Attic Fan Installation
Thermostatic control keeps these inexpensive fans from running when they aren’t needed. The average cooling bill exceeds 20 percent when attic heat is considered, which means these fans are worth their cost. They typically cost about $100 to install. Humidistat and thermostats are also available for attic ventilation fans. An attic fan equipped with a humidistat effectively controls excess humidity during the cold months.
Ventilation system
A minimum ventilation system should have one sq. Regardless of the roof design, house location, or amount of direct sunlight, the type and number of vents will vary. Every 300 square feet of roof vent area.
There is nothing better than having loads of vents, and every vent mounted high on the roof needs an equal counterpart on the lower top, usually below the eaves. This arrangement pulls cool air into the attic through soffit vents after hot air rises through the upper vents. If you don’t have soffit vents, cooling your home is the same as opening the windows only on one side.
Attics with overheated shingles will usually have their corners curled up, or feel and shingles will bulge over the seams in the sheathing. During cold winter days, look out for ice crystals. As a result of the frost, moisture has been trapped, which, if not escaped, can cause the roof to rot.
Last but not least, make sure that your existing soffit vents are not blocked with debris. Air is moved through these vents at a high rate that seeds from trees and bushes are forced right into the screens on hot days. If you want your new fan to work correctly, you will clean the vents.
Choosing Your Fan
Attic fans are divided into two categories: those designed to be installed on roofs and those designed to mount gable walls. A roof fan’s base is made from plastic or sheet metal, which serves as a flashing. Usually, near the peak, a simple opening needs to be cut in the roof for the fan to go over. In the same manner as you would for a typical roof vent or plumbing stack, shingle above and around the flashing.
It was easier because we didn’t have to disturb the shingles when installing the gable-wall fan. It was simple to replace an existing gable vent with our lover. A slightly more significant, the automatic shutter had to be installed to accommodate the opening. Still, other than that, it was a relatively straightforward task that didn’t require any structural changes. It may not be necessary to replace the existing vent if it is big enough. The fan can be mounted directly behind the vent.
Despite drawing only 3.2 amps, the fan can handle up to 1500 square feet of attic space and is warranted for five years. It is prewired and has a thermostat mounted in a control box.
Attic Aire automatic shutters, also made by CertainTeed, cost about $30, and we paid about $40 for the exhaust fan. When the fan opens this shutter, it remains closed against the weather. A piece of 1/2-inch plywood, caulk, and some electrical items are also needed. The fan needs to be mounted on plywood.
How to install attic fans?
Step 1: Installing the Shutter.
It will be necessary to replace the existing vent with a larger one smaller than the fan’s diameter. The old vent should be lifted out of the opening by removing the screws or nails that hold it in place. Trace around the aperture with a pencil, ensuring the frame of the automatic shutter is level and centered over the opening. The final mounting flange position will then be determined.
You will need to install boards 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 around the vent hole if your wall has lap siding so that it can be mounted flat against the wall. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the nails holding 2 x 4 blocks in place at the bottom of the old opening. Set the blocking aside.
Using a saber saw, cut the new opening after clearing all obstructions. Measure 1/2″ from each line. Cut along the perimeter of the shutter flange. Replace the shutter and secure it with 1-inch wood screws. Caulk around the edge. To support the fan mounting panel, replace any blocking you removed when enlarging the opening.
Step 2: Mount the fan.
Using a circle cutout pattern on plywood, we sized the fan opening using the carton our fan came in. This keeps the fan blades away from the walls, thereby ensuring that the assembly can be centered and secured with little concern for the framing below.
As part of the attic frame surrounding the vent hole, cut a piece of plywood to the correct size. Ensure the finished spot is centered over the vent hole after attaching the plywood to the wall by cutting the circle from the cardboard template. Trace the process with a pencil around the template.
Step 3: Attach the fan to the template.
The mounting panel airway should be cut using a saber saw. A hole should be drilled in the waste zone to begin cutting.
Step 4: Next, the fan needs to be mounted.
The fan mounting bracket should be placed on the plywood, centered over the opening, and screwed to the plywood. To avoid the heads of the screws from pulling through, we backed them with washers.
Mark the plywood mounting panel accordingly when you find the Up/Down marking on one set of supports. The fan assembly must be oriented vertically. Install the fan and panel assembly in the attic, place them behind the shutter, and nail them to the gable frames.
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How many outlets and lights are on the circuit?
Shut off a circuit’s breaker and count how many outlets and lights are on the course to determine if reserve capacity exists. To find the total, add up the values for each amp. An electrical circuit of 15 amps can serve ten boxes, while a course of 20 amps can help 13. It’s okay to use a circuit if it has 4 or 5 amps to spare. To do so, reconnect the 14-2 w/g cable at the service panel and fish it into the attic. An adjacent 15-amp circuit, which we used for pull-chain lights in our attic, provided us with power. If you will work on wiring, turn the power off first.
Continue wiring in the open fixture box by connecting the two 8-inch wires. Attach the pull-chain fixture to the leads. The black terminal screw should be connected to the black information and the silver terminal screw to the white tip. Mount the institution on the box by clicking like-colored wires with twist connectors.
FAQs
- Installing an attic fan requires an electrician?
It may be necessary to add new roofing materials and seal the area once the fan is installed. A handyman, electrician, or HVAC installer can install the attic fan as well.
- Are attic fans able to run all day?
Should an attic fan run all the time? Theoretically, running an attic fan constantly is a good idea. Your attic should be at the same temperature as the outside. Nevertheless, if your attic fan is powered, you may not want it to run continuously due to the electric costs.
- What is the lifespan of an attic fan?
Attic fans typically last for 15 years when they are properly maintained. HVAC technicians perform this service by cleaning the fan shutters, lubricating the oil ports, cleaning the blades, and inspecting the attic fan for any problems.
