However the utility of attic ventilation fans is actually quite a controversial topic.
How to tell attic fan is going bad.
If the attic fan isn t turning on it could be an electrical issue a problem with the thermostat or the motor of the fan that s not working.
Turn the attic fan off and unplug the motor from the thermostat.
Good insulation reduces fan effectiveness.
Many homeowners hear about attic fans installed by friends and neighbors and want to know if an attic fan is a good idea or just a waste of money.
Step 1 test the fan motor.
Let s discuss the primary concern homeowners have about attic fan installation.
Just like a bathroom exhaust fan attic fans direct accumulated hot air out while bringing in cool air from outside.
I don t know why so many people are so defensive about power attic ventilators but here are a few of the things they ve said to me in the comments.
Before you start make sure the thermostat is set to cool and that the temperature setting is as low as it will go.
To test the fan motor on your air conditioner you ll have to do a continuity test.
Attic ventilation fans whether hard wired or powered by their own solar panels seem like a low cost and effective way to help keep your house cool.
Once done test that the motor still works by plugging the motor into an extension cord that is connected to an outlet.
Step 2 test the thermostat.
They are more powerful than bathroom exhaust fans and clear out a greater volume of air.
In short are attic fans good or bad.
And since the roof must be penetrated for some attic fan installations there is concern about that it may lead to water damage.
If you suspect the fan motor is bad the first thing you should check is the power to.
Three years ago i wrote an article titled don t let your attic suck power attic ventilators are a bad idea nearly a hundred thousand page views and 93 comments later it s still generating lots of heat.
Your attic fan may not be turning on because of an electrical problem like a tripped circuit breaker a blown fuse or a bad connection.
If the fan turns on the motor is still good.