A solar vent uses solar power to cool your home. It contains small solar panels which power an exhaust fan inside the frame. It does the same job as a whirlybird, but is more effective.
Turbine roof vents are an effective and energy-efficient way to ventilate your roof. Unlike traditional ridge or soffit vents, turbine vents use wind power to spin a turbine fan on the roof, which in turn creates suction that pulls air from the attic.
While ridge vents win for their subtle appearance and functionality, turbine vents may be better in especially hot or humid climates where more dynamic airflow is necessary. If you are not sure which to use, consult a roof professional who can examine the needs of your home and draw up a venting plan for you.
Soffit Ventilation
These are vents installed in the soffit or the area under the eaves of the roof. It allows fresh air to enter the roof cavity space and also works well with other types of vents to create a natural flow of cool air.
The best method to ventilate an attic is a passive system with low intake vents (at the eave) and high exhaust vents (at the ridge). Add either that your house does not have currently.
While whirlybirds may provide some ventilation benefits, they are not waterproof and can allow wind-driven rain into your attic. On the other hand, Duraflo turbo vents offer enhanced performance, durability, and a completely waterproof design, ensuring optimal ventilation without compromising your attic's integrity.
Ridge Vents are popular. They work well because they provide even ventilation across the whole attic. They are installed along the roof's peak, allowing hot air to escape naturally without the need for power.
Airflow Capacity: Solar Whiz excels with an airflow capacity of up to 2,300 cubic metres per hour. In contrast, whirlybirds typically only manage about 100 cubic metres per hour. This significant difference means Solar Whiz can effectively ventilate larger spaces.
Natural ventilation. If well installed and maintained, there are several advantages of a natural ventilation system, compared with mechanical ventilation systems. Natural ventilation can generally provide a high ventilation rate more economically, due to the use of natural forces and large openings.
In good winds, the turbine vent is quite possibly the most effective roof vent available. Unfortunately, wind power is not very reliable, and if you live in an area that does not receive a lot of wind, this kind of vent may not be for you at all.
During winter, whirlybirds work to remove excess humidity and dampness, preventing mould and bacteria growth. Installing a whirlybird is an inexpensive way to make your home more energy-efficient, ventilated, and free from odours and stale air.
While ridge vents have many advantages, they are not always ideal. In cold climates, ridge vents can allow snow into the attic. They're also more expensive than box vents and won't work on all types of roofs.
Selecting the right whirlybird requires consideration of roof size, ventilation needs, compatibility with roof type, material & construction quality and noise levels. Professional vs DIY installation should be considered when budgeting for a whirlybird purchase & installation as well as maintenance requirements.
Due to their active ventilation method, however, when you have enough turbines installed in the right places and they have enough wind to power them, turbines can remove hot air much faster than ridge vents, keeping homes even cooler and thus using less air conditioning.
Best Ventilation Practices: A Balanced System With Recovery
HRVs and ERVs can also exchange moisture in the airflows to help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels. ERVs are the best choice in most cases, as they are beneficial in preventing indoor air from becoming too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.
Turbine Roof Vents vs. Ridge Vents: Ridge vents run along the roof's peak and provide passive airflow. Unlike turbines, they don't have moving parts and rely on natural convection. While ridge vents offer a more subtle appearance, turbine vents can provide superior ventilation when powered by wind.
Ridge Vents: What You Need to Know
They are considered one of the most effective types of roof vents due to their design and positioning. Ridge vents work by creating a continuous air channel, allowing hot air to escape and fresh air to enter through intake vents located at the lower parts of the roof.
Positive Input Ventilation Systems (PIV) are more effective at protecting your whole home from condensation, damp, and mould than simple extractors. They do run continuously to circulate air, but thanks to their efficient design, they are quite cheap to run.
Talk to a therapist or a neutral person
While venting is not the way to go, sometimes you need to get a frustrating experience off of your chest. If that's the case, talking to a therapist or a third party you know will stay neutral can be beneficial.
Heat Loss: Since whirlybirds continuously ventilate, they can lead to heat loss during winter, making your home colder. Wind Dependency: Because they operate using wind power, your whirlybird will likely be running when you don't need it to; during cold, wet and windy weather.
The Cost to Install a Whirlybird
The price of the whirlybird itself can range from $100 to $200, while the installation labour cost can range between $350 to $400. Double Storey House: For a double storey house, the cost of installing a whirlybird is a little higher, ranging from $550 to $750.
Installing Rafter Vents
Complete coverage of the attic floor along with sealing air leaks will ensure you get the best performance from your insulation. Rafter vents ensure the soffit vents are clear and there is a channel for outside air to move into the attic at the soffits and out through the gable or ridge vent.
MYTH: Considering the problems caused by insufficient insulation, it's best to have as much air flowing through the attic as possible. Truth: Ventilation needs vary. Too much ventilation can cause leaks, encourage pest infestations, and leave your attic vulnerable to storm damage.
This means that for every 300 square feet of enclosed attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation is required – with half at the upper portion (exhaust vents) and half in the lower portion (intake vents). This formula is traditionally used for static roof vents which are rated for Net Free Area in terms of square inches.