Attic Fan

[chet everett]

Insulation is key, but since it is not "sexy" people don't appreciate how important it is. There is a mindset that it is "passive" and just lies there doing nothing. I would suggest that next time you see a film with Mt. Everest expedition you get a good look at their "passive" layers of high-tech underwear and down filled parkas. Then think how quickly they would freeze to death in a pair of Hanes briefs and windbreaker. That is what is happening in the TYPICAL under insulated home!

There was an interview with a DOE engineer who explained more energy can be saved by every homeowner going to just 10% over recommended minimums that if every new car sold were a hybrid like a Prius. It is THAT BIG a deal. I think he was working on a kind of "energy monitor" that people could install near their thermostat. The idea is from behavioral economists -- if there is a display that says "it is XX degrees outside and with your level of heat gain / loss you are currently spending the equivalent of $YYY / mo on heating / cooling Upgrading your insulation to XX inches would drop you enery bill by $yy dollars."

It would given out by the ultility companies and updated with current info via the internet to hammer home the effect of really bad heat loss / gain that should make it less of a mystery to homeowners how insulation saves money / energy...

[scuba steve]

IMO you'll get the greatest return on investment with ridge venting and a radiant barrier. Then ensure your soffit venting is allowing enough air to enter the attic.

Keep in mind, I didn't say the most efficiency or the lowest temperatures. Greatest return on investment.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

New posters aren't suppose to link (C-D ToS).
Nobody ever mentioned anything about power roof ventilators and I don't think the OP is interested in punching a hole in the roof. And Broan isn't necessarily "the best" on the market. There are several other manufacturers available that are as good or better-
Ventamatic
Hartzell
Master Flow
AIR VENT
OP has concluded that the best course of action right now is insulation.

Also, isn't a powered ventilator in the roof "whistlin' dixie" if you have ridge venting?

[christina0001]

Our attic fan is a little noisy but awesome. It does a terrific job of keeping the house cool as long as it isn't blistering hot outside. I second the suggestion to have a professional come out and look at it, maybe you just need a new one.

[gentlearts]

I belive a roofing contractor is the guy you want to talk to. Last year, after getting opinions from an HVAC guy and a roofer, we had some fans installed by a roofer. Our fans are set at 110, and they also have a humidity setting, so unless you have them both set correctly, your fan might be running too much.
As far as ventilation; we found out that gable vents do not work, since the moist air will rise to the highest point in your attic. Unless your roof vents are open, you may get inadequate ventilation= mold.