The five biggest mistakes house owners make when installing a whole house fan
Big Problem Number One:
Making a trip to to the local big box hardware store and purchasing a house fan without researching house fans first is the biggest mistake a home owner can make when installing a whole house fan. If you assume that you have the right size whole house fan, the best manufacturer, or all of the information you need in order to install the whole house attic fan yourself, chances are you will have to call someone to correct your do-it-yourself mistakes.
Solution Number One:
Hire a electric services company who has a good reputation for installing whole house fans. Even though the project can be relatively small, there is a lot more to it than just cutting the vent opening and turning the fan on. A good reputable electrician will know: What size fan to use, Whether or not you have adequate attic ventilation, Where to place the intake vent, When is the best time to use the fan to maximize its benefit.
Big Problem Number Two:
Installing a whole house attic fan without the proper tools, proper insulation, and proper placement of the main intake vent is a big mistake.
Solution Number Two:
A qualified electrician will always recommend a house fan that comes with built in insulation. In the winter months, it is important that the whole house fan, the whole house attic fan housing, the vent opening, and the attic vents have the correct insulation so that you are not losing money by escaping warming air. Also, a good reputable electrician will know that the whole house attic fan has to be placed in a location that permits maximum airflow starting at the windows and into the attic.
Big Mistake Number Three:
Buying the cheapest fan from the hardware store is definitely https://www.gr8housebuyers.com/a huge mistake. Fans are a cheap investment when compared to HVAC. The cheaper models are not insulated, have generic fan assemblies, and are quite loud. The last thing a home owner needs is to hear what sounds like a rocket taking off inside your house, or a squeaky fan motor each time the fan is turned on.
Solution Number Three:
Purchase a quality whole house attic fan that has good reviews and a good track record. A quick search on several consumer goods review sites will steer you in the right direction. Also, consult with your reputable electrician. They might carry a certain brand of whole house attic fan that they trust and that has a great reputation for being a quality product. Do not buy a brand that has no history of past performance or good reviews by lots of people.
Big Mistake Number Four: (And this one is a biggie!)
Having a whole house fan installed that is too large for the house is one of the biggest mistakes a home owner can make. If there is not proper attic ventilation, a house fan that is too large may draw all of the hot air up from the home and into the attic, and then push that hot air back down into the home through the wall switches, ceiling lights, electrical outlets, HVAC vents. In fact, a whole house attic fan that is too large for the house can make it hotter, not cooler.