EcoRenovator - View Single Post

NeilBlanchard · 06-05-12, 06:55 AM

I'd leave the fans as they are; as the heated air is going to "want" to exhaust out on its own even if the fans were not running. So, they are assisting the natural flow. If air is getting into the attic from anywhere it is better than nothing. Even within the attic, the air will be stratified by the heat.

What color are the roof tiles? Could they be painted white, to lower their albedo? This would cool the attic substantially.

You should consider replacing the fans with a whole house fan, if they are still not up to the task. Or at least add a few more smaller fans. I have two window fans in my attic installed in the only two small double hung windows up there, and even though they are far lower CFM than a whole house fan, they do a great deal to cool the whole house overnight; and thereby they help it a lot during the next day, as well.

06-05-12, 06:55 AM	#7
NeilBlanchard Journeyman EcoRenovator Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Maynard, MA Eaarth Posts: 383 Thanks: 78 Thanked 39 Times in 32 Posts	I'd leave the fans as they are; as the heated air is going to "want" to exhaust out on its own even if the fans were not running. So, they are assisting the natural flow. If air is getting into the attic from anywhere it is better than nothing. Even within the attic, the air will be stratified by the heat. What color are the roof tiles? Could they be painted white, to lower their albedo? This would cool the attic substantially. You should consider replacing the fans with a whole house fan, if they are still not up to the task. Or at least add a few more smaller fans. I have two window fans in my attic installed in the only two small double hung windows up there, and even though they are far lower CFM than a whole house fan, they do a great deal to cool the whole house overnight; and thereby they help it a lot during the next day, as well.