How much does it cost to install a whole house fan?
How much does it cost to install a whole house fan?
Cost to Install a Whole House Fan To add a whole house fan, homeowners pay between $1,250 and $1,830 on average. On the low end, you can expect to pay between $700 and $950 including labor. On the high end, the project can cost $2,000 to $2,750 including labor.
Are whole-house fans worth it in California?
Whole house fans are most efficient at cooling houses in areas with cool nights and hot summer days. They work better in locations with lower humidity levels. For places like Southern California, whole house fans could eliminate air conditioner usage almost 50% of the time.
Where is the best place to install a whole house fan?
Although it really depends on the home, the whole house fan works best when you install it close to the center of your home. The best place is an unobstructed hallway. In order to determine which spot is best in your home, go to your attic and choose the attic joists nearest to the center.
Are whole-house fans worth the investment?
Whole house fans can effectively cool down a house. Research conducted in California showed that homeowners who install whole-house fans reduced their dependency on their air conditioning systems by nearly 50%. The only time they were dependent on their air conditioning was on days of extreme heat.
Is it hard to install a whole house fan?
It is not difficult to install a whole house fan. The procedure requires cutting a hole in the attic floor and mounting the unit across the joists. You will, however, be working in the attic; so there are a number of safety pointers to keep in mind. Since the attic is apt to be dark, rig up a work light.
Can I leave my whole house fan on all night?
You should never run a whole house fan without opening windows or doors. This could create a situation of negative pressure and backdrafts. This is when the pressure inside the home is less than outdoors. A backdraft can result in poor air quality, especially with gas-operated appliances.
Should you run whole house fan all night?
We recommend running the whole house fan all night. The goal is to cool your entire house down, not just the air. It takes time to pull the heat out of the sheetrock, structure and contents of a house.
Can a whole house fan cause mold?
The hot air that is taken in by the fan and distributed out of the house can lead to additional moisture from the humid air can become trapped in the attic, leading to mold growth. Having a whole house fan doesn’t automatically mean that mold will grow in the attic, however.
Can I install whole house fan myself?
Can I Install It Myself? Relying upon a professional to install your whole house fan may be a good idea, but doing it yourself is possible, provided you have a very high level of expertise and the brawn required for this two-person job.
How long can you run a whole house fan?
For best results, run your whole house fan for at least 10 minutes first thing in the morning to bring a cool breeze through the house and into the attic. This will expel any hot stale air buildup from the night before.
How do you mount a whole house fan?
Mount the saddle brackets to the fan, tighten the bolts and pass the fan into the attic. Center the fan above the ceiling joists over the cutout and mark the saddle bracket holes. Remove the fan blade and set aside.
What kind of fan do you need for whole house?
There are two types of whole-house fans, and installation instructions for the two differ. Read the instructions for belt-driven fans or direct-drive fans carefully. For both installations you’ll need a helper. Direct-drive fan’s blades attach to the motor shaft.
Where is the best place to install a fan?
Search the attic for the proper location. The ideal location is the center of the hallway ceiling with no obstructions from ducts, plumbing or electric wires. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and safety.
How to calculate the size of a whole house fan?
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. 1. Calculate the interior square footage of your home’s living area. Don’t include the garage, attic or basement. 2. Multiply this number by 3 to obtain the fan size. Example: 2,000 square feet x 3 = 6,000 CFM (Cubic Feet of air moved per Minute).