Attic fans play an integral role in your home’s ventilation system by improving airflow and helping regulate humidity levels. Depending on the house, the climate, and other factors, attic fans are a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and make every room a little cozier.

If you’re debating installing an attic fan or deciding whether you will fix one that’s broken, here’s what you need to know…

First, What Is an Attic Fan? 

It’s exactly what it says on the tin. Attic fans are roof-mounted air exhaust and intake vents that actively remove stale indoor air from your home and replace it with fresh outside air. The system provides year-round benefits and can lower heating and cooling costs.

How Does an Attic Fan Work? 

Think of hot, humid air rising to the attic during the summer months. Instead of allowing this warm air to sit or cycle back into your home, the attic fan pushes it outside, lowering the average air temperature within your home. This reduces the workload of your window or central air conditioning unit, lowering your monthly energy bill.

The Three Types of Attic Fans 

Depending on the home’s construction and budget, there are three types of attic fans to choose from. Your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning can help you identify the right model—and professionally install it, too.

  • Solar attic fans – Worried about your electrical bill? Solar attic fans rely on roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to power a small fan that draws hot air out of your home without impacting your energy bill.
  • Electric attic fans – While more HVAC recommend solar fans, some homes aren’t designed to accommodate that type efficiently. Enter the electric attic fan, which taps into your home’s electrical system to provide exceptional ventilation.
  • Passive attic fans – Passive fans don’t use electricity at all. Instead, they rely on wind or changing air pressure to circulate air.

How to Tell If Your Attic Fan Is Working 

Some attic fans connect to smart thermostats, allowing homeowners to quickly check if the attic fan works effectively. Without this connection, the best way to see if your attic fan is functioning correctly is to head to the attic and check!

  • For solar or electric attic fans, listen for the quiet hum of the fan motor.
  • For any type of attic fan, compare the temperatures from the rest of your house to the attic or crawl space. If the air temperature is substantially warmer in the attic, you may have an issue with your fan.
  • You can always contact your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning to take a closer look!

Do Attic Fans Use a Lot of Electricity? 

Very little, and that’s in part why they save you money. The average electric attic fan model requires less than 300 watts to run. Even if the fan ran constantly for a month, it would total less than 200 kilowatt-hours, which equates to about $20. Most fans run only for short periods throughout the day, so the monthly impact on your bill is negligible.

Lowering Your Energy Bill 

Attic fans lower energy bills, but some conditions make this less likely. Because they rely on cooler outdoor air, attic fans aren’t very effective in climates that see overnight temperatures at or above the desired indoor temperature. Sustained high humidity can also negate the benefits of an attic fan because drawing in humid air may cause your central air conditioning unit to work harder.

Attic fans are a good fit in many parts of the US; reach out for recommendations..

Why Ventilation Matters 

Adequate ventilation affects your home’s energy consumption, indoor air quality, and your family’s comfort. In addition to regulating your home’s temperature, ventilation removes stale air and reduces indoor irritants like dust and pet dander. Ventilation and filtration work together to keep your family healthy:

  • Ventilation introduces fresh air and removes stale air.
  • Filtration removes airborne irritants from air being circulated by your ducts.


Do You Need an Attic Fan? Let Us Help You Decide! 

Our experienced technicians can help you choose the right attic fan or explore other cost-effective ways to keep your home comfortable. With hundreds of locations across the US, a locally owned One Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to lend a helping hand. Request an appointment or call (800) 893-3523 today.