Not too long ago, Attics And More set out to survey our neighbors. We asked them about their attic fans. There are hundreds of thousands of homes in the Delaware Valley and we are thrilled to see that more than half of area homeowners understand the importance of attic ventilation! Here is a breakdown of the top results:

27%  I have an electric attic fan — works perfect — year round

We love seeing that over a quarter of those who responded know about the importance of attic ventilation in all seasons. It’s surprising how many times a month we’ll be in homes where the homeowner assumes the attic fan is working but it is either broken or has frayed wires (often eaten by rodents).

While we’re happy that a good portion of the region is aware of their attic’s ventilation, it’s important to note that an electric attic fan poses the risk of being a fire hazard. Moreover, electric attic fans are significantly more expensive to operate than a solar attic fan which runs for free. We suggest that you look into converting to a solar attic fan – a safer, more energy efficient alternative to the electric attic fan. Get a free quote from DHVET for a solar attic fan here.

27%  I have an electric attic fan — love it in the summer, no need in the winter

This second group also gets props for awareness of attic ventilation. However 6 to 8 months out of the year these homeowners are not receiving the necessity of year-round ventilation. If the attic fan is only used in the summer, it is forcing the air conditioner to run more, resulting in high energy bills. You are able to, and it is encouraged, that you run your attic fan year-round.

If you would like to only run your attic fan in the summer, we suggest the Attic Gator. The Attic Gator is an attic access insulation cover that keeps the air in your attic separate from the air in the rest of your house, and we can install it in just fifteen minutes.

18%  I think I have a fan – not been in the attic for a long time. Maybe I should check.

Yes, you should absolutely check your attic! We had a couple in Burlington County that hasn’t been in their attic in 25 years. There are so many reasons to go into your attic other than going in and checking for ventilation. Check for damaged or decomposed insulation, electrical wires, pests, and any fire hazards.

Unsure what to do once you get into your attic? Send us a message or give us a call! Attics And More’s technicians know exactly what to look for and know the steps to take to ensure your attic is happy and healthy.

Check back at our blog page tomorrow to read about our second half of polling answers along with some helpful hints for ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your attic ventilation.