Unlike ridge vents attic fans use electricity and need regular maintenance to keep working properly.
Ridge vent vs attic fan roof.
Ridge vents do not always provide the proper ventilation in some homes.
Without any air movement temperatures in the attic soar in summer and plunge in winter.
Choosing a ridge vent or an attic fan.
Adding roof ridge vents can reduce summer air conditioning costs prevent roof mildew and rot and keep your roof in better shape longer.
Most effective ventilation uses a ridge and soffit continuous ventilation system but even these designs can vary from roof to roof.
Attic fans can also make a lot of noise.
Purchasing an electric or solar attic fan may not provide the savings that homeowners expect.
Installing roof ridge vents and more attic insulation are better options experts say.
It has the ability to work with vaulted ceilings and you only need one of them to get the job done for ventilation as compared to multiple box vents.
If you don t know how your roof vents work or if you re unsure about your attic ventilation in general you should talk to a roof inspector about your current system and any inherent weaknesses that may be at.
You ll be able to move air throughout the attic without the use of fans or turbines when enough space is given to this vent design.
Continuous ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof s ridge allowing for warm air to escape from the attic.
List of the cons of roof ridge vents.
Combining an attic power vent fan with a ridge vent is usually not recommended because.
When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan consider the needs of the attic.
It could reverse the natural flow of hot air out the ridge vent.
Without ventilation unfinished attic spaces can end up having stagnant air.
A ridge vent installed along a roof s peak will move hot and humid air up and out of the attic.
It also works better because it creates a vacuum.
The effect of ridge vents for the roof depends upon the energy efficient nature of the structure.
If air is drawn in through the ridge vent while it s raining it might pull rainwater in with it which could lead to leaking or mold in the attic.
Also since the fan is powered by the sun it should turn off when the sky is overcast during a storm which will keep it from drawing rain into the attic.