How to Install an Attic or Whole House Fan
A properly installed attic fan can help keep your entire home cool at a much lower energy cost/consumption than an air-conditioner. With an attic fan you can also control how much air is circulated in various portions of your house by controlling the air supply to the fan.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Attic fan
- Louvered panel
- Hammer
- Electrical wall toggle switch
- Wall mount timer
- Wood for framing
- Skill saw
- Box knife
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1
Select the proper location for your fan. In most cases, the best location is in the main hallway. The hallway will act as duct work for the fan to draw air from all areas of the house. If one hallway or section of hallway is wider it will offer the easiest installation options. If the design of your home allows it, place the fan as near the center of the structure as possible.
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2
Prepare a hole for the fan. Carefully measure the fan to determine the size opening you will need and mark the measurements on the ceiling. Locate and mark any ceiling joists/beams in the area. If at all possible shift the location of the fan opening to allow for a joist/beam to be on the edge of the cut. This will allow a good starting point from which to anchor your framework. When the final location is set, use a box knife to cut a hole in the sheet-rock. Then use your skill saw to cut through any joists/beams which are in the opening.
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3
Build the frame, being certain to anchor it to the nearest joist/beam. The frame should be constructed of sturdy material such as 2 x 6's. The actual size and construction of the frame will depend on the size and type of unit you have purchased. Once you have the basic frame in place, you can add needed details specific to that model fan. The frame needs to be sturdy and well anchored as it will endure constant vibration while the fan is operating.
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4
Install the fan and louvers. Raise the fan into the opening and secure it in place using wood screws. Be sure the fan is level before anchoring. Once all sides of the fan are secure, you will cover the entire opening with the lite weight louver panel. This should install with just a few screws. Depending on the unit you have purchases it may mount to the fan bracket, or you may secure it to the wooden frame. Handle this unit with care. The metal is very thin and will easily bend and crimp.
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5
Make all electrical connections. Most attic fan units will be 120 volt and can be tied in to your normal house wiring. If you do not have available wiring in the area you will need to run wiring from the breaker box to the fan. You will also want to route the wire through a wall in order to install a control switch. You will have many options from a simple switch to a digital timer. The digital timer offers the most options and is easy to install. Cut a hole in the drywall in the desired location for the switch. Install a switch box and carefully strip the wires back so about 1/2" of copper is showing. Connect the two green wires to the green ground screw. The two black wires will connect to the timer, one at the top, one at the bottom. The two white wires, along with a third white wire from the timer will all be secured together with a wire nut. Secure the timer in the switch box and install the cover plate.
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Tips & Warnings
The attic fan will draw air from any open window or door. You can therefore control the airflow by only opening certain windows and doors in selected areas of your home.
While an attic fan will help keep your home comfortable for a lower cost, it will also draw in dust and other pollutants such as pollen. This can be a problem for people with allergies.
