Table of Contents
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. In our case, we chose a gable-wall fan that was slightly easier to install because no shingles had to be disturbed.
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.
Can you install an attic fan in a roof vent?
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.
Where is the best place to install a whole house fan?
Typically, whole house fans are placed in the attic between the living space and ceiling. The central hallway is a great place to install your fan in many homes. To install your whole house fan you or your contractor marks your ceiling or wall opening using the premade template.
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 many attic fans should you have?
Attic fans are available in varying CFM ratings so how do you know what size fan you need? The minimum size needed for an attic fan is 700 CFM for every 1000 square feet of attic space. For a steep roof, this size should be 840 CFM per 1000 sq. ft, and for a dark roof, it is 805 CFM per 1000 sq.
What is proper attic ventilation?
Effective ventilation in an unfinished attic usually includes intake vents down low along the soffits, and exhaust vents up high at the peak or roof ridge. This allows for a continuous flow of air through the space.
Is an attic fan better than a ridge vent?
When you are deciding between a ridge vent or an attic fan, consider the needs of the attic. If you have suitable intake venting, a ridge vent might be a better choice, while larger attics and those with poor ventilation might be better served by an attic fan.
Can you use a whole house fan with a ridge vent?
If you have a home with a ridge vent the type of vent that runs along the peak of the roof, you don’t even have to measure. A 40ft long ridge vent is equivalent to 20 sq. feet of gable vent more than enough venting for even the largest whole house fans. You could install a ridge vent along the peak of the roof.
Can I use a gable fan with a ridge vent?
Gable vents will alter the air flow around the ridge vent and, especially when wind is parallel to the ridge (at right angles to the gable), can actually reverse air flow through the ridge vent, pulling rain or snow into the attic. Sealing and leaving them may look better from outside, to avoid creating a blank gable.
Where does a whole house fan go?
A whole house fan system is installed in the ceiling between the attic and living space. There are two types of whole house fans. The difference between the two is the maximum amount of desired airflow, ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm).
Can a whole house fan be installed in a wall?
WHOLE-HOUSE FAN CAN BE INSTALLED IN WALL, WINDOW OR ATTIC. A small protective structure or cupola with louvered sides is built over the fan to protect it and the room underneath from the weather. The cupola must be sealed in winter and the roof opening closed with an insulated cover.
What are the negatives of a whole house fan?
What are the disadvantages of a whole house fan? While a whole house fan is known for saving money on the cooling bill, it can possibly lead to a higher heating bill in the winter, especially for older whole house fans. An older house fan is a perfect escape for the air you are paying to heat in the wintertime.
Should you leave your attic fan on all the time?
Should an attic fan run all the time? Running an attic fan all the time in theory is a good idea. You want your attic to be close to the outside temperature. However, if you have a powered attic fan, you may not want it to run all the time because of the electric costs.
When should attic fan be on?
Attic fans work best at night when the outside temperature cools and that air is drawn into your warm home to cool it off.
Is it OK to leave house fan on overnight?
On average, though, it’s safe to leave your ceiling fan running for eight consecutive hours at a time. That doesn’t mean you should panic if you ran out the door for work and forgot to turn your fan off, but you will want to give the fan’s motor a break as soon as you get back home.
Should I have two attic fans?
The attic fans just pull air through a hot attic space in an effort to reduce the infrared heat gain you feel through the ceiling of your home. If you want your home air conditioner to cool you better, then you might want one or two attic fans. Without this open space, the fans will not move much air.
How many gable attic fans do I need?
Most manufacturers recommend sizing an attic fan at 2 to 3 CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) per square foot of living space. This recommendation is typically based on the location that your home is located in. For example, for coastal or mountain climates, the recommendation is typically 2 CFM per square foot.
How much airflow do I need in my attic?
Most codes use the 1/300 rule for minimum residential attic ventilation recommendations. This means that for every 300 square feet of enclosed attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation is required – with half at the upper portion (exhaust vents) and half in the lower portion (intake vents).
