by Shelia West

Created on: January 30, 2010

Out of sight and out of mind is often the sad fate of a home's attic fan.  People tend to forget about this very important feature when performing yearly maintenance checks.  However, the attic fan plays a dramatic role in keeping our homes more energy efficient by keeping them cooler in the summer.

The attic fan does its job day in and day out by removing hot air from inside the attic to outside.  This helps the air conditioning system perform its job easier and keeps your job of paying the bills easier.  It also prevents the hot air from building up inside the attic and causing damage to the roof.  And everyone knows how expensive a new roof can be. 

When you look at the benefits of the attic fan, it simply makes sense to check it yearly to ensure it is working properly and efficiently.  The only drawback to checking it is, well, it's in the attic.  For most people, the attic is a place where we store things we seldom need.  The only entrance is usually a pull down trapdoor and a ladder like set of steps.  Since we don't go up there much, there may be a few cobwebs hanging around.  But it is well worth knocking a few cobwebs down to go check this important energy tool.

Attics get hot, duh, that's the reason you need an attic fan.  Therefore, the best time to do your yearly checkup of the attic fan is in the spring.  You do need it to be warm enough so that the fan will kick on so that you can observe its operation. 

Go up into your attic and observe your fan running.  Are all the blades turning?  Are there any broken blades?  Listen to it carefully.  Does it sound as if it is loose or are any blades wobbling?  Since the fans are electrical, it is a good idea to disconnect the power before you actually touch it.  Attic fans have a thermostatic control that regulates when they kick on and off.  Therefore, It could kick on when you are not expecting it.  Once the electricity is off, check the fan for excessive dust or other material on the motor of the fan.  If it needs cleaning, use a dry brush or even a hairdryer to blow the dust off.  Remember to check the vent cover in front of the fan and blow any dust or cobwebs from it also.  Check the frame of the fan and make sure it is still attached firmly to the surrounding wall.   Most fans do not need any lubricating.

While you are in the attic, you will need to check the other vents in your attic.  Clear them of any cobwebs and dust also.  These vents help bring fresh air into the attic. 

If your attic fan has broken blades or is not operating properly, it is best to replace it.   Believe me, it will pay you back more than you will ever realize.   

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