatures adequately. An attic vent fan powered by a connection to a household electrical circuit or by a solar panel pulls cooler outdoor air into the attic space and flushes out trapped heat. Here are some attic fan benefits to consider:
- Greater Comfort. It goes without saying that comfort is one of the most — if not the most — important of the attic fan benefits you can enjoy. Attic heat radiating through the ceiling raises temperatures in rooms below. In summer, attics often remain overheated long after sunset and continue to influence room temperatures even at night. A steady flow of outdoor air circulating through the attic to moderate temperatures keeps living spaces more comfortable day and night.
- Lower Operating Costs. Infiltrating attic heat makes your air conditioner run longer cycles to maintain thermostat settings. This means higher monthly bills. Electrical consumption for an attic exhaust fan is far less than the expense of a central air conditioner running extended cycles to counteract the effect of attic heat.
- Reduced AC Wear and Tear. Longer air-conditioner cycles due to the influence of attic heat also puts more strain on the central air conditioner. A well-ventilated attic reduces stress on the system, making costly repairs or replacement due to excess wear less likely.
- Improved Cooling Performance. HVAC ductwork is typically routed through the attic. An overly hot attic can overheat metal ductwork installed there, raising the temperature of cool airflow through the ducts. Lower attic temperatures help keep air circulating throughout the system cooler.
For all your heating and air needs, contact the HVAC professionals at Jackson & Sons.