Should I turn off my attic fan in the winter?

But did you know that an attic fan can also play an important role in your attic during winter? It's true. An attic fan in winter can help prevent ice dams, reduce moisture in your attic during winter months, and prevent mold and mildew buildup due to moisture problems in the attic.

Should an attic fan be running in the winter?

Your attic fan runs during winter regardless of the temperature to bring in dry outside air to replace damp attic air and prevent mold from starting in your attic. Your Jet Fan Attic Fan Humidistat should be set to 70 -75% relative humidity.

What temp should attic fan be set at in winter?

When it comes to an attic fan's temperature setting, it's best to adjust it to anywhere from 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should attic fan run all the time?

Generally speaking, an attic fan should run as long as it takes to replace all the attic air with outside air. Usually, this takes roughly 15 minutes. However, you can calculate a much more accurate time by dividing the strength of your fan by the volume of your attic space.

When should I turn off my attic fan?

Turn the fan off when you're done, or let the fan turn off on its own if you have it set to run for a certain amount of time. If your attic fan has a thermostat, set it to kick on when your attic space reaches a certain temperature.

ASK A CONTRACTOR: Should I Close Attic Vents In The Winter?

What temperature should attic fan turn on?

Most attic fans operate with a thermostat that automatically turns the fan on and off based on a temperature the homeowner sets. Most manufacturers and contractors recommend a temperature setting between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do attic fans use a lot of electricity?

On average, an attic fan uses less than 300 watts of electricity. If it were to run constantly, it would use up to about 180 kWh per month. Unfortunately, this cost can add up.

Can I run attic fan 24 7?

The best solution is to add a continuous ridge and soffit ventilation system. Installed correctly, this will vent heat in the summer and moisture in the winter, delivering a truly 24/7/365 solution to all your attic ventilation issues.

Are attic fans a good idea?

Even if your roof already has ridge vents and plenty of ventilation built in, it's a good idea to install gable fans or roof fans to help blow hot, humid air out of the attic. Attic ventilation fans also tend to be quite energy-efficient in terms of their own operation.

How often should you run an attic fan?

Run the attic fan during the daylight hours during warm summer weather. Sunlight on a roof produces heat in the attic. Running the fan when the energy of the sunlight is striking the roof removes the heat that accumulates in the attic.

Why is my attic so hot in the winter?

Many attics contain ductwork that supplies cool air to upstairs rooms during the summer and heated air during the winter. If the joints in your ductwork are not properly sealed, your forced air system can suck attic air into the ducts –air that's either really hot in the summer or really cold in the winter.

Does a hot attic make house hot?

A hot attic it makes for a hotter house. This results in higher cooling bills and the need for thicker insulation above the ceiling. Another problem is any ducting in the attic will be heated and the heat will transfer into any the duct and warm any cool air moving through it and into the home.

How does attic fan work in winter?

Attic ventilation fans offer mechanical ventilation, using a fan to draw in cool, outside air and force out warm, moist air. Air is drawn in through the attic fan and air is expelled through the roof vent system to keep your attic cooler and drier, preventing ice and moisture issues throughout the winter.

Will attic fan help with ice dams?

Icicles hanging over the edges of roofs might look pretty, but once enough melted water gets trapped behind that ice, water can leak in to the house.

What are the pros and cons of an attic fan?

Do attic fans save you money?

One of the best ways to save money on cooling your house is to install a whole house fan along with an attic fan. These fans keep you from needing to run an A/C unit at all hours of the day, which will save a lot of money on your electric bill.

Do attic fans help with heat?

Attic fans can make a difference in a number of ways. In the summer, a properly installed attic fan can remove excessive heat build up, providing cooling to an attic space. This helps reduce the pressure on your insulation systems, preventing unwanted heat transfer into your living space.

How long do attic fans last?

Typically, attic fans have a lifespan of up to 15 years as long as they are properly maintained. This usually involves having the attic fan professionally serviced by an HVAC technician who will clean the fan shutters, lubricate the oil ports, and wash the fan blades as well as inspect the unit for any repairs needed.

Can attic fans cause fires?

"Most attic fans are put up there and forgotten," says Kenneth Kent, deputy marshal of the Arlington County Fire Department. "They're not inspected for years, and when they malfunction, they can start a fire."

Does an attic fan cool the house?

This brings in fresh air from outside and expels hot air out from the attic space. However, if your attic is not completely sealed and separate from your living space, the attic fan can suck cool conditioned air out of your home's living space.

How much will attic fan save me?

The heat in an attic on a hot day can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than the outside temperature, and using an attic fan can reduce the temperature in the attic by at least 50 degrees and in the highest floor of the home by as much as 10 degrees.

Can you run an attic fan with the AC on?

You can use your air conditioning and attic fan at the same time. If you do, you can save money and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Attic fans are far from complicated additions to your home, but you may still find yourself reluctant to either install one or use the one you have.

Do attic fans turn on automatically?

An attic fan is normally automatic. An adjustable thermostat, which is included, turns the fan on and off according to the temperature. If you have a humidistat installed, it turns the fan on and off as well according to the humidity.

Should attic windows be open?

Cars and attics can reach 140 degrees F and higher, and all that heat doesn't do either one of them any good. Just as you can crack open a car window to prevent such excessive heat in your car, you can use ventilation in the attic to reduce the heat gain.

Is frost in attic normal?

It's very, very common to see frost in small areas, on the roofing nails penetrating the sheathing, and in areas where air circulation may not be the best. To see this is not ideal, but it's very much expected, especially in older homes.