Power attic fan we were thinking of installing, what would you advise?

Question

We live in the south and it's hot and humid. How much do they cost and is there a certain type that's better? We live in an older one story home.

Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

I've recently had a home energy audit performed on our house. I brought up the question about power attic fans and the auditor said he didn't like them. He further explained that they don't address the underlining problems. You must seal and insulate to make your home more energy efficient.

If you were referring to a whole house fan, he had no more positive to say about them either. They become a primary source of air leakage when trying to heat or cool your home. He advised if I was set on using one, not to purchase the inexpensive type as found at your local Lowe's or Home Depot but to get a quality unit that would not be a source of energy loss later.

Answer 2

I'm in AL so we have warm weather also.  I like attic fans and attic ventilator fans also.  If you mean the type that is installed in the ceiling and pulls air in the house through the windows, they do a good job.  As already said, they can be noisy if located too close to your bedroom.  Also, the location of the fan needs to be where you can close off doors and windows to pull air through the house as preferred.  

If you mean the type of fan that fits in the apex of the roof at a vent to pull hot air out of the attic, you will want to consider vents on two sides of the attic and maybe two fans as well.  One to draw air in and one to push the hot air out.  Finally, I strongly recommend that you have manual switches on all fans.  I have two of the attic ventilation types with automatic switches that turn on the fans at a certain temperature.  They run during the night and disrupt out sleep.  Good luck.

Answer 3

We use one occasionally...It  will clear the house in a few minutes.(open doors & windows & turn on)..you need a vent to the attic in a hallway or some central location..You won't run it all the time..they do make a little noise..It needs a heat safety switch, so it won't run in the event of a house fire.