Attic Exhaust Fans Vs Ridge Vents

Do not use mechanical means electric attic fans.

Attic exhaust fans vs ridge vents.

A ridge vent is a passive system and offers less air movement and in moderate climates this style tends to be sufficient. Fans are needed only when there isn. In the case of ridge vents when heat builds up inside the attic it makes sense that there should be a means of moving the hot air out other than relying on natural ventilation especially if there is little to no air movement outside. More than 50 of the attic fans i see do not work and have current still live to the motor.

One insists on using the ridge vents with no exhaust and the other sides with the use of exhaust fans. In more extreme climates one or more turbines will provide better circulation. For optimal performance ridge vents require soffit venting to bring air up and out the top of the roof. This is different from soffit vents which allow air to travel into the attic.

As warm air rises in your attic fresh air is drawn in through soffit vents. That depends on your roof. Without ventilation unfinished attic spaces can end up having stagnant air. What makes ridge vents so effective is how they run the length of your roof.

In a properly designed passive system air enters through the soffit vents rises by convection in the attic and exits through the vents in the roof or gables. Like attic fans ridge vents are designed to exhaust air that is already inside the attic. Best ventilation is open soffit venting to a open vented ridge vent. Without any air movement temperatures in the attic soar in summer and plunge in winter.

Ridge vent must me installed per the manufactures instructions. Ridge vents are an ideal solution to ventilation in an ideal attic. Ridge vents are a passive system simply allowing hot air to rise up through them rather than pushing it out as a fan does. A ridge vent or a solar attic fan.

Ridge vent vs solar attic fan. Which is better for your roof.