soonerbrink

Thanks for all the help. Unforuantely my filters aren't in the attic (which has no consequences on the solutions mentioned). The unfortnate part is that there are 5 of them in the ceilings at the return vents... which get expensive when time to replace them.

Thanks for all the replies.... Looks like its not as inefficient as feared. I will plan on leaving as is.

I am concerned about the return vent is pulling air from the attic through the nearby recessed lights. Attic temp can get 125-130 along the floor in the summer, so this could be a major efficiency problem. Wireless thermometer shows temperature of fixtures (when off) is about 5 degrees warmer than surrounding ceiling. I don't think the loose inslation is packed around the fixture...some of it just fell down in there when it got pushed around. Any suggestions on the proper way to insulate this without creating a fire/ major tripping hazard? Home was consutructed in 2005. Thanks

Looks like this switch on the thermostat is just to 'test' the fan. I will have to get someone to help me disconnect it properly.

Just curious, but why is that? Most people don't replace 5-year old roofs. There was a massive hail storm last year that totaled the roof. From the information I acquired it would be beneficial to get a powered vent which would help cool my attic, which in turn would save on my electric bills. Because of negotiating with the contractor this was installed, wired by an electrican at no cost to me. What are the "vents on the underside of the hosue?" Is that the foundation vents under the floor? Or do you mean soffit vents at the eaves? The soffit vents under the eaves. I made sure

It does sound like there is the issue with least resistence when dealing with both caps and powered vents. Thanks for your input.

Background info: First off, I am new here. So, if this is the wrong place for this question, please let me know. My home is 2200 sq ft built in 2004 and is located in Central Oklahoma. I recently had a new roof put on and in the process one of the 5 cap vents was replaced with a powered vent. Powered vent seemed to run all the time so I installed a wirelss thermometer in the house so I could monitor temperature. I adjusted the thermostat so it would turn on at approximately 115 degrees to help keep the house cool (contractor had it set at 70). I made sure the vents on the underside of the ho