by Wm. David Waterman

Created on: January 28, 2010

Attic fans can often be forgotten and overlooked in the maintenance of a home. However, since they are an essential part of maintaining the comfort and the energy efficiency of the homes interior, they are of great importance to the homeowner.

Homeowners are often unaware that there house is equiped with a attic fan. Attic fans come in a variety of configerations and it is fairly easy to determine if a house is equiped with a fan(s). Some are mounted on the roof itself and the enclosure which is generally steel or aluminum is clearly visible. Most fans range in size between 12(twelve) inches and 24(twenty four) inches in diameter. Other types are mounted in the gable end of the house up near the roof peak. Again, there is usually an obvious indication of the fan. The vent area will be covered with a louvered opening or screen if the fan is mounted in the gable end of the house..

The fan is a line of defense against deterioration of insulation efficiency and condensation buildup. In hot climates, excess heat buildup is drawn off the attic area by the fan.Humidity is the houses enemy. It will result in softening an rotting of the roof decking material if wood or plywood, it will reduce the efficiency of the insulation by allowing moisture to accumulate, and it will create long term problems in drywall and sheetrock.

Damage caused by moisture is a serious problem in houses that are subject to wide temperature variations. Condensation is apt to form in the attic as warm air rises from the living space and encounters the cold underside of the roof decking in the attic. The issue is multiplied when the house is situated in an area that is prone to higher humidities. The easiest way to understand why the attic needs powered ventilation by the fan is to think of how cool a person feels when wet. When a person is in damp or wet clothes, they are struggling to stay warm on a chilly day. In the same manner, if the insulation is damp in an attic, it is not as efficient as when it is dry. If the insulation is very damp to wet and consistantly so, it encourages the growth of mold which is a serious health issue.

These are the major reasons why the attic fan needs to be checked, but another issue is the efficiency of the fan itself. If the fan motor is worn and starting to wear it will develop increased drag which translates to a higher operating cost. That cost will show in the home energy consumption. If the wear is excessive in the motor or bearings, the result can be a electrical fire. So the need for regular maintenance is essential. The results are increased energy efficiency of the home, longer life span of the building materials and a safe environment for residents of the house.

These are just some of the reasons why the attic fan should be checked periodically and maintained. One final thought is that homes that are proerly maintained throughout are usually more valuable in any market and just as important, are less costly to maintain overall than homes that are not cared for. The attic fan is a very important part of the overall maintenance of a home.

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