What Are Vents on Side of House Called?

Ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining the indoor air quality of your home. It ensures that the air inside your house is clean and fresh, free from pollutants and excess moisture. This article will discuss the different types of ventilation systems and how they work. First, let’s answer the question, what are vents on side of house called?

What Are Vents on the Side of Houses Called?

Eave Vents. Vents on the side of a house that allows for natural ventilation are called eave vents. They are often found at the bottom of the roofline on two sides of the house. Eave vents come in different shapes but are most commonly circular or rectangular. They help to allow warm air to escape from the attic and reduce the chance of moisture buildup.

Understanding Ventilation Systems in Your Home

1. Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation allows fresh air to enter and stale air to exit your home through openings such as windows, doors, and vents. This type of ventilation is passive, meaning it does not require mechanical equipment or power.

Eave vents, typically circular or rectangular, are often found at the bottom of the roofline on two sides of the house. These vents allow warm air to escape from the attic and reduce the chance of moisture buildup. Similarly, gable vents, which are triangular-shaped and located near the roof’s peak, also allow for natural ventilation in the attic.

2. Mechanical Ventilation

On the other hand, mechanical ventilation uses fans and ducts to move air in and out of the house actively. This type of ventilation is typically used in homes with little or no natural ventilation.

One common mechanical ventilation system is the exhaust fan. Exhaust fans, typically located in bathrooms and kitchens, work by removing moisture and pollutants from the air. They are often operated by a switch or timer and can be vented to the outside through a duct.

3. Whole-House Ventilation

Whole-house ventilation systems, also known as central ventilation systems, work to exhaust stale air and bring in fresh air throughout the entire house. These systems usually consist of a central unit, such as an air handler or fan coil, and a network of ducts that distribute the air.

4. Importance of Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. It helps to remove pollutants and excess moisture, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. It also helps to reduce the concentration of indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO), which can have adverse effects on our health.

Types of Vents

When it comes to vents on the side of a house, there are several options to choose from. These include:

1. Gable vents

These vents are located at the top of a gable and they allow hot air to escape from the attic.

2. Soffit vents

These vents are located in the soffit, the underside of the eaves. Soffit vents provide a way for cool air to enter the attic.

3. Ridge vents

These vents are located at the roof’s peak and provide a way for hot air to escape from the attic.

Each type of vent serves a specific purpose in attic ventilation, and the right combination of vents can effectively circulate air and remove heat and moisture from the attic.

Importance of Proper Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient home. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can build up in the attic, leading to mold growth, rotting wood, and ice dams in the winter.

Proper ventilation helps to circulate air and remove heat and moisture from the attic. This can result in lower cooling costs in the summer and reduced risk of ice dam formation in the winter. It also helps improve indoor air quality by reducing the potential for mold growth and other indoor air pollutants.

Choosing the Right Vents for Your Home

When choosing vents for your home, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Location: The location of the vents will depend on the specific needs of your attic and home.
Size: The size of the vents will also depend on the specific needs of your attic and home.
Style: Vents come in a variety of styles, so you can choose a vent that complements the aesthetic of your home.

Installation and Maintenance

Once you’ve chosen the right vents for your home, it’s important to properly install and maintain them to ensure they function as intended.

Installation of vents should be done by a professional to ensure proper function and to avoid any potential damage to your home.

Maintenance of vents is relatively simple, and typically involves regular cleaning to remove any debris that may have accumulated. Additionally, it’s important to check that the vents are properly functioning, and to make any necessary repairs or replacements.

Conclusion

Understanding your home’s different types of ventilation systems and how they work is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality. Whether you have natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or a whole-house ventilation system, it is important to ensure that it functions properly and provides adequate ventilation for your home.

Vents on the side of a house play an important role in attic ventilation and can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Choosing the right vents and proper maintenance can ensure that your vents are functioning as intended.