Which Is Better Ridge Vent Or Attic Fan

If you have suitable intake venting a ridge vent might be a better.

Which is better ridge vent or attic fan.

A ridge vent runs across the top of the roof s peak. I have been doing some research and it seems like the best way to go is to use soffit ridge vents instead of an attic fan. Also since the fan is powered by the sun it should turn off when the sky is overcast during a storm which will keep it from drawing rain into the attic. Continuous ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof s ridge allowing for warm air to escape from the attic.

Unlike turbines this venting style does not have any moving parts. Unlike ridge vents attic fans use electricity and need regular maintenance to keep working properly. However the roof is only a 2 12 pitch and i am wondering if the shallow pitch will have any adverse effect on the vents. Without ventilation unfinished attic spaces can end up having stagnant air.

A ridge vent is similar to a screen and allows heat to escape up and out of the attic. It also works better because it creates a vacuum. Since your solar vent fan only moves 500 cfm a third to half that of a typical hardwired attic vent fan it probably won t move enough air to reverse the action of the ridge vent. Without any air movement temperatures in the attic soar in summer and plunge in winter.

Attic fans can also make a lot of noise. Purchasing an electric or solar attic fan may not provide the savings that homeowners expect. Installing roof ridge vents and more attic insulation are better options experts say. It has the ability to work with vaulted ceilings and you only need one of them to get the job done for ventilation as compared to multiple box vents.

When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan consider the needs of the attic.