Attic Ventilation Checklist

Idea

Installing a solar powered roof vent fan to increase attic ventilation can save energy and increase the useful life of your roof.

 

Routine Care

Check attic vents and fans

The reason for this task is that your attic space sits between the insulation in your ceiling (the floor of the attic) and your roof.If air circulation in this region is not adequate, your attic will be too warm in the winter and too hot in the summer.

This area being too warm in the winter can lead to the formation of ice dams in snowy climates. And this area being too hot in summer means your air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy.

Timing: September (yearly)

Check attic for leaks and pest openings

Checking for leaks is to prevent serious water damage. Checking for cracks and openings is to prevent infestation of pests.

Sealing openings to the outside inside of your house will help you conserve energy.

Timing: March (yearly)

Check attic for insulation movement

Poorly placed insulation not only means your heating and cooling systems have to work harder (which costs you more money for energy and shortens their service lives).

And in snowy climates, heat loss to a roof can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof which can cause water damage inside your home.

Timing: September (every 3 years)

How To

Your attic insulation should be inspected to ensure that it has not shifted out of place, and no openings have been created where heat can pass through.

Benefits

Energy Savings
Comfort & Convenience
Health & Safety
The benefits of this task are relatively high. Doing this task can help maintain the energy efficiency of your home, and in snowy regions of the country it can help prevent ice dams.

Costs

The cost of this task can be moderately high, from an investment of time standpoint, depending on how easy or difficult it is to access your attic spaces. You will likely need a good flashlight to complete this task.

 

Originally posted at http://www.petermuehlbronner.home-wizard.com/idea/ATT_10

Posted in