[GBlist] attic ventilation

[Robseelig@aol.com]

I am about to insulate my attic.  My architect has suggested that I install a fan connected to a solar panel to vent out the hot air.  The idea being one only needs to exhaust hot air when it is hot.  It was recently suggested to me that while this seems logical it basically does very little. The idea being one is not replacing the heating attic air with cooler air, as the air outside is hot also. The alternative suggestion was to have the fan blow cooler night air in (with a cross vent installed)- dramatically cooling the attic.

I live in Berkeley CA which is a temperate climate.

It was also suggested to remove the passive attic vents. Simply insulate the attic - having the passive vents does nothing to keep the attic cooler during the day as the temperate outside is also quite hot.

Ay great insights.  Thanks,

Robert Seelig

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