How hot does my attic get, part 2
So a little less than a year ago, I took some temperature measurements in my attic to see if the installation of a ridge vent would cool it off any.
Here’s last years (pre-ridge vent) numbers:
Updates:
Attic:113.2°F Outside Max:85°F
Attic:95.5°F Outside Max:70°F
Attic:106.5°F Outside Max: 75°F
Here’s the new (post-ridge vent) numbers:
Attic:100.9°F Outside Max:80°F
Attic: 108.0°F Outside Max: 80°F
Attic: 113.5°F Outside Max: 85°F
Attic: 111.7°F Outside Max: 85°F
Attic: 114.4°F Outside Max: 90°F
So, to my surprise, it doesn’t seem to have helped much with the maximum temperature, but I didn’t measure the time it takes to cool down once the sun is off it, which I suspect might be faster. In any way, it’s never a bad thing to have more ventilation in your attic.
It’s hard to beat powered ventilation. The new solar panel models defeat the cost argument. I use the gable mounted system in both levels of my attic. With proper powered ventilation, you can expect to get to 10-15 degrees above the outside temperature in full sun. Average climate, humidity, and time of year all play a factor of course. This option reduces cooling costs considerably, and also boosts general comfort.