Warmer weather is here and an attic fan can help keep your home cool. Here are some things to consider if you want to replace or repair an attic fan.
While we’re all concerned with keeping the fans in our living spaces and air conditioners turning, it’s smart to also keep the attic fan in mind. An attic fan is installed inside your roof, allowing hot air to flow out of the attic and regulating the heat there. During the warmest days, attic temperatures can exceed 120 °F (49 °C). These high temperatures can lead to damage to the roof’s shingles and increase the risk of fires.
If you’re thinking about installing, repairing, or upgrading an attic fan in your home, doing so before the summer heat begins is a great time. As you plan, there are several things to consider.
What Type of Attic Fan?
The first decision to make is what type of attic fan is right for your home. The most common types are electric attic fans which are connected directly to your home’s wiring. This is usually achieved via hardwiring directly into a circuit but models that use electrical sockets are available. To keep electricity costs down, many electric attic fans are equipped with a thermostat that will turn the fan on or off at a certain temperature. Some greener models are also available in the form of solar- or wind-powered attic fans. While these won’t raise the electricity bill, their efficiency can suffer in certain types of weather. You should make sure your roof receives plenty of sunshine or wind, especially during the summer, before investing in one of these.
Other Factors in the Attic
The attic itself contributes a great deal to the efficiency of an attic fan. Sufficient ventilation throughout the attic is a must. Vents allow fresher, cooler air to replace the hot air the attic fan is removing. Good insulation between the attic and rest of the house is also essential. This keeps warm air in the attic from seeping into the rooms below, increasing the load on your central heat and air system. Insulation also prevents air conditioned or heated air from being pulled up into the attic.
Maintain Your Attic Fan
An attic fan can endure a lot of environmental stress during the year, including extreme temperatures, dirt, and dust. Because of these, attic fans generally have a lifespan of about ten years. It’s always a good idea to check older attic fans before summer when they’ll be needed most!
If you have an attic fan that needs to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded, we can help! Just give McCauley Electric a call at (678) 324-3117 to discuss all your attic fan needs. If you need other services related to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), we recommend Flory HVAC. Give Peter Flory a call at 770-205-1238 to talk about any HVAC projects you might have around your home.
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