Are Gable Attic Fans Worth It

If we install a attic gable fan on one end will there be enough air flow through the attic to make this project worth our while in terms of heating cooling costs or should we go another route.

Are gable attic fans worth it.

Attic fans are not recommended if you have central air conditioning because when you turn the fan on in the summer it depressurizes the attic but also reaches down into your house and starts drawing off air conditioned air effectively driving up your cooling costs. The most common type of attic is the electrically powered fan. And since the roof must be penetrated for some attic fan installations there is concern about that it may lead to water damage. They are either installed on the roof as a roof mounted fan or it is installed vertically on the gable wall of the home.

If the attic fan keeps the house cool enough so that the owners leave the ac off there is almost certainly an energy benefit. It may be starting to sound like attic ventilation fans aren t worth the hassle and could cause more problems than they solve. How an attic fan works. The attic fan kept my house cooler by 8f compared to pre fan installation days.

These attic fans are hardwired into the home s electrical system. If the attic fan increases the comfort level of the house it may be worth it. This was observed on numerous days following the installation. Attic insulation that is less than r 19.

Attic fans exhaust hot air from your attic to the outside. You will always need the fan to help circulate fresh air the best gable mounted attic fans however make it easier to achieve. In short are attic fans good or bad. After attic fan installation ac still off during day.

An attic fan will perform best when the property is sealed and insulated to prevent energy loss and the entry of heated and moist air. An attic fan can be mounted directly on your roof or mounted to a gable on your roof. Of course if the attic fan isn t working correctly and is running all year long that would be a significant problem. An attic fan is installed on the slanted side of your roof or on one of the gable sides of your attic.

However there are certain circumstances where they can prove useful. Attic ventilation fans could be effective if your home has. Find out whether it is economical to run an attic fan. Temp 84f at 5pm.

The roof is also slate so going in through that is not really an option we d like to pursue. Many homeowners hear about attic fans installed by friends and neighbors and want to know if an attic fan is a good idea or just a waste of money. A gable attic fan uses the the existing gable vent opening to blow out hot attic air. These fans are designed to remove excess heat from your attic which in theory is supposed to lessen the load on the air conditioning in your home.

Does my home need attic ventilation fans. The attic fan is controlled by its own thermostat that automatically turns it on and off when needed. Temp 92 f at 5pm. Instead of installing a fan just make sure your attic is well ventilated.