Provo, UT and the surrounding area experiences extreme temperatures and swift changes in humidity. Installing an attic fan will help you maintain a consistent indoor climate and a better level of comfort in your home. Let’s take a closer look at seven distinct benefits of getting an attic fan installed.
1. Lower Your Home’s Temperature
Attics trap the heat from your home and absorb heat from the sun. On a day that reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a poorly ventilated attic could get as hot as 150 degrees. This can make your home feel unbearably hot, especially if your home has a second floor. Installing an attic fan lowers your home’s temperature. Even if you use the attic fan only during the mid- to late-afternoon hours, your home won’t get as hot.
2. Reduce Moisture Buildup in the Attic
Moisture buildup is a common problem in attics. During the warmer months of the year, the hot air in the attic holds a lot of moisture. In the wintertime, moisture from within your home condenses in the warm attic air. An attic fan helps release this moisture. By reducing the moisture level in your attic, the fan eliminates environmental conditions that are conducive to mold growth. Mold spores damage wood, drywall and insulation and often trigger allergic reactions when people breathe in the spores that are in the air.
3. Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
Asphalt shingles are prone to curling, warping and splitting when exposed to extreme heat. They already face constant exposure to sunlight and intense heat on their exterior surfaces. Heat buildup in your attic could also damage their interior side. This type of damage could shorten the lifespan of the shingles and necessitate a roof replacement well before the typical 20-year lifespan of asphalt shingles. Attic heat buildup also decreases the performance and longevity of plywood, underlayment and insulation. The trusses and beams of your roof’s substructure may also degrade faster as a result of extreme heat. Installing an attic fan could extend the lifespan of your roofing system by several years.
4. Protect Your Belongings
Many people store items in their attics. If you have seasonal decorations, photographs, paper or fabric, these items can be damaged by extreme heat and humidity. Installing an attic fan helps protect your belongings by creating better storage conditions. Your belongings will be less likely to split or crack from extreme heat or to develop mold growth from excessive attic humidity. After installing an attic fan, your attic will also be more comfortable for you when you enter it to retrieve your stored items.
5. Decrease Electricity Costs
Attic fans cost less than an air conditioner to operate. When they bring cooler air into your home and release the hot air, you may be able to adjust your thermostat. In the summertime, raising your thermostat by several degrees could considerably lower your electricity costs. To maximize your energy savings and comfort, use the attic fan at night to bring in cool air. You may even be able to turn off the air conditioning system overnight and just use the attic fan to circulate cooler air throughout your home.
6. Improve Airflow
In most homes, no intake or outgoing air vents are located in the attic. This means that the attic fills with stagnant air. The lack of airflow can also affect the upper level of your home. By installing an attic fan, your home will have better airflow. The improved movement of air also lessens odor buildup and the unpleasantness of stale air.
7. Minimize Ice Dams
During the wintertime, frozen precipitation accumulates on rooftops. If the air in your home’s attic is warm, it may melt some of that precipitation. The water drains into the gutters, which remain cold. Within the gutters, the water quickly freezes and creates an ice dam. Ice dams cause roof leaks and may damage your home’s foundation. Installing an attic fan reduces heat buildup in the attic and minimizes the risk of ice dams.
In addition to attic fan installation, we also offer indoor air quality, ductwork, ductless HVAC systems and sheet metal fabrication. Homeowners throughout Provo and nearby communities also count on us for reliable heating, air conditioning and plumbing maintenance, repair, replacement and installation services. For more information about the benefits of installing an attic fan or to schedule an appointment, contact us at Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing.
