Ventilation 101: How to Keep Your Attic from Turning Into a Sauna

Most homeowners don’t think about their attic unless something goes wrong. But during the hot, humid summer months in Connecticut, poor attic ventilation can cause a lot of problems. Some you’ll feel in your cooling bills, and others you might not notice until it’s too late.

Here’s why proper attic ventilation matters and how to know if your home needs an upgrade.

Why Your Attic Needs to Breathe

Your attic should be the same temperature as the air outside. That might sound surprising, but it’s true. In the summer, without proper airflow, your attic can easily reach 130°F or higher. That heat doesn’t just stay in the attic - it radiates down into your living space, forcing your air conditioner to work harder and driving up energy costs.

Hot, stagnant air can also cause your roofing materials to age prematurely. Shingles can blister, underlayment can warp, and moisture can build up, leading to mold, mildew, and even wood rot.

Good ventilation helps control both heat and moisture, keeping your attic and roof in better shape, and your home more energy-efficient.

The Basics of a Ventilation System

A well-ventilated attic has two things: intake and exhaust. These work together to create a continuous flow of air.

• Intake vents (usually located in the soffits under your roof overhang) pull fresh air into the attic.

• Exhaust vents (at the roof ridge, gables, or high up on the roof slope) allow hot, humid air to escape.

This system relies on the natural movement of air—cool air in, hot air out.

Common Ventilation Types

• Ridge vents: Run along the peak of your roof and are often paired with soffit vents. They’re effective and barely noticeable from the street.
  Soffit vents: Located under your eaves, they bring in cool outside air.

• Gable vents: Installed on the walls of the attic, often used in older homes.

• Powered attic fans: Use electricity to actively pull hot air out. These can be helpful but aren’t always necessary if passive ventilation is working properly.

Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation

• Your upstairs rooms are always hotter than the rest of the house.

• You notice high energy bills in the summer.

• Your roof shingles are curling or deteriorating faster than expected.

• There’s mold or a musty smell in the attic.

• You see frost or condensation in the attic during winter (yes, ventilation matters year-round).

Here in Connecticut, we deal with humid summers and cold winters, which means both heat and moisture are issues. That makes proper attic ventilation even more important. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about protecting your roof, improving air quality, and saving on long-term energy costs.

If you’re unsure whether your attic is properly ventilated, a quick inspection by a professional can help. It’s one of those home systems that’s easy to overlook, until it’s not.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Got a home issue you’d like Bob to tackle? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Keep Your Home Cooler with These Summer A/C Tips

As temperatures and humidity rise, many homeowners turn up the air conditioning to stay comfortable. However, overworking your A/C system without proper maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, an increased likelihood of mold, and potential water damage. Here are several ways to stay cool while keeping your house’s health in check.

1. Replace or clean your air filter regularly.

A clogged air filter can reduce your A/C’s efficiency by up to 50%. Check your filter monthly and replace or clean it as needed. A clean filter improves airflow, helps the unit cool more effectively, and reduces the amount of dust, pollen, and mold in the air. When selecting a filter, consider its MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. Residential units typically use filters with a MERV rating between 1 and 12. Higher ratings trap smaller particles and can improve indoor air quality.

2. Seal gaps around window units.

Window air conditioners can allow warm, humid air into the home if not properly installed. Use foam insulation or foil tape to seal gaps around the unit. This reduces energy loss and keeps your space cooler. Materials are inexpensive and available at most hardware and home improvement stores.

3. Use a programmable timer or smart plug.

Air conditioners use a significant amount of energy. Avoid running your unit at full power when you’re not home. A programmable timer or smart plug can adjust the temperature while you’re away and return it to a comfortable level before you arrive. This helps reduce wear on the system and can lower energy bills.

4. Check attic insulation and ventilation.

Poor attic insulation can make it harder to keep your home cool, especially on hot days. If your ceiling feels warm to the touch, it may indicate that there is insufficient insulation. Improving insulation and ventilation helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces the strain on your A/C system. This also benefits your home during the winter months.

5. Inspect your system for leaks.

Water leaks from central A/C units often result from a cracked drain pan, clogged filter, or a blocked condensate line. These issues can lead to water damage in ceilings or walls. If you notice any signs of leaking, turn off the system and inspect these areas promptly. Addressing small issues early can prevent costly repairs later.

Staying cool doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills or home damage. With a few simple checks and low-cost upgrades, you can improve your air conditioner’s performance and keep your home comfortable all summer long. Regular maintenance now can also extend the life of your system and help prevent unexpected breakdowns when the heat is at its worst.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. For remodeling inquiries, call (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality During Pollen Season

Spring in Connecticut is a beautiful thing with longer days, blossoming trees, and the long-awaited return of greenery. But if your eyes are watering, your nose is running, and you feel like you’re living in a cloud of dust, you’re not imagining it. Tree pollen is heavy right now across the state, and it’s taking a toll on our sinuses, our sleep, and even our mood.

What many people don’t realize is that spring allergies aren’t just an outdoor problem. Pollen doesn’t politely stay outside. It hitches a ride on your clothes, shoes, pets, and open windows, settling in your carpets, upholstery, and air ducts. The result? Your indoor air can be just as allergy-triggering as the great outdoors. Fortunately, a few smart strategies can dramatically improve your home’s air quality and help you breathe easier this season.

1. Invest in a High-Quality Air Purifier

One of the most effective ways to combat indoor allergens like pollen is to use a HEPA air purifier. These devices are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Place a purifier in high-traffic areas, such as the living room or bedroom, and keep it running continuously during peak pollen season. If you have allergy sufferers at home, consider one for each bedroom.

Bonus tip: Look for purifiers with activated carbon filters to reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can further irritate sensitive airways.

2. Keep Windows Closed (Sorry, We Know)

There’s nothing more tempting than cracking open a window on a sunny spring day. But during high pollen days, open windows are like rolling out the red carpet for allergens. Use air conditioning instead, and make sure your HVAC system is fitted with a high-efficiency filter (MERV 11 or higher is ideal). Don’t forget to change it every 1-2 months during allergy season.

3. Do the “Pollen Peel-Off” at the Door

Designate a “drop zone” near your entryway where family members can leave shoes, jackets, and bags. This helps prevent pollen from being tracked deeper into your home. If you’ve been outside for a while, especially after a hike or time in the garden, consider changing clothes and rinsing off. Pollen loves to cling to fabric and hair.

4. Vacuum Like You Mean It

Vacuuming once or twice a week with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner can make a big difference. Pollen settles in rugs, furniture, and curtains, so make those part of your cleaning routine too. For an extra level of clean, consider using a steam cleaner on soft surfaces.

5. Bring in the Green Wisely

Some houseplants can help purify indoor air, but others might aggravate allergies. Skip the highly fragrant or pollen-heavy varieties, and opt for air-cleansing champs like spider plants, peace lilies, or snake plants. And always check for mold buildup in the soil, which can trigger symptoms.

Spring doesn’t have to mean months of misery. With a little planning and some tech help, you can keep pollen outside and reclaim the fresh, healthy air your home deserves.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.