How important is a power vent in an attic...in HOUSTON, TX?

Answer 1

It better circulates the hot air out of the attic, keeping the attic cooler, thus keeping the inside of the home cooler.

Answer 2

The attic air space heats up a lot because of the sun radiating on the roof. If you have good attic ventilation, the hotter air rises and exits near the roof peak and cooler air enters the attic at the bottom near the soffits. This helps cool the attic and purge the air inside the attic.

If you have insufficient ventilation, the attic heats up a lot. This causes heat leak into the ceiling even with a good insulation layer and increases air conditioning demand. Further, the roof gets hotter and this shortens shingle life.

For the above reasons, attic insulation is critical.

An attic fan will only help - as it will most likely improve air flow through the attic to a level better than simple ventilation. However you must make sure that you have sufficient air inlets at the soffit or the attic fan will not move much air. In most every case, the soffit air inlets have to be markedly increased to support the attic fan. The amount of inlet area (in square feet) is proportional to the fan capacity in cubic feet / minute (cfm). Check with the fan maker to make sure you have sufficient inlets and be sure to add as is prudent.

Answer 3

It does help your air conditioner work less by pushing the hottest air out of your attic, but it also helps prolong the life of your shingles. Saves you lots of money in the long run.

Also if you have to do any work/repairs/storage in the attic it will save you some sweat.

Answer 4

The vent in the attic pushes hot air out of your attic. By pushing the hot air out, it allows your air conditioner to work less.