Powered Attic Ventilation Problems

Here are the most common problems that homeowners face with fans along with solutions to the problems.

Powered attic ventilation problems.

Although there are some benefits to this fact you may discover that there isn t enough strength to push the air out of the attic like you want. Here are some of the myths and the facts you need to know about attic ventilation. More attic ventilation is good. But my contractor is suggesting adding one to support a whole house fan due to the limited attic ventilation.

Another would be backdrafting a water heater and putting carbon monoxide in the house. The science behind attic ventilation however is sound. If the attic fan isn t turning on it could be an electrical issue a problem with the thermostat or the motor of the fan that s not working. Power attic ventilators can cause problems even without air conditioning.

If you choose solar attic fans over the traditional models then you are installing a product that will not be as powerful. Hello i really appreciate this website. The research concluded that if a powered attic ventilator will be used there must be a good air barrier between the living space and the attic. In the winter we get calls about wet attics.

This actually exacerbated the problem by increasing the pressure difference moving more humid outside air through the building cavity which created more condensation on the sheet metal duct. Sealed attics trap excessive heat and moisture which can lead to reduced shingle life. The underside of the roof deck can get very hot so hot you can t keep your hand on it. According to the article powered attic fans can create excess moisture structural problems and combustion safety in a home.

At temperatures of 150 f or more that s a lot of heat sitting there in that plywood or osb. I understand that powered attic ventilators have a lot of problems. Some of it will go directly into the attic air by conduction but that s a small amount because air isn t a good conductor. Attic fan not turning on.

Both of these problems are either caused or made worse by inadequate attic ventilation. One potential problem would be sucking moist moldy air up from the crawl space into the house. Attic ventilation problems can be caused by a number of things. A lack of intake ventilation is one of the biggest items.

In the summer we get calls about hot attics. Air movement can be a significant problem with some models. Insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture problems during the winter and decreased energy efficiency during the summer but too much ventilation can be just as bad if not worse. These are real problems from real houses that have really happened.