You insulate the whole home, even in the attic. But when people add attic ventilation fans, you seem surprised because it goes against the purpose of insulation.

However, according to the ENERGY STAR website, this combination is more energy-efficient and durable.

How Do Attic Fans Work?

If you are wondering, “do attic fans really work?” the following explanation can provide a clear answer.

Summer airflow allows super-heated air to escape from a well-ventilated attic. It protects the roof from retaining moisture while the insulation resists heat transfer.

On the other hand, in winter, following a snowfall, ice melts from the roof and re-freezes in the gutter system. Natural airflow from the outdoor keeps the attic space cool. Therefore, attic ventilation fans will reduce the potential for the formation of ice dams.

Although freezing winters are extremely rare in Texas, the recent snowstorm can serve as an example.

Importance of Good Attic Ventilation Fans in Summer

Texas summers are noted to bring in heatwaves, and your attic may be the last place you want to visit. It is stuffy and crampy in there, but even in that stifling heat, it is crucial that you check up on the health of attic fans.

Your roof absorbs the heat from the summer’s blazing sun, radiating it through the attic. It conducts down to the home’s framing and the entire structure, including the actual living space.

As a result, you blast your AC to the fullest, which leads to abnormal energy bills.

Attic ventilation fans act as a heat shield and decrease indoor temperature.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make in Attic Ventilation

Many homes already have soffit vents near the eaves, acting as passive attic vents. As high temperatures drive up the indoor heated air, it exits through the vents in the roof’s gables, apex, ridge vents, and other openings.

This process creates negative pressure and sucks in cool air from the soffits, and this cycle repeats itself. To know if do attic fans really work, all you have to do is add gable or roof fans and see the interior temperature drop further.

However, some homeowners make the mistake of covering their attic fans with insulation, which can lead to dangerous situations. Fire hazards due to backdrafts can happen inside the home.

Moreover, if the attic has R-19 ceiling insulation and natural ventilation, you don’t need powered attic ventilation fans. Adding them will only increase your expenditure.

How to Lower Your Bills Even If You Add Several Attic Fans?

You can cut costs when you use gable fans with a preset temperature limit. Other options include choosing solar-powered fans that need no wiring.

Even if the attic ventilation fans need a power source, you can save money with an affordable energy plan. Shop Texas Electricity has a variety of energy plans that are ideal for several usage levels and home sizes.

Compare Texas electricity rates in your Zip code now!