You can test to determine whether the attic fan will turn on at the desired temperature setting, by temporarily setting the attic fan to a lower temperature. At this lower setting, the fan should run during a cooler day. Make sure to reset the fan back to 90°F after completing the test.
Depending on the product you purchase, attic fans can create a slight hum or even a whine, especially as they age. An attic fan might be completely silent when it's first installed, but through the years, it can start to make noise.
During the spring and summer months, most homeowners will find that setting the attic fan to 75 degrees Fahrenheit will help keep their home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. During the warmer months, you may find that you need to run your attic fan more often to stay cooler.
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.
When connected to the thermostat, they can turn on and off automatically depending on the current household temperature and the specific settings. These fans draw air from the attic and send it outdoors. In theory, the air is then replaced by outdoor air, creating a healthy cycle of airflow.
Attic fans ventilate and exhaust your attic only and are used primarily during the day, but they work well in the evening and night as well. Attic fans pull air from the outside through existing vents in the attic.
If the attic fan is not turning on, the power may be turned off at the switch or breaker panel. If there is power, but the fan is not running, remove the thermostat cover and use a volt meter to measure for voltage (see photo below). Turn the temp dial, as necessary, during testing.
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.
Be attentive to any strange sounds, such as grinding, screeching, or rattling coming from your roof attic fan. These could indicate mechanical problems.
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.
You can expect your attic fan to last between 10 - 15 years before needing its motor replaced.
An attic fan can help cool down the living space if the attic is not insulated. A hot attic radiates heat through the ceiling, much like the heat of a coffee mug on a hand holding it. An attic fan lowers the heat in the house by reducing the attic's temperature; it never moves any air within the home.
They pull air from wherever they can get it, including conditioned air from the house. Consequently, some of that cooling they provide to the attic is from your air conditioner.
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.
On hot summer days, you can run your attic fan throughout the day and night. If temperatures cool significantly overnight, you can choose to turn off your attic fan until the morning.
Electric Attic Fans
For example, if the thermostat is set to 90 degrees, the fan turns on when the attic reaches 90 degrees and remains off otherwise.
Turn the attic fan off and unplug the motor from the thermostat. Once done, test that the motor still works by plugging the motor into an extension cord that is connected to an outlet. If the fan turns on, the motor is still good.
If your attic fan doesn't turn on, there may be an issue with the thermostat, wiring, or electrical circuit controlling the fan. Similar issues can be the cause of an attic fan that refuses to shut off: the thermostat may be miscalibrated or may not be able to detect the temperature correctly.
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.
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 your home experiences a lot of direct sunlight during the day, though, your home may benefit from running your attic fan for longer periods of time to help keep the space more comfortable.
If yours stops working, it's essential to fix it as soon as possible—and in most cases, you'll need to hire a pro. Assuming that your attic fan runs on electricity (as many do), it's best to call a licensed electrician for repairs.
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.