Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation helps reduce heat and moisture in the attic. The goal is to create an ideal environment for your attic space. Achieving this ideal environment relies on controlling heat and moisture. The most effective method to reduce heat and moisture is with the use of fans to move and distribute air evenly to effectively dry the air and reduce the heat. The number of fans needed is determined by the size of your attic. First, let’s briefly examine the primary concerns that arise in an attic so that we can gain a better understanding of why we need to address them.
Attic Moisture
Moisture issues in the attic often originate from activities inside your home. Everyday tasks like cooking, showering, and doing laundry release moisture into the air. The problem arises when this moisture travels upward and seeps through openings and gaps between your living areas and the attic. Once the warm moist air encounters a cold surface, like the roof deck, it can quickly turn into condensation. Furthermore, if this moisture problem goes unresolved, it can lead to mold, mildew, and wood damage in your attic.
Additionally, a well-designed and ventilated attic creates the ideal environment for your space. It is crucial to establish proper ventilation, seal any gaps, and insulate the area between your living space and the attic in order to establish the best environment for your space.
Attic Heat
Addressing attic heat is essential to protect your home from potential damage and to maintain energy efficiency. Attic heat typically begins when the sun heats up the roofing shingles. This heat can then transfer into the framework of your home, affecting the temperature in your living space. This increase in indoor heat forces your HVAC system to work harder, potentially causing damage or reducing the life of the unit.
To combat this issue, proper ventilation plays a key role by ensuring there’s sufficient airflow in your attic. This involves exchanging the hot air inside the attic with cooler air from outside, effectively reducing the heat buildup.
How Many Attic Fans Do I Need?
The size of your attic space is important in determining the number of fans you need for proper ventilation. In order to determine the number of fans you will need; you must calculate the cubic footage of the attic. You are really figuring out how much fan power calculated as Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) you need to exchange the air in the attic approximately six times in an hour.
The calculations below are based on the use of ATMOX 225 CFM Attic Fans with operation directed by the ATMOX Attic Controller.
Calculating the Number of Attic Fans
First, multiply the approximate Length times Width to calculate square footage. Next, take the Height at the peak and divide it in half. Then, multiply the square footage times half the Height. (see illustration below) This will give you the approximate Cubic Feet of your space.
How Many Attic Fans Do I Need?
The recommendation is one Exhaust fan per 2,000 Cubic Feet and Joist Mounted Fans if needed. Attics can sometimes have challenging areas with limited airflow, so internal fans with or without ducting can be a valuable addition to ensure proper ventilation throughout your attic space.
In order to create an ideal environment in your attic space, it’s essential to calculate the number of fans required based on the cubic footage of your attic to get proper air exchanges. The calculations ensure that your attic ventilation system effectively controls heat and moisture, safeguarding your home from potential issues while promoting energy efficiency. If you need assistance, reach out to ATMOX for expert guidance and solutions.
