Powered Attic Ventilation

Powered attic ventilation was originally developed as a method of ventilating attics to prevent ice buildup and water leakage resulting from what is called “ice dams,” as well as attic frost, in the northern states. Manufacturers of these vents found that they could extend the market if they promoted powered attic vents as a method of extending roof life. In pursuit of even bigger markets, they found that they could promote a ventilated attic as a way of saving on utility bills in the summer months.

Powered attic ventilation does sometimes make a two-story home feel cooler on the second floor because cool air is being drawn upward despite it’s natural inclination to go to the lowest points in the home. Venting inside air into the attic through the typical air leaks found in a home is an expensive way to cool the upstairs.

Studies sponsored by various state governments have determined that the benefit from a Powered Attic Ventilator under almost any conditions is minimal, but the harm can be substantial. Significant air-conditioning capacity is often wasted, and the home’s air is likely to be more humid than it otherwise would be, as makeup air is pulled through anywhere it can enter the home . . . like maybe a damp crawl space.

It is our recommendation that Powered Attic Ventilators should be disconnected and made inoperable. On the other hand, we offer no objections to any kind of natural attic ventilation, as there is insufficient vacuum created to draw air from the home.

Jack Frost has a video providing about a quarter of an hour of information from a presentation that provides hard evidence and examples of the many ways that powered attic ventilation costs you money and encourages mold growth, dust infiltration, and other harmful effects. If you would like to see the video, let us know and we will make an appointment for you to come in and view this video at our facility, at no charge.