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Another vent fan ?

881 views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Gary in WA 
#1 ·
So another question in regards to my attic vent fan. I am curious if you guys think I should have it hooked up and why. I have heard so many opinions but still curious. The fan kicks on at a particular temp and runs until below that temp.

Thanks guys

Zach
 
#2 ·
What other venting do you have?
Is there soffit vents, gables, ridge?
What style roof is this?
It's always best to include your location in your profile. Just go to quick links to edit.
 
#3 ·
I am located in Virginia Beach VA. I do have the soffits but that is it. No other type of vents and the vent fan is only on one side of the roof.

I just hear a lot of people say that these fans just suck out heat or air when trying to keep the right temp in the house. Then I hear from others that they are good.

Zach
 
#4 ·
I just hear a lot of people say that these fans just suck out heat or air when trying to keep the right temp in the house. Then I hear from others that they are good.

Zach
Uh, sucking out the hot air in your attic IS good. That's what the fan is for. And if you really have only soffit vents, you don't have any attic ventilation at all without it. Are you sure you don't have a ridge vent or gable vents? I have owned houses with no attic ventilation whatsoever (common in the old days) but never one with just soffit vents - there'd be no point to them.
 
#7 ·
Better still, add a humidistat instead of thermostat to control the moisture in the attic. Air-seal the attic, control indoor RH of the rooms below, monitoring signs of excessive attic moisture before you add ridge vents; http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2002/rose02a.pdf
Soffit vents alone will vent the attic but requires wind pressure; http://archive.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/irc/doc/pubs/bpn/57_e.pdf

Power fans do have their drawbacks; http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-...c-Suck-Power-Attic-Ventilators-Are-a-Bad-Idea

http://www.homeenergy.org/show/article/year/1995/id/1165

http://books.google.com/books?id=Eq...+vents&lr=&as_brr=3&cd=33#v=onepage&q&f=false

Gary
PS. do you get ice dams?
 
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