Hey Serious Homeowners!

In this weeks newsletter:

• A Deep Dive into Attic Ventilation (Part 1 of 3)

• Must Have Home Products Recap

• Recent News

• January Maintenance Reminders

Attic Ventilation - A Deep Dive

Part 1 of 3 - An Overview

Most homes in the United States have vented attics. This just means that we want outside air to move and circulate through the attic. This attic ventilation is critical, but the topic can be confusing.

These attics are what the industry calls “unconditioned space”, as we don’t heat, cool, air seal or insulate these vented attics.

A vented attic relies on convection (warmer air naturally wanting to rise upwards) to circulate fresh air throughout the attic. Outside cool air is drawn in at the eaves, and warm air wants to rise out of the attic near the roof peak.

The goals are:

• Maintain the attic air temperature close to the outdoor air temperature.

• Allow any moisture buildup which may occur in the attic to be moved out.

• Reduce the temperature on the bottom side of your shingles to prevent the shingles from prematurely deteriorating due to heat.

In winter, moisture from within your home tries to move through your ceiling into your attic. This is due to:

• Vapor Pressure - Vapor pressure is the concept that moisture in the air tries to move from more moist air to less moist air.

  • You dump moisture into your home every day - showers, cooking, evaporation of water you bring in, & moist basement air.

• Difference in temperature between inside your home an within the attic - Warmer air can hold more moisture, so in the winter, the air inside your home is holding more moisture than the cold “drier” air in your attic.

Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3!

Part 2 - How do we ventilate attics

Part 3 - The products to help with ventilation.

In The News

25% to 50% tariffs on furniture and cabinets have been delayed.

Be Careful who you pay to build your next home!

Featured Products Recap

We’ve featured some amazing home products recently. Here is a brief overview of each, and links to purchase.

Alorair Dehumidifiers

Why I love these:

• Alorair products are supported by a dedicated US customer service and technical team. Not a Home Depot customer service desk, yikes!

• 5 Year Warranty (4 more than typical big box products)

• About the same cost as big box store units (A way better value!)

• Energy Star Rated

• Well built enclosure and includes drain hos.

Recommended Practical sizing (real-world):

• 500–1,000 sq. ft., unfinished or damp: 40–50 pints/day

• 1,000–2,000 sq. ft., finished or moderately damp: 50–70 pints/day

• Very damp basements or water intrusion: 70–90+ pints/day

MowRator Self Driving Lawn Mowers

Why I love these:

• Your grass is always mowed.

• Set it and forget it.

• It’s super neat!

• Everyone will have one eventually.

Airdog Room Air Purifier

Why I love these:

• Perfect for rooms with pets

• 30 Day Trial - Return if not happy

• Washable filters

• Removes odors with the carbon filter

Maintenance Reminders For January

See the links for ideas and instructions!

1. Check, Change or Clean Your Furnace Filter

2. Check roofs for ice damming.

3. Inspect your hot water heater, and adjust temperature to 120 degrees at faucets.

4. Review your emergency backup plan.

About the Author

I’m Adam Rich, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and Real Estate Salesperson in the state of Ohio. I help discerning homeowners like you take control of the complexity behind your home.

With a background in engineering, property management, construction, and real estate investing, I specialize in helping understand the systems that make your home work.

Ready for Expert, Unbiased Advice?

Whether it’s a one-time consultation or an ongoing relationship, I offer homeowners peace of mind through clear insights, practical planning, and calm expertise.

I am available to consult on home maintenance and improvements, new construction decisions and options, real estate investing or purchases, real estate engineering matters, and other home systems matters. Whether you're planning major renovations, systems upgrades, assessing long-term maintenance, or just want to get a handle on your home’s true condition, I deliver expert-level answers in clear, practical language.

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions.