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Do powered roof vents work?

Although power attic ventilators can provide relief in the summer, how they go about doing that is often not ideal or cost-effective. For one, they can steal air from the conditioned space of the home, forcing air conditioning units to work harder, use more energy and, therefore, raise utility bills.

advancedenergy.org - Are power attic ventilators smart to use? - Advanced Energy

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Attics can get hot. At a certain point — if this heat starts to affect comfort, for example — homeowners may decide to take action. Maybe the attic surrounds the living space of a home, and the heat is being felt inside; maybe certain rooms just aren’t comfortable in the summer; or maybe that bonus room above the garage is feeling toasty and never cools off.

One technology designed to try to manage this issue is the power attic ventilator, a type of fan that is typically installed on either the gable end or roof deck of an attic. Its goal is to cool off the space by exhausting the hot air inside and replacing it with cooler air from the outside. But how does it work?

The short answer is “not well,” and ideally this approach would not be used at all. Let’s look at some of its downsides before turning to more effective solutions. Although power attic ventilators can provide relief in the summer, how they go about doing that is often not ideal or cost-effective. For one, they can steal air from the conditioned space of the home, forcing air conditioning units to work harder, use more energy and, therefore, raise utility bills. But that’s not all. Some units are so powerful that they may cause other appliances, such as gas water heaters, to backdraft, putting carbon monoxide into your home. Behind these concerns is the broader point that the fans may not actually address the root of the problem, just its symptoms. Fortunately, there are alternative approaches that better treat the issues at hand. One is to confirm that your home’s existing ventilation components — its soffit vents, ridge vents, etc. — are functioning correctly. Building codes require particular rates of ventilation, but home upgrades, such as new exterior paint or aesthetic changes, could unintentionally hamper vent performance. At the same time, make sure your building envelope (the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces of the home) is optimized. From fire, health and energy perspectives, there should be no holes between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces, so any that you notice along the walls, ceiling (whether flat, sloped or vaulted) and floors should be air sealed. In addition, maintain an appropriate amount of insulation and ensure it has been installed correctly. While a power attic ventilator might seem like a simple, quick fix to help keep your attic and living space cooler, it may do more harm than good. Instead, adding air sealing to your home so that the conditioned air stays inside and the unconditioned air stays outside can do wonders to maximize your comfort without increasing your utility bill each month.

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What is the best repellent to get rid of mice?

Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, or Cloves - Have strong scents that may repel mice.

orkin.com - Can Natural Mouse Repellants Work Get Rid of Mice? - Orkin

Drawbacks of Chemical Repellents

One of the most common methods homeowners turn to when facing mouse infestations is chemical rodent control. While baits and sprays may impact mice, they can be harmful to both people and pets if applied or stored incorrectly.

Are Natural Mouse Repellents Better?

Since chemical mouse repellents may have troubling side effects, some people try different means of control. Residents sometimes add natural mouse repellent plants around the home, like lavender, amaryllis, or mint. People who promote household remedies and natural mouse repellents may also suggest: Mothballs - Contain naphthalene and may deter mice when used in strong enough doses. Ammonia - Mimics the odor of predators' urine and can act as a repellent. Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, or Cloves - Have strong scents that may repel mice. Although these common items seem like easy ways to control mice, there is no definitive proof they actually work for the long term. Also, natural mouse repellents have their own risks. For example, mothballs and ammonia are dangerous to use near children and cayenne pepper based compounds often cause skin irritation and burning. In addition, some natural mouse repellent plants, like amaryllis, are toxic to dogs and cats, while lavender can cause allergic reactions in pets. As a result, these plants might not be the best choice for animal owners.

What to Do Instead

For humane, effective, legal pest control options, homeowners should contact the experts. The teams of Pros at Orkin have the training and experience needed to handle mouse infestations properly.

What are the best moisture absorber?

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