Types of Attic Fans And Their Pros and Cons

There are several types of attic fans, including electric vents, turbine vents, and solar vents. The best vent for your space will depend on cost, use, efficiency, and more. Knowing what function is needed will help homeowners make an informed choice.

Types of Attic Fans

Three common types of attic fans include electric vents, turbine vents, and solar vents. These all work in similar ways to replace hot air in the attic with cooler, fresher air from the outside. Homeowners should consider their options carefully, considering their home’s location, the climate, and their budget.

What Is An Attic Fan?

Proper attic ventilation is important to protect both your attic and your roof. In some cases, attic fans can help with this. Attic fans promote better air circulation inside the attic, removing warm air from inside, providing a steady stream of cooler, fresh air from the outside. In some cases, this active ventilation can reduce cooling costs and keep the attic drier through improved airflow.

Why Do I Need an Attic Fan?

An attic fan can be an important part of an attic ventilation system. When installed properly, these fans remove the hot air from the attic space and replace it with cooler air from the outside. This can result in a cooler environment, not only in the attic, but throughout your entire house. It can also reduce energy costs by reducing the burden on your home’s central air conditioning system.

Attic fans may serve several different purposes, including: [1]

• Saving energy
• Preventing mold growth
• Preventing ice dams

Saving Energy

If you’re looking to save on the cost of heating and cooling your home, an attic fan can help in some cases. You may get the best results from a solar or wind-powered attic ventilation fan, since electric fans often require a lot of energy to run.

Preventing Mold Growth

Mold is a common issue in attics, and it poses a threat year-round. The problem is usually poor air circulation, creating stagnant, damp conditions that mold thrives on. An attic fan can make mold growth a thing of the past by moving the air around properly.

Avoid Ice Dams

If you live in a cold climate or an area that experiences harsh winters, the potential for ice dams on your roof could be a significant concern. The culprit is typically poor ventilation. When it snows, the warmth of the roof could cause the snow to melt. When the melted snow refreezes as ice, it can build up on the roof, causing water damage, mold growth, and ultimately, structural issues on your roof.

About Passive Ventilation Systems

Some homeowners prefer passive ventilation systems, which involve strategically placed intake vents and exhaust vents, such as ridge vents and gable vents on the roof that facilitate natural ventilation of the attic. [2] Other types of passive ventilation include:

• Off-ridge vents
• Soffit vent
• Box vents

Advantages of passive ventilation systems include the low cost of installation, less maintenance, and upkeep. Not all homes benefit from these passive systems, though. In some cases, a more aggressive approach is needed through the use of active ventilation and the help of an attic fan.

Types of Attic Fans

There are three basic types of attic fans, also called attic vents: turbine vents, electric vents, and solar vents. Consider the pros and cons of each before choosing one that’s right for your attic.

Turbine Vents

Also called whirlybirds, turbine attic ventilation fans are wind-powered. Since they’re powered by the wind and not your home’s electrical system, they can be an economical and eco-friendly choice for many homeowners. When considering this type of attic fan, it’s essential to consider not only energy bills, but also your local wind conditions. These conditions will determine the efficiency of your turbine fan. Some of the advantages of whirlybirds include:

• Doesn’t require electricity
• Low installation costs
• Environmentally friendly

Electric Vents

The most common type of attic vent is the electric vent. These are popular because they’re pretty efficient and are powered by a reliable source: your home’s electrical system. These types of attic fans are generally installed on top of the roof and are run by a thermostat. Advantages of an electric vent may include:

• Very effective
• Doesn’t rely on weather conditions
• Good for various climates

Solar Vents

If you’re interested in powered roof vents, another option is a solar vent. These solar-powered fans work in a similar way to electric vents, but they get their energy from the sun, not your home’s HVAC system.

A solar vent requires the installation of solar panels on top of the roof. If you’re considering this addition to your home’s ventilation system, be sure you’re in a sunny location and not in the shade. Some of the unique benefits of a solar-powered attic fan could include:

• Low cost of operation
• Eco-friendly
• Possible tax benefits

Disadvantages of Attic Fans

Attic fans can have many benefits for homeowners, but there could be downsides to consider as well.

The Potential for Leaks

If your attic ventilation fan isn’t installed correctly, you can expect to experience a leak at some point. Leaks often go unnoticed, and when this happens, water damage to the roof can occur. This is obviously a costly problem to have on your hands. To prevent it, make sure your attic fan is installed by an experienced professional you trust. Have it inspected on a regular basis, meaning at least once per year. [3]

Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Perhaps one of the biggest risks of using an attic fan is the potential for carbon monoxide exposure. Exposure can occur when the fan malfunctions and creates negative pressure, bringing the dangerous gas inside instead of expelling it. If you decide to have an attic fan installed, make sure you also have a reliable carbon monoxide detector.

Higher Electric Costs

Ironically, electric-powered attic fans can sometimes result in higher electric bills. For some people, this comes as a shock since they may have installed the fan to save on electricity costs. You can avoid this additional expense by choosing a solar attic fan or a turbine attic fan instead of an electric one.

Consider A Local Roofing Contractor

There aren’t many people who consider installing an attic fan to be a do-it-yourself job. Not only will you have to get on top of the roof, but you’ll also be required to do some electrical work. Unless you have professional experience with these tasks, they can be quite dangerous, not to mention frustrating and time-consuming. In most cases, this is a job best left to the professionals. Contact your local roofing contractor for recommendations, estimates, and attic fan installation.