by Patrick J. Knight

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 22, 2008

One efficient yet inexpensive way to cool your home is through the use of a large window exhaust fan. An exhaust fan is a wonderful purchase in regards to maintaining a comforting level in your home, but it only works well if you use it correctly.
Ideally, the fan should be similar in size to a large window, located in the top of your home. Because heat rises, this is probably the warmest room in your home. The concept behind this placement is, as the fan operates, it will suck the warm air from the top of your home, circulating the cooler air from the bottom of your home. This concept works wonderfully when it is very hot out of doors.

There are vairiables that must be in place, however. Most of the doors inside of your home (bedrooms, bathroom, den) should remain open when plausible. The fan should be placed in an area with minimal clutter to be most efficient. These fans are usually loud when put on their highest setting, thus making reading, sleeping or speaking a task. The most efficient place to put these fans is usually an attic, or the end of a hallway on an upper floor.
When planning to purchase a window exhaust fan, consideration should be given to a fan that is reversible. In this manner, when the temperatur is very high during the day, the fan would serve as an exhaust fan. However, on cool evenings, the fan can be reversed and serve as a cooler temperature intake fan, bringing cooler air from outdoors. There are also certain criteria and plans that must be adhered to:
First and foremost, once the location is decided, measure the window. One would be surprised at how many homeowners purchase a window fan, only to find out the fan doesnot fit into the window.
Solidify the power source. Most window fans come with a six (6) foot power cord. Will you need an extension? The stronger fans have a grounded plug. Is the outlet you plan to use grounded? Is the outlet currently in use by something else?
Recognize safety issues. Is the fan UL listed ( recognized as safe by Underwriters Laboratories Inc)? Does its blade cover satisfy OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations?
And of course, warranties. When purchasing a window fan, you would ideally want a product warrented against maufacturer's defects for at least one (1) year.

When put into use, and placed in the proper location, a lagre exhasut fan will work magnificentley, and save on the cost of cooling your home.

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