What the Department of Energy Says About Whole House Fans
Whole house fans are energy-efficient devices that offer superior indoor ventilation and cooling. When compared to traditional air conditioners, whole house fans offer a natural cooling that is more cost-effective while reducing the harmful effects on the environment.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), installing whole-house fans can save on energy consumption and reduce utility bills, while improving the indoor air quality in homes.
How do whole house fans work?
Whole house fans are mechanical devices that, when installed in the ceiling of a house, can offer improved ventilation and cooling effects through natural methods. It works by pushing out the warm, stale indoor air through the attic and roof vents while bringing in the cool outside air through the open windows and doors.
Whole house fans are particularly effective in reducing home temperatures when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature.
Some of the other features of whole house fans as considered by the DOE include:
● Proper fan sizing: The DOE recommends that the fan size must be sufficient to provide airflow equal to at least half of the total volume of the house.
● Energy efficiency: Whole house fans use considerably less energy than traditional air conditioners, reducing the cooling costs by almost 90%.
● Climate suitability: The fans are more effective where the nighttime temperature is cooler than 67℉ and the temperature difference between day and night is 25 ℉ or more.
● Attic ventilation: According to the DOE, houses using whole house fans must increase the attic ventilation capacity by 2 to 4 times the normal area of attic vents. Alternatively, the ventilation must equal one square foot of the net free area for every 750 cubic feet per minute of the fan capacity.
● Sealing requirements: Whole house fans and their surroundings must be sealed effectively to prevent unwanted heat transfer into and out of the house.
● Operating tips: The DOE advises using whole house fans when the outdoor air is warmer than the indoor air. Also, the fans must be used all night to offer effective home cooling.
● Combined use: It is better to use whole house fans in combination with ceiling fans and other circulating fans to enjoy an effective cooling solution.
While whole house fans can offer effective cooling to your entire house and attic, they can also improve your garage ventilation.
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