If you find yourself cranking up the AC this summer to no avail, it may be time to pay a visit to the attic. Poor ventilation in the attic is one possible culprit behind increasing temperatures and utility bills. A skilled air conditioning service provider can help ensure your attic properly insulates your home and provides a comfortable environment for your family.

How does heat move?

You may have been taught in your elementary science class that heat rises. However, if your attic has improper ventilation or insulation, the opposite occurs. Instead of the heat rising to the attic, the hot summer sun blazes down on the roof, spreading hot air throughout your home. When you try to combat this effect by cranking up your air conditioning, you are overworking your system without addressing the real issue. The problem will continue to reoccur until your attic ventilation issues are taken care of.

The Effects of Heat in the Attic

When your entire house is draped in the summer heat, it can be unpleasant for you and your family. But it can also be harmful to your home because of increasing heat and condensation levels. You don’t want to have to deal with mildew or mold issues down the line. It’s best to tackle your heat problems at the source – with your attic’s ventilation.

How Attic Ventilation Works

If you’ve ever had to grab something from the attic in the summer months, then you know just how hot and stuffy it can get. Insulation is important to maintaining a steady inside temperature, but it’s just not enough. You’ll need to install an attic ventilation system to make the most of your space. Air intake vents allow cooler air to enter, while exhaust vents push the hot air out. This system creates a more natural flow of air, so your attic is not retaining all of the heat.

Types of Attic Vents

There are several different types of exhaust vents on the market today. Two of the most common are:

• Power vents: These vents draw moisture out of your attic using an electric or solar-powered fan. Sometimes, they are even equipped with thermostats and humidity detectors to maximize their impact. 
• Ridge vents: Ridge vents are laid along the width of the roof. One big bonus of ridge vents is that they allow for more even distribution of hot and cold in your attic and by extension, your house.

Save on Energy Bills With an Air Conditioning Service

You may be asking yourself how much of an impact poor attic circulation has on your energy bills. The answer? Quite a bit. Too much ventilation will cause problems with the cold in winter, while too few will lead to a buildup of heat in the summer months. The tricky part is maintaining a proper temperature balance. Luckily, a team of skilled air conditioning service technicians can answer your questions. Consult an expert if you’re interested in learning more about how proper attic ventilation can save you hundreds on utilities.