To make sure you get the best whole-house fan for your home’s ventilation needs, there are a few things to keep in mind while you’re shopping for one. These considerations will ensure you choose the best type of fan for your home and enjoy the most advantages.
What Is a Whole-House Fan?
A whole-house fan’s purpose is to circulate air throughout a house by drawing in cooler air from outside and releasing hot air outside. Most of these fans work by removing warm air from the house and directing it into the attic, where it creates a wind effect that cools the entire house.
What Types of Whole-House Fans Are There?
There are six primary types of whole-house fans to choose from. Direct-drive fans, compared to belt-drive whole-house fans, are smaller and typically cheaper because they don’t use a belt to link the motor to the fan. They can benefit homes ranging in size from small to medium.
When compared to direct-drive fans, belt-drive whole-house fans are usually quieter because they use a belt-driven system to run. They work well in homes with more space or in areas where noise reduction is an issue.
With a ducted fan, you can put the unit in an out-of-the-way location, like the attic, giving you more space to work with. Not only does this provide more positioning freedom, but it also minimizes noise within the home.
Ceiling-mounted whole-house fans are able to extract air from each room and send it through the attic or even outside. Although they are easy to set up, greater attic space may be necessary to ensure adequate ventilation.
Wall-mounted whole-house fans are exactly as the name implies: these fans get installed on an exterior wall instead of the ceiling. They effectively ventilate a property by drawing air from within and releasing it outside, eliminating the need to access the attic.
When space in the attic is at a premium or a conventional ceiling-mounted fan just won’t do, it’s time to consider a roof-mounted whole-house fan. The purpose of these fans is to provide ventilation for homes by removing stale air from within and releasing it through the roof.
1. Airflow Capacity (CFM)
A whole-house fan’s airflow capacity, in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is an important consideration. Your home’s size and layout determine the appropriate CFM. Choose a fan that can circulate your home’s air 15 to 20 times each hour, as a good rule of thumb.
Multiply your home’s square footage by the height of its ceiling, and then divide the result by 3. This will give you the required CFM. If your home is 2,000 square feet and has eight-foot ceilings, for instance, you’ll need a fan with a minimum capacity of 5,333 CFM.
Remember that more CFM isn’t necessarily greater performance. In combustion appliances, backdrafting can occur if the fan is too big and creates too much negative pressure.
2. Noise Level
Think about how loud the fan will be if you want to use it at night. A whole-house fan’s decibel level, sometimes measured in sones, can range from almost silent to quite loud.
The sound of a silent refrigerator is about the same as one sone. A whole-house fan’s noise level might be anywhere from one to eight sones; lower levels indicate a fan that runs more quietly. Stay away from fans with a sonic rating of 2 or more in bedrooms.
Keep in mind that the installation’s quality can impact the decibel levels. Minimizing operational noise is possible with the right mounting and vibration-dampening materials.
3. Energy Efficiency
Find fans with motors that use less energy; this will cut down on your utility bills. If a fan has the ENERGY STAR label, it means it satisfies the stringent energy efficiency standards established by the EPA and the DOE in the United States.
Fan motors that use direct current (DC) are often more efficient than those that use alternating current (AC). They can produce the same amount of airflow with up to 70% less energy.
4. Size and Dimensions
When it comes to installation and performance, the fan’s physical size matters. In order to move more air, larger fans need more room in the attic. Make sure there is enough room in the attic for the fan and that it won’t touch any wires.
It’s important to keep in mind that different fans call for different amounts of framing; some fit into typical joist spacing, while others may necessitate additional framing. Also, think about how deep the fan is. Attics with limited vertical space may be better suited for shallower fans.
5. Installation Requirements
How to install a fan in your home depends on the type of fan you have and the layout of your house. The installation of some fans is a breeze, while others may necessitate the assistance of a professional.
In terms of electrical requirements, a dedicated 120V circuit is usually necessary for whole-house fans. An HVAC expert can make sure your attic has enough space for ventilation (about one square foot for every 700 cubic feet of forced air). The expert may recommend incorporating ducting to enhance air distribution or lower noise levels. Before attempting a complicated installation, be sure to research local building codes.
6. Motor Quality and Durability
The motor is the central component of your whole-house fan; thus, it is essential that it be long-lasting, high-quality and reliable. Try to get fans that have motors that can run nonstop. These won’t overheat or wear out too quickly, even when used for lengthy periods of time.
Ball-bearing motors, in comparison to motors that use sleeve bearings, tend to last longer and operate more quietly. Some premium fans even take advantage of efficient and long-lasting brushless DC motors.
7. Number of Speeds
You can find whole-house fans with two speeds or more, and some even have variable speed control. Slower speeds can keep things at a pleasant temperature with minimal noise, while faster speeds are better for rapid cooling.
When choosing how many speeds to get for your fan, keep in mind how you’ll be using it throughout the year and at different times of day. If you want complete command over the airflow, a variable-speed fan is your best bet.
8. Remote Control or Wall Switch Options
Modern whole-house fans come with more sophisticated control options than their more traditional counterparts, which may merely include a wall switch. With a remote control, you can control the fan from any room in the house, which is very helpful for homes with multiple stories. Some fans are even compatible with smart home systems, so you can operate them with your voice or a smartphone app.
Think about your routine and the layout of your house to determine which control options would be the most practical. Some wall-mounted controllers may have digital displays, timers or temperature sensors built in.
If you have questions about whole-house fans in Valencia, CA, Southland Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We also offer HVAC installations, heat pump maintenance, indoor air quality solutions and a VIP membership program. Call us now to learn more about upgrading your home with a whole-house fan.