Heat radiating from the sun can build up in your attic, causing your air conditioner to work overtime. An attic fan can help remove this heat, making your home more comfortable and help save money on energy costs. But how long should an attic fan run? And what is the best time to run an attic fan? These are valid questions, as attic fans can only save money on your electric bill if appropriately used.
This article is a comprehensive guide on how to run an attic fan to maintain the air temperature of your living space.
What Is An Attic Space?
An attic is the uppermost part of a house. It is usually unfinished and has a slanted roof. The primary purpose of an attic is to provide extra space in the place. However, it can also be used as a storage or living space.
What Is Meant By Attic Ventilation?
It is the process of providing fresh air to the attic space and expelling the warm and humid air out. Either natural or mechanical ventilation is used to eliminate heated air.
The main idea of attic ventilation is to keep the temperature in the attic as low as possible. It can be done by using a fan to draw out the warm air and replace it with cooler air from outside.
Attic Fan Use In Summer
During the warm summer months, the attic can get extremely hot. It is due to the heat rising from the lower levels of the house. It can cause problems for the home, such as making the air conditioner work harder and making it difficult to sleep at night. There are several ways to cool down an attic, one of which is by using attic fans.
Attic Fan For Ice Damming
Another problem that a hot attic can cause is ice damming. Ice damming occurs when the snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edge of your roof. It can lead to roof leaks.
To prevent this, you must ensure that the temperature in your attic is kept cool. Again, this can be done by using an attic fan.
What Is An Attic Fan?
An attic fan is a device that helps to ventilate the attic by creating negative pressure. The attic fan pulls the hot air out and replaces it with cold air from outside, making a significant temperature difference. It helps maintain the attic temperature and eliminates heat when appropriately installed.
How Do Attic Fans Operate?
An attic fan is mounted on the ceiling of the attic. Simpler fan models are generally operated by the on-off switches inside the house or by a timer. If you have a thermostat on your attic fan, it will automatically turn off when the desired temperature is reached. If you do not have a thermostat, you will have to do it manually.
There are two types of attic fans: solar-powered and electric.
Solar-Powered Attic Fan vs. Electric Attic Fan
Solar-powered attic fans are powered by the sun and are more energy-efficient. Electric attic fans use electricity and cost more to run.
When choosing between a solar-powered or electric attic fan, you need to consider the climate you live in and the size of your attic. Solar-powered attic fans are more expensive than electric ones but are less costly to operate. A solar-powered attic fan may be the better choice if you live in an area with much sun. An electric attic fan may be better if you have a large attic.
How Long To Run The Fan For
The general rule is to run the attic fan for 10-15 minutes. It is sufficient time to ventilate the attic and remove the hot air. The fan should be run in the morning when the outside temperature is more relaxed than the inside temperature. It will help cool down the attic space before the day gets hot.
However, the specific running time will depend on the size of your attic, the climate you live in, and the temperature you want to maintain in your attic. If you live in a hot environment, or if the attic is large, you may also need to run the fan for extended periods.
What If Attic Fan Runs Longer?
The biggest mistake that people make is running the fan for too long. Ideally, an attic fan should run for at least 15 minutes to ensure that the hot air is removed from the attic.
Remember that the amount of time the fan needs to run will depend on the temperature outside and the humidity levels in your attic. If the attic fan is left running for too long, it can cause problems.
First, it can cause the temperature in the attic to drop too low. It can lead to condensation and even mold growth.
Second, if the attic fan is left running when the outside temperature is colder than the inside temperature, it can cause the attic to become warmer.
Attic Ventilation Vs. Hot Air Conditioning System
The primary purpose is to remove heat from the attic space. It is different from the way a whole-house fan works. The whole-house fan pulls the cool air from the basement and pushes it up through the house. It forces the hot air out through the roof vents.
An attic fan is placed in the attic, near the roofline. It runs when needed to eliminate heat from the attic and can be controlled by a switch or a time. It does not need to be used with an air conditioner, but it can help it work more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
You can install an attic fan to improve your home’s upper portion ventilation and reduce the energy required to cool it. However, it would help if you are sure you are using the fan properly to get the most benefit from it. In general, you should run the attic fan during the daylight hours when the sun is shining, and the temperature is hot.
