posted 12 years ago
Hi John
I have some suggestions , that i have learned about and used. As well as some others i would love to given the resources.
First i wouldnt use any attic fans, I would use a metal corrugated style sheathing, as it reflects so much of the thermal heat and does not heat the attic area like shingles do. And i would incorporate a venting sysytem through the soffits and out the ridge of the roof. This air will circulate much better and a larger area than any attic fan will ever do. I did this to a 65 year old house last year in centarl ks. Where they had to have 4 ac units running 24 hours a day to be able to have a chance to be comfortable in the summer, i tore off the three layers of asphault shingles. Removed the attic fan, insulated the attic with blown in insulation to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, and installed the new metal roof panels as well as the soffit and ridge venting sytem, They could easily use the home without the ac units running and no attic fan. The tempature inside the home changed almost 30 degrees ) As for ideas check out some of the adobe , rammed earth, poured earth homes acailable . Look online. For examples.. Good planning and designs can save you alot of monthly expense, and be so much more comfortable.
Good luck