Types of Ceiling Vents

Static Vents

• Static roof vents are the simplest type of ceiling vents available. These vents are simply covered openings with metal hoods that block rain and allow air to freely flow in and out of the ceiling. The vents have low installation costs and require no maintenance. They are the least expensive types of ceiling vent, but there are a few drawbacks. Several roof vents, installed at even intervals, are required to provide adequate ventilation. And, during heavy wind and rain storms, the vents may leak.

Soffit Vents

• Soffit vents are a type of static vent. Your roof's soffit is the area just underneath the eaves of the roof, directly adjacent to the ceiling. As static vents, soffit vents must cover a large area to be effective: one square foot of static vent vents roughly 150 square feet of ceiling space. Soffit vents are often installed in combination with roof static vents. Often they are installed in long panels that cover the length of the soffit. Soffit vents are great for a do-it-yourself project. They are easy to install and don't require access to the roof. Holes are cut into the soffit and the vent is installed over the hole.

Turbine Vents

• Turbine ventilators utilize wind power to cool homes. When the wind blows, the turbines spin. The spinning action draws hot air out from below the ceiling and returns cooler fresh air. Turbine ventilators are equally as inexpensive as static ventilators and require no electricity to run. They are most effective in windy areas. When the turbines are not turning, turbine ventilators act as static vents and only facilitate passive air flow.

Power Vents

• Power vents are the most efficient types of ceiling vents. Power vents come in two general categories: solar and electric. Both types of power vents use a thermostat and humidistat to gauge conditions below the ceiling. Once the temperature and the humidity rise above the pre-set level, the fan turns on. Hot indoor air is pumped out and cooler outdoor air is pumped in. One power vent can do the work of several static vents. However, their installation and maintenance costs are much higher. Solar power vents do not have the added electricity cost that come with electric power vents.