5 Myths About Attic Ventilation Every Homeowner Should Know

We know — attic ventilation probably isn’t priority number one on your list of home repairs and updates. But unbeknownst to most homeowners, attic ventilation has a huge impact on the overall health of your home. That’s why we’re breaking down the most common myths surrounding this sometimes overlooked, but incredibly important, function.   

Myth #1: Only homes in warm climates need attic ventilation.

Fact: Not only is proper ventilation needed in homes in every climate, but it’s actually more important in colder climates. Where there’s cold weather, there’s moisture. And where there’s moisture, there’s an increased likelihood of mold. Meaning ventilation will actually help keep your attic mold and mildew free.

Myth #2: Ventilation drives up energy costs.

Fact: We can’t fault people for thinking this. It makes sense that having “holes” for ventilation in your roof will just let all of the air you’re paying to heat or cool straight out of the house. But oddly enough, proper ventilation actually helps keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Myth #3: One vent is enough.

Fact: There’s no set number of vents that a house should have, but it’s rarely one. The number of vents a home needs is dependent on the attic's size, purpose, insulation, and location. Typically, a four person house with an attic will need multiple vents.

Myth #4: Powered fans are the best at ventilating attics.

Fact: In some cases, a powered fan is a great addition to an attic, but they’re not universally considered the best option. If you’re using a powered fan, but don’t need to be, you can be sucking air out of other rooms in the house, and pushing it outside.

Myth #5: The type of vent you get is all that matters.

Fact: As we learned, the type of vent you have is important, but it’s far from the only thing you need to consider. You also need to pay attention to how the vent is installed, where it’s installed, and how large it is.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional attic cleaning and mold removal services to homes across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.