subject: The Things You Should Consider Before Installing A Whole House Fan. [print this page] Big Problem Number One: Big Problem Number One:
Going to the neighborhood big box hardware store and purchasing a whole house attic fan without researching house fans first is one of the biggest mistakes 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 fan yourself, chances are you will have to hire someone to correct your do-it-yourself mistakes.
Solution Number One:
Hire a electric services company who has a good reputation for installing whole house attic fans. Even though the project can be relatively small, there can be a lot more to it than just cutting a hole in your ceiling and turning the fan on. A good qualified electrician will know: What size fan to use, Whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, Where to place the intake vent, When is the best time to use the fan to maximize its benefit.
Problem Number Two:
Installing a whole house attic fan without the right equipment, proper insulation, and proper placement of the main intake vent is a avoidable mistake.
Solution Number Two:
A reputable electrician will always recommend a whole house fan that comes with built in insulation. In the winter months, it is imperative that the house fan, the house fan housing, the vent opening, and the attic vents have the proper insulation so that you are not losing money by escaping warming air. Also, a good electrical contractor will know that the whole house attic fan has 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 off the shelf is definitely a really big mistake. Fans are an inexpensive option when compared to HVAC. The cheaper models are not insulated, have unreliable fan motors, and are quite loud. The last thing you need is to hear what sounds like a rocket taking off inside the home, or a squeaky fan motor each time the whole house attic fan is switched on.
Solution Number Three:
Make the right choice and buy a quality fan that has good reviews and low reported problems. A quick search on several consumer goods review sites will steer you in the right direction. Also, consult with your reputable electrician. 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 buy a brand that has no history of past performance or good reviews by lots of people.
Big Problem Number Four: (And this one is a big one)
Having a whole house fan installed that is too large for the home is one of the biggest mistakes a home owner can make. If there is not proper attic ventilation, a house fan that is too large can draw all of the hot air up from the house and into the attic, and then push that hot air back down into the interior space through the wall switches, ceiling lights, electrical outlets, HVAC vents. In fact, a fan that is too large for the dwelling will make it hotter, not cooler.
Solution Number Four:
Before installing a fan, consult with a electrical contractor and chose the model that is right for the dwelling. If you dont have enough attic ventilation, there are some simple steps that should be to provide that ventilation. A ridge vent, gable vent, soffit vent, and whirly gig are all great options for attic ventilation. A good reputable electrician will also work with a licensed builder who can usually add the proper attic ventilation in a about a day if there is not any in place.
Usually, a smaller fan will cool a home better than a larger fan, which is more often than not overkill. The goal with a fan is balanced air flow. With constant movement of air throughout the dwelling, it will stay cooler with less energy needed. Also, a smaller house fan means less installation work, which is always a bonus.
Big Problem Number Five:
Using the fan with the windows closed can cause a potentially life threatening condition. The whole house fan functions by drawing cooler air in from the outside through the open windows and pulling the warm air up into the attic where it leaves the house through the attic vents. If you close the windows, there is a great chance 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, creating a potentially fatal situation.
Solution Number Five:
Please open the windows before activating the house fan! The fan is not there to re-circulate bad stale air throughout the home. Its primary function is to cool the dwelling, and provide a less expensive cooling solution than HVAC. In fact, a well installed whole house attic fan can cool an averaged sized house for a tenth of the cost of air conditioning.
