Only professional electricians can install an attic fan, and only professionals can replace it when it's run its course.
An electrician, a handyman or an HVAC installer is able to install an attic fan as well.
Unless you have previous electrical experience, you should always hire a licensed electrician for any electrical projects. Your electrician will discuss available options and help you select the best fan for your application.
If you have a solar or electric attic fan, it's best to hire a licensed electrician to replace it.
The cost to install an attic fan is $625 on average. Installing a small, passive attic fan may cost you as little as $369, but a larger solar or dual-powered attic fan can surpass $914.
Yes, you should get a quote or an estimate from an electrician. Most electricians offer free estimates or quotes.
You can expect your attic fan to last between 10 - 15 years before needing its motor replaced.
Why are attic fans not used anymore? Due to inefficiencies in relying on existing attic vents for air intake, attic fans have lost popularity. These vents often aren't designed for this purpose, resulting in inadequate replacement air supply.
If you're looking to install an attic fan, you'll need to hire a residential roofing contractor to do it for you. It's because attic fans need to be installed the first time correctly. Re-installing them can be an expensive endeavor that you would want to avoid.
While attic fan motors are generally expected to last t10-15 years, that number does tend to go down in hotter and more humid environments.
If you're removing an existing fan and replacing it with a new fan, this can be a DIY job. Installing a bathroom exhaust fan where there wasn't one before, however, is a bit more complicated. Bathroom exhaust fans need electricity to work, so if there isn't existing wiring, you may need to hire an electrician.
If you suspect your attic has ventilation problems, the first step is to call a local roof repair pro for an inspection. Professional roofers will inspect the attic and roof for damage and discuss options for improving ventilation and repairing any existing damage.
A roofer is especially helpful if you currently have a roof-mounted attic fan that needs to be replaced.
Ceiling Fan Installation Can Get Complicated
Installing a ceiling fan involves mounting the fan, adding new wiring, and installing a switch. It's a task best left to a licensed electrician. If you want to install or replace a ceiling fan, installing a new model in the exact location is a straightforward job for a pro.
By removing hot air from your attic, attic fans can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner, which can lead to lower energy bills. They can also prevent ice damming during the winter months, which can cause damage to your roof and home.
An attic fan is exactly what it sounds like—it's a fan installed on the ceiling of your attic. It works by drawing hot, humid air out of your attic and pushing it outside. This provides much-needed ventilation and is a powerful addition to your HVAC system.
If you want to install a bathroom fan, you should call a handyperson first. They usually have the experience and expertise needed to install or replace a bathroom vent fan. Some handypersons will do all the work themselves.
In a nutshell, whole house fans are designed to run after sundown, using cool night air to ventilate and cool your entire living space. Attic fans are designed to run on hot sunny days to clear super-heated air from your attic. Both can be worthwhile, but they do different jobs.
An electrician or handyman can repair wiring issues. Hiring a handyman costs $50 to $80 per hour. Replacing or installing a new fan may require a carpenter to add or adjust the framework. An HVAC technician can troubleshoot and repair a whole-house or attic fan.
If the evenings are cooler, you can try turning the attic cooling fan off until the morning, but if you notice your HVAC system begins to struggle to keep your home comfortable, you may want to keep running the attic fan overnight.
Attic fans range differently depending on what kind of the Attic fan you are installing, you can expect to pay between $350 to $1,000 installed. The pricing varies based on the type of Attic fan, the sizing requirements, and the motor type.
An attic fan that won't turn on is usually an electrical problem, but it can also be an issue with the fan motor or the thermostat. First, check the circuit breaker that controls the attic fan.
Be attentive to any strange sounds, such as grinding, screeching, or rattling coming from your roof attic fan. These could indicate mechanical problems.
Replacing a broken motor will cost about $125 for an attic fan and $50 and $100 for a whole-house model. Professional installation will run an added $80 to $100 per hour. Some pros will charge you a disposal fee to get rid of the broken fan.
You don't need to have your attic fun running all of the time. Having it running only when it's needed maximizes its benefits for your home's AC and overall energy efficiency.