Attic Fan Replacement

Can anyone recommend an HVAC contractor/handyman to replace our attic fan? Thanks!

 

Nevermind, I did it myself.

 

Just for FYI, we learned that attic fans are basically inefficient.

Here is a link to a document: Unintended Effects of Powered Attic Fans

 

The fan has not worked since we moved into our house about 4 years ago. It will be interesting to see if it makes a difference this summer. I admit I wondered if the cost of running the fan would outweight the benefits before I replaced it.

 

Interesting. Out fan motor went out a couple of years ago and we just finally got around to ordering a replacement. I guess we'll see if it makes any difference as well. (assuming my husband ever gets around to replacing it)

 

A friend recently told me that they too had problems with their attic fan. They were able to find who the manufacturer is and there is a 10 year warranty on the fan. The parts were mailed to them free of charge from the company. Maybe this info will help.

 

Here's the info on the replacement fan: http://www.broadlandshoa.org/hoaforum/showthread.php?t=21569

I put a high power dimmer on ours, to just keep a little air moving and keep vibration down. At any rate, our rattles just a little now (again). I don't think they were intended to run at an angle like that.

I wonder if that Dominion article applies to our roof, which basically has an inner roof so to speak that the fan pulls air through.

 

Dominion is partially correct, a properly insulated attic is very important. For now a roof power fan is by far the best exhaust ventilation system on the market today to release warm moist air trapped in the attic space. In many homes, the attic temperature can reach 170° which literally bakes the roof shingles from the inside out and diminishes the life expectancy of the roof. The roof power fan has a built in thermostat which can be set at 90°and will keep the attic regulated at that temperature even during the hottest days.​

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When the warm summer months come upon us, you will notice a tremendous change in temperature inside your home, especially upstairs! Also, depending on the cfm of the roof power fan the larger models will make noise, if not properly fastened into the rafters.​

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The other thing to consider is most commercial electronics will have component operating temps of 50C (122F) based on an ambient of 25C. Sometimes they will run parts even hotter, 50C is jokingly called a "rule of thumb" because it is just about the temp you can maintain contact with something.

For a 55C delta (170F hot attic - 25C/77F nominal ambient) we can see that the part temps will be at 105C, which is usually at the top end of capacitor ratings for example and will shorten their life.

Bottom line: if you want the electronics in your attic furnace to last keep the temps down

 

Could I have your phone number as I need to talk to you....Many thanks!!!

 

I may be reached at (703) 475-2446 anytime tomorrow morning after 7:30 am.

Thank You,
Steven

 

I was reading that if you have ridge vents, an attic fan isn't a good idea. I think I might try blowing in some more insulation in our attic and see if that helps.

 

Many roofers believe the same that when a roof power fan sucks the warm moist air from within the attic space and into the atmosphere the ridge vent above will draw the heat back in again which couldn’t be further from the truth!!
A ridge vent is also an exhaust vent and cannot serve as an intake and exhaust vent at the same time. A ridge vent is very important to prevent condensation buildup during the colder months and a roof power fan will make the biggest difference in keeping the attic temperature and the inside of your home cooler during the warmer months.
Having the attic space insulated will help some to prevent heat from moving down into the living space but what are you going to do about the hot air trapped in the attic which can reach 175°. Your roof shingles will now be literally baked from the inside out and will cut back on the life expectancy of the roof along with rotting of roof decking and more. Also, with the buildup of warm moist air trapped in the attic you now have the possibility of developing mold which can be a very serious problem so I would highly think about having a roof power fan installed, you'll be glad you did!
I may be reached at 703-475-2446 if you would like to speak further
Have a wonderful day!
Steven

 

I'd been considering putting an attic fan in our house for quite sometime. The temperature on our 2nd floor gets quite unbearable during the summer.

I had Roofer911 (Steve) install an attic fan last Saturday and I couldn't be any happier (especially given the recent temps). The temperature on the 2nd floor is now at least 10-15 degrees cooler and you don't hit that wall of heat walking up the steps. The temp is the same as it is on the first floor. No noise from the fan either...if you try hard you can hear a low hum in one of our bedrooms.

We do have the ridge vents on our home, but they clearly weren't keeping up with heat. No issues with the combination of the ridge vents and attic fan from my viewpoint.

The installation went smoothly. The installers and electrician both showed up on time and were done quickly. Steve was quick/responsive and followed up after each step of the installation process also promptly answering additonal questions post installation. He checked in yesterday to see how the fan was working given the extreme heat yesterday. He got good news!

For what its worth, I had an insulation contractor take a look at our attic insulation last fall. He noted that we have more than adequate insulation up there and recommened not adding any more. I was floored - guess our builder did one thing right! That lead me back to the attic fan.

 

What kind of insulation do you have? Is it the thick pink fiberglass or is it like the tiny balls type of insulation??

 

the insulation is the blown in type, not the batt or blanket type.