Question
I am trying to cool my attic to lower the temp. in my house in the summer. I already have 6" of insulation. What about an attic fan?
1200 sq ft house; 3-ton 16 SEER A/C will not keep up during 90-degree days. Attic temp is 155. A/C runs all day but gets 80 degrees at three o'clock in the afternoon. I want to cool the attic space. I am torn between attic fans to remove heat, insulation, or radiant barrier. I am in the HVAC industry -- the A/C unit itself is working fine.
Answer
A solar-powered attic fan would be best.
- Get one that runs on a temperature sensor.
- They are readily available and easy to install yourself.
Adding a radiant barrier to the underside of your attic structure will help reduce heat gain in the space, but be sure to check your roof-shingle warranty and make sure it would not be voided by such a measure.
For more information:
Read "How effective are the different attic ventilation methods? I read mixed reviews, and many have a commercial bias." a Q&A answered by Danny Kelly.
