Attic Fans and Energy Costs
Summer may be ending, but there are still many warm, humid days ahead. Do yourself and your energy bill a favor by installing an attic fan that will lower the temperature and lower your energy bills.
What is an Attic Fan?
Many people confuse attic fans with whole-house fans but they are not the same thing.
A whole-house fan, as the name implies, blows cool air through the interior of the house to keep the whole house cool. An attic fan, also known as a “ventilating fan” or an “attic ventilator,” regulates the temperature in the attic by releasing hot air through the roof vents. It isn’t a replacement for a whole-house fan. Instead, the two work together to produce a regular flow of cool air throughout your home.
A whole-house fan:
- runs during the cooler hours of the evening and early morning;
- pulls heat of your home and sends it out through the attic vents;
- circulates cool outside air through your home;
- is mounted between the attic and the home.
An attic fan:
- runs during the day;
- keeps the attic air cool;
- mounts to the gable or soffits;
- is controlled by a thermostat.
Because blocking the gables and soffits in your attic can lead to big problems and completely destroy the point of having a fan, proper installation is critical. A SESCOS electrician can install the right fan for your home and ensure that it keeps the air flowing.
How Do They Work?
An insulated attic will keep hot, moist air outside where it belongs in the summer. A cooler attic also protects your roof shingles from heat and moisture, which helps them last longer.
A whole-house fan and an attic fan, working together, can cool your house enough to replace your air conditioner, even on the hottest days.
Give Your AC a Break
It’s tempting to want to run your air conditioning constantly on hot, humid days. But that isn’t good for you or your air-conditioning unit. Air-conditioned air is dry and tends to circulate dust and germs through the house rather than cleaning them out. It can also lead to wear and tear on your unit and cause it to burn out more quickly, requiring expensive repairs or even replacement.
Give yourself and your air conditioner a break. Let fresh, cool air into your home and watch how much better you feel while you also pocket some spare change.
Before You Install
If you’re ready to enjoy the natural freshness, cooling boost and energy savings of an attic fan, keep these things in mind.
- The roof must have soffits or gables.
- The attic must be insulated.
- The attic should be sealed off from the rest of the house.
- Proper installation is key, so call a SESCOS electrician to make sure you’re getting the best use from your fan.
Beware of Backdrafts
If your water heater or other large appliances are gas-powered, consult a SESCOS technician before installing the attic fan. In some cases, particularly if the appliance is not functioning properly, the venting required to run the fan can cause these appliances to backdraft and release carbon monoxide. Ask a SESCOS expert whether your appliances will work with the fan you’re considering. Safety is always the first priority when you’re considering any electrical work.
Which Fan is Best for You?
There’s a wide variety of sizes and styles of attic fan to choose from, and your SESCOS electrician can help you select the right one. You could choose a solar-powered attic fan and save even more on your electric bills.
SESCOS is the energy expert. You can rely on us for smart solutions that save you time, energy and money. Call us today and discover how an attic fan can help you keep your cool through the summer, fall, and spring.