Spring Cleaning To-Do: Check Your Attic Vents

Spring is the perfect time to inspect your attic vents to make sure they’re unobstructed, the screens are in good condition, and motors on power vents work properly before it becomes too hot to venture up there.

When vents become clogged or fans stop working, summer heat and humidity become trapped in your attic. This can cause your air conditioner to work harder, damage your roof shingles by overheating, and cause mold and mildew to form.

For adequate air circulation, your home needs:

• Soffit Vents: To allow air to flow in under the eaves.
• Ridge and Gable Vents: To allow hot air to rise and escape out the top.
• Power Vent Fans: For extra circulation in hot or humid areas, power vent fans can be installed near the peak of your roof or behind gable vents to assist hot air from escaping. Attic vent fans can be hardwired or solar powered, They often are controlled by a thermostat or humidity sensor.

If you go up there and discover that your attic is unvented or poorly vented, consider adding some. Proper ventilation can cut down on your energy costs.

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