What is the Difference Between a Whole House Fan and an Attic Fan?

While the terms ‘whole house fans’ and ‘attic fans’ are often used interchangeably, they are, in fact, different devices used for different purposes.

While whole house fans improve the entire house ventilation, attic fans are used to ventilate and cool the attic.

Whole House Fans
A whole house fan offers an affordable and eco-friendly way of cooling your entire house without using air conditioners. They are mechanical devices that cool the house by pushing out the warm, stale indoor air through the vents while bringing in the outdoor, fresh cooler air through the open windows.

Purpose:
The fans cool the entire house, including the attic.

Functions:
Whole house fans work by pushing out the warm indoor air through the vents while bringing in the cool, fresh outside air through the windows.

Timings:
The fans are most effective in the early mornings and evenings when the outside temperature is cooler than the indoor temperature.

Installation:
Whole-house fans are installed in a central location in the ceiling of a staircase or hallway.

Energy efficiency:
The fans provide a natural way to improve indoor ventilation and are more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioning.

Attic Fans
Attic fans are typically installed in the roof of the house and are used to reduce temperature and improve ventilation in the attic.

Purpose:
To reduce attic temperature and improve attic ventilation.

Functions:
Attic fans are used to push out the hot attic air while drawing in the fresh outdoor air through the vents.

Timings:
Attic fans can be run throughout the day to regulate attic temperature.

Installation:
Attic fans are installed on the roof or in a gable vent.

Energy efficiency:
Attic fans offer a natural form of ventilation that reduces the load on an energy-intensive air conditioner

Key differences between whole house fans and attic fans

Scope of cooling:
While whole house fans cool the entire house, attic fans are used to cool the attic only.

Operation:
While whole house fans are run during early mornings and evenings, attic fans can be used throughout the day.

Installation:
While whole house fans are installed in the ceiling, attic fans are installed in a gable vent or on the roof of the house.

Garage exhaust fans are another type of fan that can ventilate and cool your garage. To know more about garage exhaust fans, attic fans, or whole house fans, contact us here at WholeHouseFan.com at 1-661-775-5979.