What Is an Attic Fan and How Is It Different from a Whole House Fan?
With summer around the corner, many homeowners are thinking about the most effective ways of keeping their homes cool and fresh during the hotter part of the year. Cutting back on electricity consumption is a key factor in this, not just because of the cost of electricity but also because the more power we consume, the warmer the planet becomes. Abnormally high temperatures contributed to the wildfires that hit California so hard just a short time ago. Fans are an effective way to not just ventilate a house but also reduce the indoor heat load which means that less air conditioning is required to cool the home. Attic and whole-house fans are popular ventilation and cooling options.
What Are Attic Fans?
Attic fans are exactly what the name says – fans that are installed in the attic to draw old and stale air up from the lower parts of the structure and push it outside. The expelled air is replaced by fresh clean air that is drawn in from the outside through open windows. Because warm air rises, the heat that develops indoors rises to the top of the house from where the attic fan blows it out. This means that the air conditioning has to do less work to bring down the interior temperature, which in turn means that less power is consumed and the electricity bills are lower.
Attic fans are not only for use in summer. In winter, when temperatures may drop very low, internal warm and stale air will rise to the attic. If too much heat collects there and the attic becomes too warm, ice dams can develop. As the snow melts and freezes again the roof, gutters, walls and other parts of the structure may suffer damage. The attic fan will blow the stale warm air out from the attic where it is not wanted, and this will have no significant impact on the temperature of the rest of the house.
There are two main types of attic fans – electric and solar-powered. Electric fans are powered by the home’s electrical system and the power that is consumed will add to the utility bill. Solar-powered attic fans run independently of the home’s electrical system and the operation has no impact on the utility bill. The best of these fans will automatically adjust operation based on humidity and temperature. Sustainable attic ventilation options such as solar-powered attic fans are also eligible for federal tax credits.
Also Read: Choosing the Right Attic Fan For Energy Efficiency Is Important
Whole House Fans
These fans are becoming increasingly common in California. They are designed to draw air out of the whole structure; this air is then replaced by air drawn in through open windows. While these are very effective in ventilating a house and reducing excessive heat buildup, the decision on whether this type of fan or an attic fan is right for a home will depend on several factors that ventilation professionals will evaluate before concluding.
Choosing the right fan for energy efficiency while also getting the optimum ventilation depends on several factors. The right way to make an informed decision is to contact Sunlight Concepts, the premier Solatube dealer for the Bay Area. Solatube is the leader in attic and whole-house fan production and technology and the free consultation that is offered will give you all the information you need to get the right fan for your home.
Happy Customer
– Caitlin Clarke
We have worked with Sunlight Concepts in two homes, and have had consistently good experiences with them. We have had them install a solatube, multiple attic fans, and a whole house fan – would recommend on all fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an attic fan?
An attic fan is installed in the attic to push out hot, stale air and draw in fresh air from outside.
2. How does an attic fan work?
It works by expelling warm air that rises into the attic, reducing the indoor heat load and helping your air conditioner work less.
3. What are the benefits of using an attic fan?
Attic fans lower energy bills by reducing the work of air conditioning and help prevent roof damage caused by excess heat.
4. What is a whole house fan?
A whole house fan ventilates the entire home by drawing out hot air and replacing it with cooler air through open windows.
5. How do attic fans differ from whole house fans?
Attic fans focus on ventilating the attic only, while whole house fans move air throughout the entire home.
6. Which fan is more energy efficient?
Choosing the best fan depends on your home’s needs. Attic fans are great for targeting attic heat, while whole house fans cool the entire space. Consulting with a professional can help decide the right option for you.