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May 20, 2008
Whether to install a Whole House Fan?
I'm in a detached 2-1/2 story house, and wondering if I should consider a whole house fan. I figure it could quickly cool the place on summer nights (at least when it gets cool outside), thus saving on AC. Anyone wish to encourage or discourage the idea? Any advice on buying or getting it installed? Thanks!
Comments
I had thought about placing a fan (maybe a solar one: http://www.theledlight.com/solar-attic-fans.html) where the roof hatch opens.
The problem is see is that, while it might cool the ground floor, the higher floors get too hot anyway. And if you have a/cs only on those floors, some of the conditioned air will also be drawn out (unless you have really well-sealed rooms where the a/cs are).
So I am not sure it would be helpful. But if you do install one, post the result please.
Posted by: cmu at May 21, 2008 8:59 AM
We had an attic fan in the house where I grew up in Virginia, where summer temperatures were around 5 degrees hotter. We never had air conditioning and summers were very, very comfortable. We turned the fan on at night and made sure to close the window blinds in the day. At night we had to use at least a light blanket all summer long.
Posted by: guest at May 21, 2008 10:37 AM
We installed one in our lakeside cabin in New Jersey. It was not inexpensive as it has to be super sealed to keep out elements in four seasons. And it turned out to be very noisy. Sadly, we rarely use it, but luckily the breezes off the lake spare us from any A/C installation. Not too many lake breezes in Brooklyn.
Posted by: guest at May 21, 2008 3:10 PM
It must be a southern thing, as we had one in NC, and it was awesome. I've always wanted one up here, but most people look at me as if I were crazy.
Posted by: guest at May 21, 2008 3:30 PM
We are installing a whole house fan in our brownstone. It's tricky because we can't use a traditional attic fan, which vents through the gables, because, well, we don't have an attic. You can call me at 917-886-9323 if you want to know more about our house fan experience.
Basically, if you can do it, you should go for it. It's not a total AC solution, but it will go a long way towards keeping you cool 90% of the summer.
Posted by: beatlife at May 21, 2008 3:46 PM
I have a fan in the 3rd floor ceiling of my detached house, and another fan that blows out the air from the space above that ceiling & below the roof. Used them a couple of times in the summer years ago, but during the winter it got so drafty and cold in the area below the ceiling that I crawled up above it and covered it with blankets & insulation to try to cut down on the heat loss, and never used the fans since.
Posted by: guest at May 21, 2008 3:51 PM
What you might want to look into for the effect your describing is either an HRV or an ERV. An HRV is short for heat recovery ventilator. The way it works is fresh air being drawn in is tempered by the air being vented out. An ERV is similar, except it also incorporates a dessicant help control humidity. This link can give a more in-depth explanation: http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/HVAC/energy-recovery-ventilators
Posted by: guest at May 24, 2008 9:59 PM
We install A LOT of WHOLE HOUSE FANS !
Yes they really do work !
The Green Fans run on approx 2/3 less electricity! We install whole house venting where there is NO attic. Like in a Loft..
There are a couple of solutions that really work well !
We would be happy to share some of the trade secrets !!!
www.suburbanfan.com
Posted by: guest at June 10, 2008 6:27 PM
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