Was considering a powered roof vent with a thermostat to control it.My question is how to locate power line to run this ,or do you have to run a new and seperate power line to my attic space.Can you feed off of a light fixture in a upper bedroom?I,m somewhat handy ,but don,t have a clue as to where to get a power line from.In the process I’ ll have to lay down some plywood down ontop of my loose fill insulation in the attic space,but I don’t want to compress my insulation down.Is there any way of building up the joists so as not to compress the insulation?Roofer Rob ,my buddy is going to do the install of the actual power vent,but I like to have the power there for him.
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Greetings satajet, As a first time poster Welcome to Breaktime.
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someones attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
Assuming your house has roof configuration to support it, get roofer rob to install ridge vents http://www.airvent.com/homeowner/products/ridgeVents-shingleVent.shtml
The actual efficiency/power consumption/payback of power roof vents is debatable and a passive device is always preferable if it will do the job.
To address one of your actual questions, if you pull the power off a ceiling fixture - the fan will only operate when that ceiling fixture is on...
Re getting around in the attic, is the roof framed with manufactured trusses or is it stick framed with actual rafters and ceiling joists?
I do believe it has manufactured truses.To respond to the power VS energy savings answer you provided,um,thats not really my concern as the second story in my semi. gets noticable hotter than my main floor.I believe the attic space,when heated, is preventing proper cooling of the second floor.The A/C can run till the cows come home but my second floor stays somewhat warmer.Thank you for responding
If you want to avoid wiring hassles, you can use a Solar Powered gable vent. The wire only carries 24vDC, and you could connect them yourself without worring about burning the house down. Automatic roof vent costs about $50, Solar powered costs about $280 at Lowes. It's not a perfect nor final solution, but it is a quick and easy start.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
The attached quick drawing that shows a method I have used to allow attic access without compressing the insulation on trussed roofs - which is somewhat dependant on your truss design.
Sorry though, but I don't necessarily concur with your solution to the hot second floor problem. In addition to adequate attic ventilation, you may need to look at adding some attic insulation, and/or reviewing the design and performance of your HVAC system. Ie - assuming forced air system perhaps your 2nd floor return is undersized, or maybe some of the dampers in your system could be adjusted to get the air where you need it. Of coarse since you didn't tell us where you live - could be Montana or could be Florida - it's all just a guess.
In any case, I'll bet you $5 that once you install this power ventilator you will not have a "solved problem". I can guarantee you though that you will increase your power bills. For the sake of safety, it needs to be hard wired in - no extension cords... and really it sounds like you need an electrician. Matt