What happens if an attic fan stops working?

Author: Vickie McClure  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Moisture Problems: A lack of ventilation can trap moisture in your attic, which can lead to mold growth, rotting wood, and damage to insulation. Roof Damage: Excessive heat can damage your roofing materials, leading to premature deterioration and the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Why did my attic fan suddenly stop working?

1) The problem is either the fan motor was never oiled which is the most common problem on attic fans or the motor starting capacitor is burnt and defective and may need replacement.

How much does it cost to replace an attic fan motor?

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.

What is the life expectancy of an attic fan?

You can expect your attic fan to last between 10 - 15 years before needing its motor replaced.

How do I know if my attic fan is broken?

Here are some of the warning signs you should be aware of:
  1. The fan is unable to turn on or off: A lack of proper response from your attic fan is always going to be a sign of a problem. ...
  2. Fan blades aren't moving: Your attic fan is trying to run and is absorbing energy but it isn't actually operating.

Attic Fan Issues, Troubleshooting, Common Problems!

How long does an attic fan motor last?

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.

Who fixes an attic fan?

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.

Why don't people use attic fans anymore?

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.

How much does it cost to replace an attic fan thermostat?

Attic Fan Thermostat Replacement

Replacing a thermostat costs between $20 and $400 depending on if you want to install a manual or a smart thermostat and $80 to $200 for installation costs. To check if the problem with your attic fan is in the thermostat, you can try to turn it on and off manually.

Is it OK to run an attic fan all night?

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.

Do electricians replace attic fans?

Installing an attic ventilation fan will help protect the integrity of your home by reducing temperatures and humidity levels in your attic space by pushing hot air out of your home while drawing cool air into your attic. A licensed electrician can ensure that all aspects of your project will be completed correctly.

How long does it take to replace a fan motor?

It typically takes one to four hours for the technician to replace the AC fan motor. Normally, good technicians will check for other issues during this replacement. If more problems are found, they will be repaired as well.

Who would replace an attic fan?

Roofers do install attic fans. Actually, it's a good idea to hire a roofer to do it because the installation will require cutting a hole in the roof itself. Once the fan is installed, the area has to be sealed, and new shingles and other roofing materials may have to be added.

What to do when your fan suddenly stops working?

Why did my ceiling fan stop working?
  1. Make sure the power switch is on.
  2. Pull the pull chain to make sure it is on. ...
  3. Push the motor reversing switch firmly left or right to ensure that it is engaged.
  4. Check the circuit breaker to ensure the power is turned on.
  5. Make sure the blades spin freely by hand.

What is the alternative to an attic fan?

In addition to being visually unobtrusive, ridge vents are also typically cheaper than other forms of attic ventilation. They rely entirely on the natural movement of hot and cold air, making them cheaper to install and operate than new electrical attic fans.

How much to fix an attic fan?

Attic fan repair costs $100 to $500 on average, with most homeowners spending about $325. Attic fan replacement costs $300 to $900 and is recommended for fans older than 10 years. Attic fan motor replacement costs $150 to $650. Replacing a whole-house attic fan costs $600 to $2,200.

How do I know if my attic fan motor is bad?

Overheating: Does your attic fan feel unusually hot to the touch? Overheating can pose a risk to your home's safety and usually means the fan's motor is failing.

Do attic fans lower electric bill?

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.

Do roofers replace attic fans?

A residential roofing contractor has experience with attic maintenance procedures. They can adequately install an attic fan to ensure you don't have to bear any unnecessary expenses later. They can also help you choose the right attic fan for your home and individual needs.

Do attic fans help with AC?

They're supposed to help cool your house, but do attic fans really work? The answer is yes. Attic fans lower your air conditioning bill by removing the heat at the top of the house. They can also help cool the second floor, and in fact, they even prevent moisture from building up beneath your roof.

Should I get rid of my attic fan?

Winter Air Leakage: Whole house fans can hurt you more in the winter than they help you in the summer. Older models especially can be a big source of air leakage in the attic, causing your heating bills to skyrocket as warm air escapes and cold air seeps in.

Which is better, ridge vent or attic fan?

If you had to choose just one—and your attic has a great need for ventilation—an attic fan is your best bet. Attic fans in the $300 to $400 range can move upwards of 5,000 CFM. For lower capacity ventilation at a steep cost savings, a ridge vent might be your best choice.

Why did my attic fan stop working?

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.

Do attic fans need to be serviced?

For most whole-house fans, annual maintenance isn't really much of a need. Whole-house fans that have oil ports to help the motor run will need basic lubrication every few years, but little more. An attic exhaust fan, which is designed only to cool the attic space, almost never requires any maintenance.

Are attic fans expensive?

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.

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