Home Ownership Unlike the fans in old Bogart films, attic fans don't just lazily recirculate hot air. Operating from the top of your house, they relieve the "hot upstairs'* syndrome by venting trapped

hot air outside. The outside air may not be substantially cooler during the day, but the air exchange makes the house feel more comfortable.

Research shows that where the average daily temperature is below 24°C, whole-house fans are able to satisfy all cooling requirements. Attic fans, on the other hand, provide no significant cooling or reduction in energy costs when combined with central air conditioning.

Attic-cooling fans can be anything from whole-house ventilation systems to powered fans in rooftop vents. Prices vary, too. Consider these factors before choosing any cooling system: regional temperatures (number of degree-days of high temperatures); building structure, including roof design, materials, number of windows; vents and most important, existing insulation. Your electricity consumption, and even the house's proximity to shady trees should be included in the examination.

Whole-house ventilation means installing a fan with enough capacity to circulate the total volume of air in your living quarters. With the correct capacity, it's possible at high speed operation to have one air-exchange per minute. When the fan is turned on, you'll feel a cool sensation. Even though the whole-house fan increases air circulation, it doesn't independently reduce air temperature or humidity.




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May 20, 2012