Attic Exhaust Fans Vs Ridge Vents

This is different from soffit vents which allow air to travel into the attic.

Attic exhaust fans vs ridge vents.

Ridge vents are a passive system simply allowing hot air to rise up through them rather than pushing it out as a fan does. One insists on using the ridge vents with no exhaust and the other sides with the use of exhaust fans. Without ventilation unfinished attic spaces can end up having stagnant air. Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape.

Like attic fans ridge vents are designed to exhaust air that is already inside the attic. Best ventilation is open soffit venting to a open vented ridge vent. In a properly designed passive system air enters through the soffit vents rises by convection in the attic and exits through the vents in the roof or gables. Ridge vent vs solar attic fan.

Ridge vent must me installed per the manufactures instructions. Fans are needed only when there isn. Taking advantage of this natural process referred to as passive ventilation is the most common way to vent an attic. One of the leading causes for fires.

Ridge vents are an ideal solution to ventilation in an ideal attic. Without any air movement temperatures in the attic soar in summer and plunge in winter. A ridge vent is a passive system and offers less air movement and in moderate climates this style tends to be sufficient. That depends on your roof.

In more extreme climates one or more turbines will provide better circulation. More than 50 of the attic fans i see do not work and have current still live to the motor. Which is better for your roof. In the case of ridge vents when heat builds up inside the attic it makes sense that there should be a means of moving the hot air out other than relying on natural ventilation especially if there is little to no air movement outside.

Do not use mechanical means electric attic fans. A ridge vent or a solar attic fan.