We've discussed the importance of your Butler County or Greater Cincinnati area home's attic ventilation system in previous posts, but do you really know how yours stacks up? According to the American Institute of Architects, a staggering 90 percent of all American homes have unacceptably high levels of moisture -- largely because of poor attic ventilation. An understanding of good attic ventilation will help you steer clear of these problems. Here are three attic-ventilation myths to avoid. 

1. The more the better: Just as your heating and cooling system needs to be properly sized, your home's attic-ventilation system needs to be evaluated for precision. Insufficient ventilation can cause moisture problems during the winter and can reduce your home's energy efficiency during the summer, but you should also know that having too much ventilation can be worse. Each vent creates another penetration in your roof, thereby weakening its structural integrity. This can lead to costly problems with leaks and wind damage. By working with your trusted HVAC contractor you can ensure that your home's attic ventilation system will be just right.

2. Roof vents are only for warmer climates: Your roof's vents are important year-round, not just during the summer. While your vents do help to improve energy efficiency and protect your shingles from heat, the main function of your attic vents is moisture control. In fact, colder climates benefit most from good attic ventilation. In addition to protecting against moisture damage, your attic vents help to prevent expensive damage caused by ice dams.

3. Attic vents will leave you cold: If you think your attic ventilation is the cause of drafts or lowered heating efficiency during the winter months, guess again. In this case, your home's insulation levels or air leaks are most likely responsible. Work with your contractor to evaluate the R-value of your home's current insulation and seal any pesky air leaks.

For more expert advice on attic ventilation, contact the professionals at Tri-County Heating and Cooling. We have been serving residents of the Butler County and Greater Cincinnati area for more than 40 years. 

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