Troubleshooting Common Home Attic Fan Problems

Attic temperatures can get extremely hot in the summer, often rising to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. You might think that this is not a big deal if you don’t go up there anyway, but actually, this extreme heat can make your air-conditioning system work harder to cool your home, resulting in higher energy bills. Worse, this heat can destroy your belongings and roofing. So, how do you expel heat from this area and make your home cooler? Install a home attic fan.

A must for a cooler attic

An attic exhaust fan effectively ventilates the space to remove warm air. Before installing one, be sure to check if there is enough roof venting — there should be at least one square foot of venting for every 300 square feet of space. Many homes already have adequate attic vents, but it’s still a good idea to check.

Attic fans come in two configurations: wired (which is powered by electricity) and solar-powered (which runs on the sun’s power).

Electric-powered ones will keep running even when the sun goes down. In contrast, a solar-powered model usually stops working at nighttime unless it has an AC/DC Smart Inverter like what you’ll find in this Gable Attic Fan 14” with a 40-watt Solar Panel (1486 CFM). The inverter will run the home attic fan with electricity when it gets dark, ensuring continuous ventilation that keeps the space cooler at night with the outdoor air.

Fixing common attic fan issues

If you intend to install an attic exhaust fan sometime soon, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common attic fan problems and how to troubleshoot them so you can keep your fan operating efficiently.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the most frequent issues you might encounter with your attic fan, explore their causes, and provide practical solutions.

The attic fan is not turning on

This common home attic fan issue is usually a power supply issue, so check if the fan is getting power. Look for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. This problem could also be caused by faulty wiring or incorrect thermostat settings.

Check and reset the circuit breaker if it has tripped, or replace a blown fuse. If the problem is with the thermostat, set it to a lower temperature and see if it activates the attic exhaust fan. Don’t forget to check the wiring for any damaged or loose connections and have them fixed or replaced as necessary.

Unusual noises

Is your usually-quiet home attic fan suddenly making strange noises? The problem could be due to:

• Loose screws, fan blades, or bolts
• Worn bearings (causing a squeaking or grinding noise)
• Twigs, leaves, and other debris that got caught in the fan

Here are ways to resolve those noise problems:

• Tighten the bolts and screws, ensuring all components are properly fastened.
• Replace or lubricate bearings.
• Clean the fan to remove the debris that may be causing the noise.

Fan blades are stuttering and not spinning properly

If your attic fan blades are stuttering or not spinning properly, it's likely due to obstructions or motor problems. But sometimes, the blades themselves may be damaged or bent. To fix this:

• Turn off the fan and remove any objects blocking the blades.
• Replace damaged or bent fan blades.
• Determine how often the motor overheats. If it’s too frequent, it might need a replacement. Otherwise, ensure it’s not overloaded and gets enough ventilation.

Malfunctioning thermostat

If it’s a thermostat problem, check if the home attic fan is calibrated correctly. If there are no issues with the settings, look for damaged or loose wires and repair them as necessary. If everything is still great, the thermostat itself may be faulty and require a replacement.

The fan won’t stop running

Does your attic exhaust fan continue running after you switch it off? It could be caused by:

• Thermostat settings in a constant temperature
• A short-circuited thermostat
• A defective motor that is stuck in ‘on’ mode

If it’s a thermostat setting, adjust it to a higher temperature and see if that turns off the home attic fan. It’s also a good idea to see if the thermostat has short-circuited and replace it when necessary. Replacing a defective motor can also help.

Poor ventilation

Is your attic exhaust fan not ventilating and cooling your space efficiently? Check the following:

• Improper installation: Is it installed in the right location?
• Sizing: If it’s undersized, it won’t be powerful enough to cool your attic.
• Blocked vents: Insulation and other materials could be obstructing them.

Here’s what you can do if you notice those problems:

• Clear the vents and ensure nothing is obstructing them.
• Upgrade to a larger and more powerful home attic fan if it’s too small for your space.
• Transfer the fan to a better location that promotes optimum airflow.

Avoid common attic fan problems

Some attic exhaust fan problems are avoidable with proper maintenance. Preventive checks can also improve your energy savings and ensure efficient ventilation for your attic and the rest of your house. Here are some tips to keep your attic fan in good condition.

Regular check-ups

Regularly inspect the blades and housing of the home attic fan to minimize dust and debris buildup. Regular inspections also allow you to catch problems and deal with them right away before they worsen and become expensive repairs. You can also monitor the performance to ensure the fan switches on and off according to your thermostat settings.

Additionally, pay attention to the noises the attic exhaust fan makes while running, such as squeaking, grinding, and rattling. These could mean mechanical issues which require immediate attention.

Cleaning

Take the time to clean the blades and housing of your home attic fan with a soft cloth or brush to remove debris and brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or water.

Do you need help?

If you need expert advice about attic fans, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Whole House Fan. We are the best source of whole-house and attic fans from reputable brands like Quiet Cool. Call 1-661-775-5679 for any questions.