Noise: Whole house fans can be noisy, especially if not installed properly. A large-capacity fan running at low speed is generally quieter than a small fan running at high speed. Install rubber or felt gaskets to dampen noise, and use a multi-speed fan at a lower speed when noise is a concern.
To reduce noise, all whole-house fans should be installed with rubber or felt gaskets.
Adjust Fan Speed: Lowering the fan speed reduces noise. This can be managed through fan control software, hardware controllers, or BIOS settings. Install Anti-Vibration Mounts: Use rubber or silicone dampeners or grommets to isolate the fan from the mounting surface, reducing vibration-related noise.
Whole house fans which are large enough to create a breeze through the house can sometimes produce unintended effects such as noise, heat loss, and house depressurization. This can be improved with more attic vents and window area to replace the exhausted air. You must open windows.
Whole house fans are meant to run with a few windows open in the early morning, late evening and overnight, when the air outside is cooler than the air inside.
Modern whole house fans are quieter and better insulated, but they're still not as common. Today, it's hard for whole house fans to compete with heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, which operate more efficiently and deliver better cooling than either whole house fans or traditional AC systems.
By contrast, a whole house fan has a motor in the 1/4 to 1/2 hp range, uses 120 to 600 watts, and costs around 1¢ to 5¢ per hour of use.
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.
However, in general, whole house fans can save you up to 50-90% on your cooling costs compared to running an air conditioning system.
Do QuietCool Whole House Fans make noise? The QuietCool Whole House Fan operates at the sound of a whisper, so you can sleep, talk, or watch TV without noise disruption. With a dB level of 45-51 making QuietCool the quietest whole house fan on the market.
Damping, also known as sound deadening, can reduce noise in ventilation systems. Damping involves coating or sticking a viscoelastic or bituminous type of material to thin, vibrating surfaces. The coating reduces the surface's tendency to amplify vibrations and radiate noise.
Depending on the size of the Advanced Whole House Fan you are installing, you can expect to pay between $500 to $3000 installed. The pricing varies based on the type of whole house fan, the sizing requirements, and the motor type.
One of the most effective ways to reduce noise from an industrial fan is by installing a silencer on the fan's open outlet or inlet. A silencer functions similarly to a car muffler, extending the opening and dampening the sound waves.
Whole house fans can be an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning in some climates. Combined with ceiling fans and other circulating fans, they can provide comfortable summer conditions for many families.
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.
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.
However, running them constantly may have a negative impact on your electricity bill. Installing an attic fan can help keep your home cooler and energy efficient. If your home is naturally cooler, you may not need to use your air conditioner as frequently, potentially lowering your energy costs.
Do not run your whole house fan during the day unless the temperature outside is cooler than the house is inside, though you may want to run the fan during the day to push air out of the attic. To do so, direct airflow from either the basement or the shady side of the home.
Attic Fan problems
Even though an attic exhaust fan can incrementally lower the temperature of a very hot attic, using a fan does not stop the source-radiant heat. During the day, any cooler air brought in by the fan will be heated up immediately by the surrounding structure. Most fans cannot keep up.
Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on the indoor and outdoor temperatures. If the outside air becomes warmer than the inside air, it's time to turn off the fan. Use in Conjunction with AC: In some climates, a whole house fan can be used to complement air conditioning.
When running a whole house fan if you don't open windows it makes a loud suction noise to make it very obvious that there aren't windows opened. Make sure to follow these important tips safety tips when using a whole house fan: Make sure you have the 2-4 windows open 4-8 inches.