This article outlines more than a few important subjects you should think about before putting in a whole house attic fan. It also explores the most common mistakes that do-it-yourselfers make when choosing a whole house attic fan, AND good pointers you can use to avoid each mistake.
Problem Number One:
Going to the neighborhood big box hardware store and purchasing a whole house attic fan without researching house fans first is the biggest mistake a home owner can make when installing a house fan. If you assume that you have the right size fan, the best manufacturer, or all of the information you need in order to install the whole house attic fan yourself, chances are you will have to call someone to correct your do-it-yourself mistakes.
Solution Number One:
Hire a reputable electrician who has a good reputation for installing house fans. There is a lot more to it than just cutting the fan opening and turning the fan on. A good electrical contractor will know: What size fan to use, Whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, Where to place the fan opening, When is the best time to use the fan to maximize its benefit.
Big Problem Number Two:
Installing a whole house fan without the correct equipment, correct insulation, and proper placement of the main intake vent is a really big mistake.
Solution Number Two:
A qualified electrician will always recommend a whole house attic fan that comes with built in insulation. In the winter months, it is really important that the house fan, the house fan housing, the vent opening, and the attic vents have the right insulation so that you are not losing money by escaping warming air. Also, a good qualified electrician will know that the whole house attic fan needs to be installed in a place that allows for maximum airflow starting at the windows and into the attic.
Big Problem Number Three:
Buying the cheapest whole house fan from a website is definitely a huge mistake. Whole house fans are an inexpensive option when compared to HVAC. The cheaper models are not insulated, have generic fan motors, and are very loud. The last thing you need is to hear what sounds like a rocket taking off inside the home, or a squeaky fan motor every time the fan is activated.
Solution Number Three:
Make the right choice and buy a quality whole house attic fan that has good reviews and a good track record. A quick search on several consumer goods review sites will steer you in the right direction. Also, consult with your electric services company. They might carry a certain brand of whole house fan that they trust and that has a great reputation for being a quality product. Do not choose a brand that has no history of past performance or good reviews by consumers.
Problem Number Four: (And this one is huge!)
Having a whole house fan installed that is too large for the house is one of the biggest mistakes a home owner can make. If there is not enough attic ventilation, a fan that is too large may draw all of the hot air up from the interior space and into the attic, and then push that hot air back down into the house through the ceiling lights, electrical outlets, HVAC vents, small cracks, wall switches. In fact, a house fan that is too large for the home can make it warmer, not cooler.
Solution Number Four:
Before installing a whole house attic fan, consult with a licensed electrician and chose the model that is right for the home. If you don't have enough attic ventilation, there are some simple steps that are recommended to provide that ventilation. A ridge vent, gable vent, soffit vent, and whirly gig are all inexpensive options for attic ventilation. A good reputable electrician will also work in conjunction with a licensed builder who can usually add the correct attic ventilation in a about a day if there is not any in place.
Usually, a smaller house fan will cool a dwelling better than a larger fan, which is more often than not overkill. The goal with a whole house fan is balanced air flow. With constant movement of air throughout the dwelling, it will stay cooler with less energy needed. Also, a smaller whole house fan means less installation work, which is always a bonus.
Mistake Number Five:
Turning on the house fan with the windows closed is a very dangerous thing. The whole house fan works by drawing cooler air in from the exterior of the house through the open windows and pushing the hot air up into the attic where it leaves the house through the attic vents. If the windows are closed, there is a possibility that air can be pulled from the diverter that is on top of the water heater or boiler. What this means is that poisonous carbon monoxide can be pushed into the living space, causing a potentially fatal situation.
Solution Number Five:
Open those windows before switching on the fan! The fan is not there to re-circulate the existing air throughout the house. Its primary function is to remove hot air from the house, and provide a less expensive, environment friendly cooling solution than HVAC. In fact, a properly installed fan can cool an averaged sized house for a tenth of the cost of air conditioning.
This article was written by Don Carter for Vozzcom Electric, a licensed Miami electrical services company. For more information on a whole house fan , visit our website at VozzcomElectric.Net
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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