An attic fan is installed on the ceiling of your attic and plays a crucial role in ensuring your home stays comfortable regardless of the weather outside. So, what does an attic fan do exactly? An attic fan draws out hot, humid air while bringing cool air inside your home.
Since attics can rise to temperatures above 160 degrees Fahrenheit, you can imagine how important the presence of an attic fan is to your HVAC system. However, they are not a replacement for your regular AC unit.
Purpose of an Attic Fan
There are many purposes for an attic fan.
- Extends the life of your roof: Because your roof gets humid and extremely hot, this can potentially cause damage to your roof. For example, if you live in an area where it rains constantly, mold can occur in these places. In that case, your roof’s life will extend because of the humidity reduction from an attic fan.
- A lower temperature in your home: When you remove hot air inside your attic, you are lowering your home’s temperature. Doing so creates a more comfortable environment for your household.
- It is a backup to your AC unit: Suppose your air conditioner breaks in mid-summer when it is hot outside. In that case, you do not have to worry because an attic fan will help with your issue until you can replace the AC unit.
- Increases energy efficiency: Most know air conditioning can use a lot of energy, especially when it has to constantly run to keep your home cool. In this case, attic fans help keep energy costs down. Not only this, but an attic fan will decrease your sole reliance on your air conditioning, lowering your monthly bills.
Overall, if you have ever wondered, “What is the purpose of an attic fan,” then you now have your answers and can go in confidence knowing they are highly beneficial to have in your attic.
Whole House Fan vs Attic Fan
Whole House Fan
There are a few differences between whole-house fans vs attic fans. Firstly, a whole-house fan cools your entire home, ventilating throughout. However, attic fans are meant only to cool the attic.
If a whole-house fan is not installed correctly, it will also cause a backdraft. According to the US Department of Energy, a whole-house fan pulls fresh air from the windows, which vents air through the attic. These fans sit between your attic and the ceiling. Lastly, a whole-house fan can be noisy, so keep that in mind.
Attic Fan
Attic fans only run during the day’s heat to reduce heat build-up. It also removes scorching and humid air from your attic, creating a better space temperature-wise. An attic fan typically mounts between the attic and outdoors instead of inside.
Lastly, attic fans are less expensive to install. This is because whole-house fans need to circulate the air more often and requires a lot of area space. Attic fans are more out of the way than whole-house fans.
Schedule an Appointment Today
4 Service Pros provides service for your household needs, from electricity to air conditioning repair. We have your back with anything you need, so schedule an appointment with us today.
