Cold Weather Attic Fans

Roof mounted attic fans including solar attic fans need to endure all types of weather so it s important that they are well made and durable.

Cold weather attic fans.

Installing an attic fan before winter snows and cold temperatures hit can help eliminate structural damage and costly home repairs. The thermal switch activates when temperatures reach approximately 85 f 29 c and deactivates when temperatures drop below 65 f 18 c. In short are attic fans good or bad. Attempts to insulate the exhaust duct for fans vented through a cold attic and the roof resulted in more frost forming on the exterior portion of the ducting.

Let s discuss the primary concern homeowners have about attic fan installation. Preparing your attic fan for cold weather is a simple task. Attic fans are very popular in the midwest and east coast because they also help prevent ice damming in attics during the cold winter months. Exhaust fan vented ducting routed through a cold.

A typical attic can build up a lot of moisture and can cause serious issues to any equipment appliances or even the structure of your home. Using a thermal switch the fan will turn off when it gets cold and turn itself back on when the temperature gets hot in your attic. 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. The cold temperatures outside make the underside of your roof cold which makes conditions in the attic even more moist.

The common solutions to this ice problem are to use a higher powered fan use a larger diameter shorter duct run and wrap the pipe with better duct insulation. Not to mention that mold and mildew thrive in moist conditions. However during the winter it can let that saved income leak right out. They say that having both venting systems makes neither one work and will allow weather rain etc to penetrate the vents.

A michael maines answers and gives advice on the question about bath fan venting for cold climates. Can be installed on all attic fan models. To combat moisture buildup a fan in the attic is essential. Frost accumulation air sealing drip on outside reduced wall drafts figure 2.

When that moisture builds up it can cause serious damage to your roof. 2 the roofer at the same time installed ridge venting. The do not make a fan for an attic as small as mine 500 sq. Some have color options for the covers so you can choose one that matches your roof covering and thus reduce the visual impact.

An attic fan or whole house fan can be a great money saver for summer months. And since the roof must be penetrated for some attic fan installations there is concern about that it may lead to water damage. Using attic fans in cold climates.