Installing attic fans
One option to keeping cool this summer is to install an attic fan. These fans take up more room than traditional ceiling fans but can help to keep a larger area cool – possibly even the whole house.
Attic fans can be a lot more energy efficient than central air conditioning, using only about a fourth of the power, according to www.atticfans.com.
The first thing to consider when buying a whole-house fan is the size of the fan and venting area. The amount of air a fan can move is measured in cubic feet per minute. Depending on the size of your house, you can cool your home in one to three minutes, according to a tutorial at www.homestore.com. You’ll also want to check your electrical settings to make sure they are compatible with the fan.
A proper ventilation system is necessary for the fan. Popular Mechanics (www.popularmechanics.com) recommends having one square foot of roof vent area for every 300 square feet of attic area.
Installing a fan is something you can do yourself if you feel competent cutting into the attic to install it. Homestore.com recommends setting aside several hours for the project.
The first thing to do is to figure out a central location in the house where the fan can have maximum effect. Mark the location where the fan will go on the ceiling with a pencil, and then make the incision with a drywall saw.
Once you cut the hole, you can saw through the joist in the attic where the fan will go. Frame it by nailing a similar sized board at a 90-degree angle between the two joists. Place the fan mount into the hole, and then follow the fan manufacturer’s instructions for each individual model for fastening and tightening.
For additional attic fan tutorials, go to www.blowerwheel.com or www.easy2.com.
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