This may be a stupid question, but here goes:::
The air handler for my second floor is in the attic. Here in beautiful Maryland, the temperature in that attic is probably around 200° during the day. The air handler and the ductwork is insulated, but it’s still probably working extra hard to cool the floor below.
Anyway, I’m considering adding an attic fan on the roof to exhaust the heat from the attic just to lower the temperature up there a bit. Here’s the question – Will a roof mounted attic fan suck air from the living space and compete with the air handler? The soffits are vented and there’s a ridge vent. I’d like to know that I’m at least not being counterproductive.
Replies
Will a roof mounted attic fan suck air from the living space and compete with the air handler?
It's very possible that will happen. The fan will create negative pressure in the attic which may cause more leakage from the living space. There is also a great possiblity that air will enter the ridge vent to exit the thru the power vent creating a static pocket below.
If you have the proper amount of inlet/outlet for your attic size, the power vent shouldn't make a great deal of difference, but will use electricity to not make that much of a difference.
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Make sure your soffit vents aren't plugged up with insulation before you do anything. There should be free air flow from the soffit up and out.
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We installed a power roof vent 8 - 10 years ago and it made a significant difference to the temperature in the bedrooms of our split level home. It reduces the attic temperature thus reducing the running time for the air conditioner. I'm just waiting for our electrician to come and replace the motor - - I hope it's soon because the air conditioner is certainly working overtime.
Pump-n-dump a thick layer of cellulose insulation on top of your existing attic insulation and your bedrooms below will significantly be cooler WITHOUT having to run that attic exhaust fan.
The cellulose will block radiant heat and conductive heat from the attic.
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