Whole-house fans may be one of the most ignored options when it comes to energy-efficient cooling. Some homeowners may have the fans but don’t use them. Others don’t consider putting them in their homes because they don’t realize how effective they can be.
Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric wants you to know that even in our hot climate, a whole-house fan (when used with ceiling fans) can substitute for an air conditioner for much of the year.
A whole-house fan is normally installed between the attic and the living space. It draws in air through open windows and exhausts the hot air through vents in the attic. In addition to home cooling, the attic fan provides excellent ventilation for this often-ignored space.
According to energy.gov, a whole-house fan should provide from 30 to 60 air changes every hour. For that reason alone, it’s often a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
A whole-house fan installation is not something you should try to do on your own. Only an experienced professional has the skills to take your attic measurements, position your dedicated circuit wiring and install the needed attic vents. Armstrong sells and installs whole-house fans by Lennox.
Another reason to depend on us for a professional installation is the fans can be noisy if they are not installed properly. A correct installation will make it more likely you will have a quiet whole-house fan. And Armstrong’s technicians will also make sure you have the right size fan which reduces noise as well.
One cautionary note about operating these fans: make sure to provide enough ventilation by opening windows. If you don’t, the fan’s suction can cause a backdraft in your furnace or other gas-fired appliances (water heaters and dryers). The backdraft could pull carbon monoxide into the house.
Remember, Armstrong now has a new way to serve your needs. Call us for all your electrical needs in addition to plumbing and HVAC. Armstrong has licensed and trained electricians on staff. Something Wrong? Better Call Armstrong!
