QA

Question: How To Install An Attic Fan

Can I install an attic fan myself?

Do-It-Yourself Attic Fan Installation Instructions. To save time, use an existing roof or gable vent to install your new attic fan. This way you don’t have to cut a brand new hole, but simply make the hole for the vent larger so it can accommodate the fan.

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.

How do you install an attic fan?

Roof fans are mounted on plastic or sheetmetal bases that serve as flashing. Simply cut an opening in the roof, typically near the peak, and install the fan over the opening. Then shingle above and around the flashing just as you would for a standard roof vent or plumbing stack.

How much does it cost to install a roof fan?

Pricing for attic fan installation varies depending on fan type and its location. On average, labor costs run between $100-$300 and the fan itself may range from as little as $50 to more than $500. Whole-house fans tend to have higher overall costs than attic ventilation fans.

Are attic fans a good idea?

Attic fans do really work. They will help to circulate air in your attic and ventilate the space so that it stays closer to the outside temperature. Attics can reach extremely high temperatures in hot, summer months and gather an excessive amount of moisture in the winter. Attic fans will help fight these problems.

Where should attic fans be placed?

Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor.

What size attic fan would an electrician need for a 1500 square foot home?

Attic fan size chart for quick reference Attic floor area Recommended attic fan size 1000 sq.ft 700 CFM 1500 sq.ft 1050 CFM 2000 sq.ft 1400 CFM 2500 sq.ft 1750 CFM.

Do attic fans save you money?

One of the best ways to save money on cooling your house is to install a whole house fan along with an attic fan. These fans keep you from needing to run an A/C unit at all hours of the day, which will save a lot of money on your electric bill.

Does an attic fan need its own circuit?

An attic fan will typically need 4 to 5 amps of service. If an existing circuit nearby cannot handle the added load of an attic fan, you may need to run a new 15-amp circuit to the space. The fan will also require electrical connections to power it and the thermostat to control when the fan runs.

When should an attic fan be installed?

Even if your roof already has ridge vents and plenty of ventilation built in, it’s a good idea to install gable fans or roof fans to help blow hot, humid air out of the attic. Attic ventilation fans also tend to be quite energy-efficient in terms of their own operation.

How do I cool down 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 many attic fans do I need?

The general rule of thumb in these situations is of roughly one vent per every 300 square feet of attic area if the attic has a vapor barrier. If not, there should be one vent for every 150 square feet. You will need to have 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space.

Who changes attic fan?

Attic fans can be replaced by roofers or handymen, while electricians are required for installing electric fans so they can connect the electricity. Handymen charge between $100 and $300 depending on the difficulty of the job at hand, while electricians charge mostly by the hour at a rate of $40 to $100 per hour.

How long do attic fans last?

Typically, attic fans have a lifespan of up to 15 years as long as they are properly maintained. This usually involves having the attic fan professionally serviced by an HVAC technician who will clean the fan shutters, lubricate the oil ports, and wash the fan blades as well as inspect the unit for any repairs needed.

What does a solar attic fan do?

A solar attic fan helps to disperse that heat and cool off our attics and thus, cool off our living space and lower our electric bills because the AC unit is not having to work as hard nor do we have to keep playing with the thermostat to find a comfortable temperature.