Attic fans are a great way to cool your home and reduce your energy bills. But if you have blown insulation in your attic, you may be wondering if you can still use an attic fan. The answer is yes, you can use an attic fan with blown insulation, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
How Attic Fans Work
Attic fans work by pulling air from the attic and blowing it outside. This helps to reduce the temperature in the attic, which can help to cool your home. Attic fans can also help to remove moisture from the attic, which can help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Types of Attic Fans
There are two main types of attic fans:
- Power attic fans: These fans are powered by electricity and can be turned on and off manually or with a thermostat.
- Solar attic fans: These fans are powered by the sun and do not require any electricity.
Blown Insulation
Blown insulation is a type of insulation that is installed by blowing it into the attic. Blown insulation is a good choice for attics because it is easy to install and can help to seal air leaks.
Can I Use an Attic Fan with Blown Insulation?
Yes, you can use an attic fan with blown insulation. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Make sure the attic fan is properly installed. The attic fan should be installed in the highest point of the attic and should be sized appropriately for the size of your attic.
- Seal any air leaks around the attic fan. Air leaks can allow warm air to enter the attic, which can reduce the effectiveness of the attic fan.
- Use a thermostat to control the attic fan. This will help to ensure that the attic fan only runs when it is needed.
Benefits of Using an Attic Fan with Blown Insulation
There are several benefits to using an attic fan with blown insulation, including:
- Reduced energy bills: Attic fans can help to reduce your energy bills by cooling your home and reducing the load on your air conditioner.
- Improved comfort: Attic fans can help to make your home more comfortable by reducing the temperature in the attic.
- Reduced risk of mold and mildew growth: Attic fans can help to remove moisture from the attic, which can help to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Extended lifespan of your roof: Attic fans can help to extend the lifespan of your roof by reducing the amount of heat and moisture in the attic.
Things to Consider Before Installing an Attic Fan
Before you install an attic fan, there are a few things you should consider:
- The size of your attic: The size of your attic will determine the size of the attic fan you need.
- The climate in your area: If you live in a hot climate, you will need a more powerful attic fan than if you live in a cooler climate.
- The type of insulation in your attic: If you have blown insulation in your attic, you will need to make sure that the attic fan is properly installed and that there are no air leaks around the fan.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I install an attic fan myself?
A: It is possible to install an attic fan yourself, but it is important to make sure that you do it correctly. If you are not comfortable installing an attic fan yourself, you should hire a qualified contractor to do it for you.
Q: How much does it cost to install an attic fan?
A: The cost of installing an attic fan will vary depending on the size of the fan, the type of fan, and the complexity of the installation. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for the installation of an attic fan.
Q: How can I tell if my attic fan is working properly?
A: There are a few ways to tell if your attic fan is working properly. First, you should check to make sure that the fan is turned on and that there is power to the fan. Second, you should check to see if the fan is blowing air out of the attic. Finally, you can use a thermometer to measure the temperature in the attic. If the temperature in the attic is lower than the temperature outside, then your attic fan is working properly.
