As we spend more time in our homes, we begin to notice inefficiencies and areas of the home that could use improvement. One common area that can go unnoticed is the efficiency of a home heating/cooling system and insulation/ventilation. You likely already know that ventilation is the flow of air through a system of intake and exhaust. But, how does ventilation relate to efficiency and why is it important? As the trusted name in attic ventilation for Minnetonka, we’d like to discuss this essential part of your home’s cooling and heating systems.
There are two main types of roof ventilation; exhaust vents and intake vents. These help prevent temperate air loss from the living areas and diminishes the energy impact of having cold or hot air flow through the attic. The type and number of each will depend on your unique home and our attic ventilation professionals will determine the exact need for your home. As a general rule, you should establish a 1:300 ratio in which every 300 square feet of ceiling space calls for 1 square foot of attic ventilation. Accessory items like grates, piping and others that sit on your roof may also be an issue in calculating and setting up true ventilation.
Attic ventilation isn’t just important in cold weather; it has many benefits when it’s hot outside as well. When the temperature outside rises, the temperature on your roof can be nearly double. A hot roof over a poorly vented attic translates into a very hot attic. Heat infiltration to your home occurs through the attic. Even with adequate insulation, some heat will seep into your ceilings and down into the rooms when temperatures climb. Because of this, your air conditioner will run more often in order to cool the air off, driving up energy costs. Consistent, high moisture and temperatures in the attic due to lack of ventilation can cause damage to the roof including rippling, warping and more.
Attic insulation and ventilation systems are unique to every home. Factors such as code requirements, regional climate and roof and ceiling designs all need to be considered when venting your roof. We can install the most efficient and effective attic ventilation systems. We understand how important it is to install proper attic insulation. Our experts can calculate how much ventilation your attic needs and how much is already there.
Are you interested in getting some more information on attic ventilation for your Minnetonka home? Call us at Lewis Insulation at 763-477-2612, or you can contact us and get a Free Estimate.
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