Attic Fan vs Whole House Fan
If your home has an attic, you are probably aware of how hot it gets in the summer. Attics have been known to reach temperatures as high as 130 degrees! Because heat rises it becomes trapped in the attic and without proper ventilation, the heat has nowhere to go. It’s like having an oven sitting on top of your house.
But what can you do about the heat in the attic?
The solution to heat in the attic is proper ventilation. By cooling the attic, your swamp cooler or air conditioning system is better able to maintain your desired temperature. There are two great options that help resolve this problem: an attic fan or a whole house fan.
What is an attic fan?
A Quiet Cool attic fan is an economical option for many homeowners. The fan is installed on the inside of the gable vent in the outer wall. The fan then blows or “pushes” hot air through the vent to the outdoors.
Attic fans can lower attic temperatures as much as 10 – 50 degrees! This helps your cooling system run better. It is especially beneficial for homes with swamp coolers.
A designated electrical outlet is required and if needed, TLC’s licensed electricians can install this for you. It’s important to note that lower end models use higher watts of electricity and could increase your electric bill. Additionally, the fan pushing the hot air out does not bring fresh air in.
What is a whole house fan?
At first glance, it seems that whole house fans are similar to attic fans, but the function is different. A whole house fan doesn’t just push hot air out of the attic, it draws it out of the entire house! The results are far more effective than the simple attic fan.
How does it work?
A Quiet Cool whole house fan is installed in the attic along with ceiling mounted grilles. The fan(s) will draw air from open windows and doors. The cool outside air passes through the house, pushing hot air into the attic. Vents in the attic then release the hot air back to the outdoors.
Timing is important in order to effectively use a whole house fan; the air outside the house needs to be cooler than the air inside the house. It’s suggested that the fan be run during the cool hours of late evening, nighttime and early morning. When it is on, the fan can actually run in place of the air conditioning system. When the whole house fan is used properly, homeowners use their cooling systems 50% – 90% less and use as much as 13 times less energy!
The whole house fans cost slightly more than attic fans and may increase your electric bill. However, this will likely even out because your air conditioner is not running at the same time. To install, you need to have 3 – 6 feet of available space in the attic as well as a dedicated electrical circuit.
Why does TLC use Quiet Cool?
TLC is committed to providing the best cooling solutions for our customers. Quiet Cool Systems offer the most effective fan options. While other manufactures may provide good cooling options, their fans tend to be very loud. By installing a suspended fan, Quiet Cool eliminates the “helicopter” noise from the attic. Their fans lead in efficiency and come with a 15 year warranty.
What’s the bottom line?
Your attic and your home don’t have to feel like an oven during the hot summer months. An attic fan or a whole house fan may be just what you and your family needs to take your comfort to the next level. Our professionals offer free in-home evaluations to help you determine if a fan system is a good fit for you.