What are the Optimal Times to Run a Whole House Fan?

by George Karonis

Installing a whole-house fan can be an eco-friendly way to reduce your home's temperature without increasing the utility bills. 

The fans work by replacing the warm, stale indoor air with cool and fresh outdoor air that rushes in through the windows, reducing your overall home temperature.

What are the optimal ways to run a whole house fan?
Here are some of the ways you can make the best use of the whole house fans.

Morning, evening, and night:
Operate the whole house fans for a minimum of 10 minutes in the morning before the outdoor air starts to warm up. This allows the cooler, outdoor breeze to flow into the home, replacing the warm, indoor air.

The fans can be run in the early evening when the outdoor temperature starts to drop. Continue running the whole house fans throughout the night to improve your house’s ventilation.

Warmer months:
Whole house fans are most effective in climates where there is a significant difference between the day and night temperatures. The fans are not as effective in very hot and humid climates, where they may even increase indoor humidity levels.

Mild, winter days:
Whole house fans can also be used on mild, winter days to:

●       Reduce the buildup of moisture in the attic.

●       Prevent stagnation of indoor air.

●       Improve airflow by bringing in fresh, outdoor air.

●       Expel the indoor air pollutants.

Tips to Operate a Whole House Fan Optimally
Below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your whole house fan.

Open windows and doors:
Ensure at least one window is open before running a whole house fan. Open the windows that are farther away from the fans to improve indoor ventilation.

Open windows strategically in areas you want to cool. Close blinds, doors, and windows on the house’s sunny side to keep your home cool.

Use in conjunction with ACs:
Whole house fans can be operated in conjunction with ACs to maintain effective home cooling.

Avoid operating the fan during the day:
Whole house fans should not be operated during the day except to push out the warm, indoor air and redirect cooler air from the shady sides of the house.

Use a fan timer:
Set a fan timer for your whole house fan to maintain an optimum indoor temperature.

To learn more about how a whole house fan can reduce your home temperature, contact us at 1-661-775-5979.

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