The Five Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Installing a Whole House Fan
Big mistake number one:
Going to the local hardware store and buying a house fan without doing the proper research first is one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make when installing one. If you assume you have the right size fan, the best manufacturer, or all the information you need to install your whole house fan yourself, chances are you’ll need to call someone to correct your do-it-yourself mistakes.
Solution number one:
Hire an electrician who is reputable for whole house fan installation. Although the project may be relatively small, it involves much more than just cutting a hole in the ceiling and lighting it. A good, qualified electrician will know: what size fan to use, whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, where to place the fan opening, and when is the best time to use the fan to maximize its benefit.
Problem number two:
Installing your fan without the proper tools, proper insulation, and proper placement of your primary intake vent is a big mistake.
Solution number two:
An electrical utility company will always recommend a fan that comes with built-in insulation. When it’s cold, it’s important that your fan, fan housing, vent, and attic vents have proper insulation so you don’t lose money escaping hot air. Also, a good licensed electrician will know that your whole house fan should be installed in a location that allows maximum airflow from the windows to the attic.
Mistake number three:
Buying the cheapest attic fan from a website is definitely a big mistake. These units are a cheap investment compared to HVAC. The less expensive models are not insulated, have generic fan assemblies, and are very loud. The last thing you need is to hear what sounds like a rocket taking off inside your house, or a screeching fan assembly every time the house fan is turned on.
Solution number three:
Go ahead and get a quality attic fan that has good reviews and is low maintenance. A quick search of various consumer goods review sites will point you in the right direction. Also, check with your electrical contractor. They may have a certain brand of whole house attic fan that they trust and has a great reputation for being a quality product. Definitely don’t go for a brand that doesn’t have a track record of past performance or good reviews from a lot of people.
Mistake number four: (And this one is a big one)
Having an attic fan installed that is too big for the house is one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make. If there is not adequate attic ventilation, a house fan that is too large can pull all the hot air from the interior space into the attic, and then push that hot air into the house through ceiling lights, electrical outlets, HVAC vents, small cracks, wall switches. In fact, a fan that is too big for the house can make it hotter, not cooler.
Solution number four:
Before installing a home fan, check with an electrician and choose the right model for your home. If you don’t have enough attic ventilation, there are a few simple steps that can provide that ventilation. A ridge vent, gable vent, soffit vent, and swivel concert are all worthwhile options for attic ventilation. A good electrical utility company will also work with a licensed builder who can usually add the correct attic vent in about a day if none are already installed.
Typically, a smaller whole house fan will cool a home with less wasted energy than a larger fan, which is often excessive. The goal with a whole house fan is balanced airflow. With constant air movement throughout your home, it will stay cooler and require less energy. Plus, a smaller whole house fan means less installation work, which is always a plus.
Mistake number five:
Using the whole house attic fan with the windows closed can cause a potential hazard. The whole house attic fan works by drawing in cooler air from outside the house through open windows and pushing warm air into the attic where it exits the house through attic vents. If you close the windows, there is a good chance that air will be blown out of the diverter at the top of the water heater or furnace. What this means is that poisonous carbon monoxide can be pushed into the living space, creating a potentially fatal situation.
Solution number five:
Be sure to open the windows before turning on the whole house fan! Your whole house attic fan is not there to recirculate stale air throughout your home. Its primary function is to remove hot air from the home and provide a less expensive and environmentally friendly cooling solution than HVAC. In fact, a properly installed whole house fan can cool an average-sized home for one-tenth the cost of air conditioning.
