QA

Quick Answer: How Does Attic Fan Work

The basic principle of an attic fan is that it pushes hot air out of your attic space. An attic fan pulls air into the attic from the outdoors using the soffit vents you should already have installed in the eaves. As the attic fan draws outdoor air into the attic, it vents hot, stale air out through attached dormers.

Should an attic fan run all the time?

Generally speaking, an attic fan should run as long as it takes to replace all the attic air with outside air. Usually, this takes roughly 15 minutes. However, you can calculate a much more accurate time by dividing the strength of your fan by the volume of your attic space.

How does an attic fan turn on?

An attic fan is normally automatic. An adjustable thermostat, which is included, turns the fan on and off according to the temperature. If you have a humidistat installed, it turns the fan on and off as well according to the humidity.

When should you use an attic fan?

An attic fan can be used to cool down your living space any time the air outside is cooler than the air in your home. An attic fan pulls air in through open windows and doors while pushing hot air out of the home through attic vents.

Do attic fans work in the winter?

Winter Attic Fan Running is Okay? Your attic fan runs during winter regardless of the temperature to bring in dry outside air to replace damp attic air and prevent mold from starting in your attic. Your Jet Fan Attic Fan Humidistat should be set to 70 -75% relative humidity.

Is it OK to run an attic fan all night?

Getting the most from your AirScape Only use your fan when the outdoor air is cooler than your indoor air. Make sure your A/C is off when you run the fan to avoid wasting energy. We recommend running the whole house fan all night. The goal is to cool your entire house down, not just the air.

How does an attic roof fan work?

Attic ventilation fans help cool air your attic by pushing out the stifling hot air from inside the attic and bringing in cool air from outside. As the air leaves, it creates negative pressure behind it, sucking in cool air from below into the soffits and creating a self-repeating ventilation process.

How are attic fans controlled?

How is an attic fan controlled? The ideal way to control the operation of an attic fan is with a thermostat and a humidistat. In summer, the thermostat operates the fan when the attic temperature reaches a preset level (usually 90 to 95 degrees F). This reduces attic moisture.

Should you turn attic fan off in winter?

Q: Should I turn off my attic power fan and close the vents during winter? A: Although the natural instinct to keep the house warmer may be to close the attic vents, that is definitely not a good idea. The chimney effect causes heat to rise into the attic, and this warm air can hold more moisture than cold air.

Does an attic fan use a lot of electricity?

Attic fans are incredibly efficient. They use a fraction of the electricity your air conditioning system uses. They also decrease your need for air conditioning, which lowers your monthly utility bills.

What temperature should attic fan be set to?

When it comes to an attic fan’s temperature setting, it’s best to adjust it to anywhere from 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s impossible to state a single number because your attic can effortlessly soar above 95 degrees (on average).

Do attic fans have switches?

Attic fans do not come with wall switches. These fans are designed to run the whole day and night without stopping. In addition, their energy consumption is meager, so you don’t have to worry about heavy energy bills.

Do I need attic fan or whole house fan?

Attic fans are quite different. They’re installed up on a roof or through an exterior wall up in an attic. Whole-house fans need windows and doors open and attic fans need lots of soffit vents to suck cooler outdoor air up into the hot attic. Without this open space, the fans will not move much air.

Should I run my attic fan in the summer?

In the summer, a properly installed attic fan can remove excessive heat build up, providing cooling to an attic space. This helps reduce the pressure on your insulation systems, preventing unwanted heat transfer into your living space.

Are attic fans a fire hazard?

“Most attic fans are put up there and forgotten,” says Kenneth Kent, deputy marshal of the Arlington County Fire Department. “They’re not inspected for years, and when they malfunction, they can start a fire.”Jul 19, 1994.

When should I run my attic fan in the summer?

During the summer the fan should operate anytime the attic temperature is above the comfort level desired for the indoor living quarters. For example, if the air conditioning thermostat is set to 74 degrees, the attic fan might be set to 75 degrees.

How do I remove heat from my attic?

Install electric ventilators and attic fans, which remove hot air from an attic. They have thermostats that turn the fan on at a recommended preset temperature of 100-110 degrees. Alternatively, install passive vents such as gable, soffit and ridge vents, which are openings in the roof that allow hot air to escape.

How much does it cost to install an attic fan?

Cost to Install an Attic Fan Attic fan installation costs an average of $595. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $369 and $877. Depending on the quality of the unit you choose, location, and add-ons, the project can run as little as $200, or as much as $1,300.