Air Handler Warms Attic During Winter Ice Dams

But drying out the air will only accomplish so much.

Air handler warms attic during winter ice dams. Some older homes have bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans that blow warm and or moist air into the attic. Also it should go without saying that a dehumidifier won t help one pinch to prevent ice dams. A warm attic is the leading cause of ice dams. A warm attic is a warm attic.

Yes in order for your house to stay cool or warm and have good airflow the attic itself needs good airflow as well so that hot air can escape out of the house during the summer and cold air can get into the attic during winter to prevent ice dams from forming and causing damage. If the ducts themselves have a leak or if they are insufficiently insulated the leaking heat can cause an ice dam. Intake vents include soffit or eave vents that allow fresh air to enter the attic. Exhaust vents placed high on the roof allow warm moist air to be pushed up and out of the attic.

The outdoor air is cold and dry. In many homes heating ducts run through the attic to reach other parts of the home. In warm climates it is common practice to run heating and air conditioning ducting through attic spaces simply because it is easy to do. Ice dams are a common side effect of poor attic insulation during the winter and icicles on the edge of your roof are an obvious warning sign.

During the winter the indoor air is warm and humid. Heat from living spaces can rise into the attic. Attic insulation and air sealing can help stop ice dams from forming icicles on the roof are a warning sign of insulation problems and ice dams. Rapid melting water flows to gutters where it then freezes blocking further drainage and causing what is commonly referred to as an ice dam.

This heated air warms your roof causing snow or ice above to melt too rapidly. The attic temperatures eventually exceed the external temperatures increase the chances of ice dams. Gaps into the attic usually caused by insufficient or improper attic insulation cause this warm air to get into and settle in the attic. Proper ventilation includes intake and exhaust vents.

I am in a hot climate near the gulf coast in texas with the air conditioning unit is in the attic. During the winter it helps to reduce moisture to keep attics dry which prevents ice dams and mold. What causes ice dams. Unfortunately this practice is all too common in our northern cold climate putting air conditioning ducts in the hottest possible place in the house during the summer and putting heating ductwork through the.

A powered roof vent or attic fan is an affordable solution that can dramatically improve ventilation and minimize ice dams in winter and prevent heat from building up in your attic in summer. Warm air naturally rises and will find its way in the attic if there is room to pass through. To learn more about solving ice dams see prevent ice dams with air sealing and insulation.