Energy-efficient homes are getting more common these days, with many homeowners switching to methods like energy-efficient windows, insulated exterior walls, upgraded attic ventilation systems and air conditioners that operate on low power up to 24 hours a day.
These new systems are all aimed at reducing the cost of utility bills for your home. They also help keep your outdoor living spaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter without much hassle.
One thing many homeowners often forget about is roof ventilation.
While roof vents can be effective systems that help keep your home cool in summer and warm in the winter, there is often a downside to these systems. This is where ventilation fans come in handy.
These fans can work as a better alternative to conventional roof exhaust vents when combined with proper ventilation controls. You can ventilate your attic and other spaces well without all the heat loss and energy consumption that comes with traditional roof exhaust vents.
One thing you need to keep in mind, however, is that ventilation fans and roof vents are two very different elements of a home ventilation system. Roof vents are mostly used to remove hot air from your attic in the summer days, while ventilation fans are designed to bring cooler air into your attic and other living spaces during the cold winter nights.
You may be tempted to use your fans for both purposes simultaneously, but it isn’t necessary. While you can use a roof exhaust vent and a ventilation fan to achieve the same goal, it isn’t required and could even be counterproductive.
When used in this manner, you could experience an increase in energy consumption without any significant benefit.
Ventilation flow rates are different for each system, so the pressure between your attic space and living spaces inside your home will vary significantly. This can cause a significant impact on your HVAC system as well as providing negative results for overall comfort levels within your home during the winter months.
Closing Notes
Roofing ventilation may seem like a complicated concept at first, but it is pretty simple. You just need to understand the basic flow rates and pressures involved. You can easily make a decision that will keep your home comfortable all year long.
Roof exhaust vents are usually used in the summer to keep hot air out, while roof-top ventilation fans are used during the winter to keep cool air from escaping inside your home.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Largo Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
