Attic Fans vs. Attic Ventilation - Which is Correct?

Dr. Energy Saver can assess your attic ventilation
as part of an overall home energy checkup.

Vents Help Your Attic Breathe

Good attic ventilation is essential, whether you have a radiant barrier or not. Without good attic ventilation, moisture can easily build up inside your attic space. Damp insulation loses its R-value, and moisture on wood and gypsum board provides ideal conditions for mold to grow. Dr. Energy Saver can assess your attic ventilation as part of an overall energy checkup. Attic ventilation typically consists of a combination of soffit vents (installed along the eaves) and ridge vents, but vents can also be installed in gable ends.

Beware of Powered Attic Fans and Ventilators (PAVs)

Powered attic ventilators (PAVs) are a common "solution" to scorching attic temperatures. These specially designed vent fans mount on the attic roof or in the gable end of the house, and are usually controlled by a thermostat that turns on the fan when the attic reaches a certain temperature. In theory, a PAV is supposed to exhaust hot attic air and pull cooler outside air into the attic space. But in practice, PAVs often suck conditioned air from your living space.

Wall and roof-mounted attic fans.

Since you don't want to be cooling your attic with air that's supposed to be cooling your house, it's wise to be wary of PAVs. With a radiant barrier in your attic, you have a proven home energy saving feature that doesn't consume any electricity and won't suck away air that you've paid to cool and dehumidify.

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