Before you install the siding, soffits, and exterior trim, it’s important to resolve some ventilation and electrical details. For example, this house has a rectangular attic vent centered beneath the ridge in each gable-end wall. If you chose to sheathe the gable-end truss on the ground, this is the logical place to cut the hole for the vent.
If the hole hasn’t been cut yet, do so now, then install the vent (see the photo on p. 161).
Referring to your house plans, an electrician will be able to locate any outlet boxes that need to be installed in the exterior walls. Outdoor receptacles are placed at convenient locations; the same is true for outdoor lights.
This is also the time to cut the hole for the dryer vent. A standard dryer vent requires a 4-in. hole; it’s usually placed in the laundry room, at the back of the dryer near the floor. There are several ways to cut a vent hole.
The easiest way is to use a 4-in.-dia. hole saw (borrow one from the plumber, if possible). Otherwise, mark the vent location with a 4-in.-dia. circle, drill a 3/4-in. hole along one edge, then cut out the circle with a keyhole saw, a jigsaw, or a reciprocating saw. Just make sure you are above the bottom plate and baseboard and away from the end stud. There shouldn’t be any electrical wires down this low, but check to make sure. Insert the vent pipe through the wall, then attach the vinyl trim cover.
Be sure to seal around the vent on both the inside and the outside to keep cold air and moisture from entering the house. Vent pipes can become plugged with lint after years of use. I unplug ours by cleaning out the pipe with a broom handle and then using the vacuum cleaner.
After all our efforts to ensure that our houses are tight and energy efficient, you need to ask yourself this question: Is there enough fresh air in the house? The answer is, well, maybe. If you
live in the sunny south where windows can be kept open year round, then lots of fresh air can enter into your living spaces. I was born in western Nebraska, where Wyoming winter winds coming out of the north blew right through our house. No problem having sufficient air under those conditions. The problem is that open windows or poorly insulated houses mean high energy costs.
There are both passive and active ways to bring outside air into a closed house (see Resources on p. 279). A passive vent can be installed through the wall. Every time a bath or kitchen exhaust fan is turned on, fresh air is drawn in through this vent and into the house.
Active vents can also be placed through the walls. They come equipped with a fan that draws in fresh air from the outside. It’s a good idea to place these vents away from the kitchen or bath exhaust fan unless you want the odors from these rooms wafting throughout the house.
These devices can also be set on a timer to operate only when occupants are at home. No need to run them when you are away breathing someone else’s air.
Fresh air in the house is a serious matter.
To explore more solutions to this problem, I encourage you to consult with your local HVAC contractor to make sure your home maintains good quality air at all times.
