A common question that we usually encounter from homeowners: “Do I need an attic fan? And is it worth the money?“
While some folks think attic fans are worth the money, others don’t seem to think so. Whether you need an attic fan or not is a matter of personal preference, but it depends on where you live and your individual needs.
So, what exactly are the benefits of attic fans, and what are the drawbacks? Let’s find out!
What is an Attic Fan?
An attic fan is a device that helps circulate air in your attic. This means that when you want to keep the heat out of your home and make it cooler during the summer months, an attic fan will help you do just that.
Having your HVAC system run less often (because there are fewer cold spots in which cool air needs blowing into) reduces electricity usage as well as propane gas consumption for those who have propane heat sources such as space heaters or furnace pilot lights constantly running.
Do Attic Fans Really Work? And are they Worth it?
Yes, attic fans really work and they are worth it. Attic fan works by moving air through your attic in the summer to push hot air out of your attic and pull cooler air in from underneath.
The more effective an attic fan is at removing excess heat or cooling down an overheated area, the less work you’ll have to do to keep those temperatures under control yourself which means you don’t have to worry at all.
Since an uninsulated attic tends to be hotter than regular rooms in a home due to its exposed roofline, it makes sense that installing one would improve overall comfort levels in both seasons — and, by extension, make things easier on you when it comes time to set up climate control systems like HVAC systems so they’ll work even better.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Attic Fan?
Attic fans are also very safe to use, as long as you follow a few simple rules when installing, operating, and maintaining them.
Here are some pros and cons of attic fans:
Pros:
Increases Air Circulation
Attic fans move air through your home’s attic, which helps eliminate hot spots and evens the temperature throughout the house.
Reduces Energy Costs
In addition to cooling homes, attic fans reduce energy costs by increasing the amount of time it takes for heat to escape through the roof during the summer months. This results in lower heating bills when compared with closed attics that trap heat inside the home.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
Attic fans circulate stale air from inside your home up through the roof and fresh air from outside down into your home’s attic space. This improves IAQ by removing excess moisture and odors from attics that may cause problems such as mold growth or asthma attacks for allergy sufferers.
Provides Backup to Your Air Conditioner
If you live in an area that has mild summers, an attic fan can provide backup to your air conditioner. This means that if the temperature outside rises above what would usually cause your air conditioner to kick on (and it doesn’t), your attic fan can provide some cooling relief until the outside temperature drops below average again.
Cons
Carbon monoxide Risk
If you use the attic fan to replace your roof’s natural ventilation, you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is produced by combustion appliances such as gas and water heaters. It can build up in your home, particularly if they are poorly ventilated. If you use an attic fan in conjunction with gas heating, there is an increased risk of this.
Airflow
The biggest drawback is that attic fans can create a negative pressure in your home, which means the air will come into your house from every crack, crevice, and opening it can find, including exhaust fans and dryer vents. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder than usual, resulting in higher energy bills.
Roof Leak Risk
Another downside is that it can create leaks in the roofing material, especially if the fan is installed improperly.
How Many Attic Fans Do I Need?
The amount of attic fans you need depends on the size of your house, how many windows and doors you have, how well insulated your walls and ceiling are, and how much insulation was installed during construction.
The general rule is one vent per every 300 square feet of attic area if the attic has a vapor barrier (like plastic). If the attic does not have a vapor barrier, it should be ventilated at least once per every 600 square feet.
Does an Attic Fan Reduce Humidity?
Yes. Attic fans can make a big difference in lowering the humidity levels in your home. They do this by pulling cool, dry air into the attic and pushing hot, humid air out of it.
This reduces the amount of moisture that accumulates inside your house, which means you’ll have fewer problems with mold, mildew, and other issues that can lead to health problems.
Popular FAQs About Attic Fans
Q. When Should You Use an Attic Fan?
A. The best time to use an attic fan is when your house is already warm, due to the hot weather outside.
Q. Does the Attic Fan Help in Winter?
A. Yes! Attic fans are great for helping to prevent ice dams during the winter. They will reduce moisture levels and provide a more stable temperature for your attic, which can help prevent the formation of ice dams.
Q. Will an Attic Fan Help Cool the House?
A. Yes, attic fans help cool the house by pulling hot air out of the attic and venting it outside. However, they do not cool down the entire house.
Q. How Do I Cool Down My Hot Attic?
A. Yes, one of the best ways to cool down the hot attic is to put in an attic fan. Attic fans are easy to install and can help cool your attic by pushing hot air out of the attic and letting cooler air in.
Q. Do Attic Fans Use a Lot of Electricity?
A. The answer is a resounding no. Attic fans are actually the most efficient way to cool your home because they use less energy than air conditioning, and they don’t require you to run your air conditioning more than you need to.
Q. Is it Okay to Run an Attic Fan All Night?
A. Yes! It’s okay to run your attic fan all night long. It will help keep your home cool and dry, which is especially important during the summer months.
Q. Will an Attic Fan Save Me Money?
A.Yes, an attic fan will save you money by increasing the life of your HVAC system, reducing energy use, and reducing the need to replace air filters.
Q. Do electircians install attic fans?
A. Yes! Electricians can purchase and install wiring and install the attic fan for you safely.
Q. What is better, an attic fan or whole house fan?
A.Attic fans are a better choice than whole house fans. Attic fans are smaller and more energy efficient, and they can be used to cool the attic itself as well as the floors below it.
Q. Is an attic fan cheaper than air conditioning?
A.Yes! Attic fans are much cheaper than air conditioning systems. They use less energy and cool your attic faster, so you can save money on utilities.
Conclusion
So, are attic fans worth the money? It depends on your home and your needs. If you have a low-pitched roof, it may not be worth the money and maintenance costs.
However, if you live in a hot region, attic fans are definitely worth considering. On top of that, attic fans are a great way to increase the comfort of your home and boost your home’s overall value.
Just keep in mind that most homes need at least two outlets to run an attic fan efficiently, so be sure to factor those costs into your decision as well!
