The Importance of Attic Ventilation

Most homeowners know that proper attic insulation is a key factor to increasing the heating efficiency of your home. What many aren’t aware of is the importance of proper attic ventilation for both cooling efficiency and structural integrity. Below we’ll outline a few key reasons why you should make sure your attic is properly ventilated.

• A high efficiency HVAC system will work at its peak when you use proper attic ventilation. In the summer an exceedingly hot attic will put unneeded strain on your air conditioning unit, forcing it to consume extra energy to cool your home. However, if your attic is properly ventilated with a fan and soffit and roof vents, hot air is expelled making it easier for your system to work properly.
• Over time, extremely high attic temperatures will cause the layer underneath your roof shingles to become brittle and age prematurely. This in turn will reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of all your roofing materials. Proper attic ventilation will help reduce excessive heat buildup and help extend the life of your roof.
• In the winter, excess moisture trapped in your attic can damage your insulation and potentially cost you thousands in replacement and repair. A properly ventilated attic will help remove moisture that comes from below and protect your insulation.

Simply put, a properly ventilated attic should have an equal amount of incoming and outgoing air, and one quick way to gauge if you have proper ventilation is to touch your ceiling on a hot summer day — if your ceiling feels excessively warm, you may have a ventilation problem.

If you are unsure about the quality of your attic ventilation, speak to a professional HVAC contractor who can analyze the efficiency of your entire home and help you design a system that is perfectly matched to your needs.

Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is one of Manhattan and Nassau County’s leading HVAC contractors. We offer a full range of air conditioning and heating services, including: installations, maintenance, 24 hour emergency service and so much more. Call our experts today at 516-799-0700. We’re A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau.