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Old 03-04-2010, 11:32 AM
 
Location: Tempe, AZ
1,484 posts, read 3,139,183 times
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I'm just curious if anyone has installed an attic fan and actually seen any savings on their electric bill as a result. I popped my head into my attic the other day and was amazed at how hot it already was up there.
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Old 03-04-2010, 02:27 PM
 
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I have an attic fan in the house I purchased. The inspector recommended I remove it, because (according to him) it uses more electricity to run than whatever it may save in A/C costs. I have no idea if that's true or not. I'm keeping it, though, because, to some extent, it helps keep the air circulating in the garage.
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Old 03-04-2010, 02:39 PM
 
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always wondered why they aren't more popular out here...on those warm summer evenings when it's relatively cool outside, but still warm inside, I'd love to have one...it'd instantly cool off the inside if we had one....
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Old 03-04-2010, 03:33 PM
 
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There are solar attic fans out there. From just a very quick glance at prices, I've found $200 to $600.
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Old 03-04-2010, 04:26 PM
 
Location: Southern Arizona
9,601 posts, read 31,692,946 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bungle View Post
I'm just curious if anyone has installed an attic fan and actually seen any savings on their electric bill as a result. I popped my head into my attic the other day and was amazed at how hot it already was up there.
I have a Solar Powered Roof Fan in my garage and it not only help keep the garage cool but it also removes old vehicle smells.

Quote:
Originally Posted by azdr0710 View Post
always wondered why they aren't more popular out here...on those warm summer evenings when it's relatively cool outside, but still warm inside, I'd love to have one...it'd instantly cool off the inside if we had one....
Many homes have Swamp Coolers either alone or Dual Cooling, azdr. Without using the water option they basically function the same as an Attic Fan.
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Old 03-04-2010, 04:53 PM
 
Location: Tempe, AZ
1,484 posts, read 3,139,183 times
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Well I just ordered one. $50 shipped. Its not solar, standard wired with a thermostat. I plan on hooking it up to a switch so I can easily turn it off if I'm gone for an extended period of time. I've read both how great they work and save money as well how much of a waste there are. There's only one way to find out for sure!
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Old 03-04-2010, 05:45 PM
 
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I've read on the following website that attic fans may do more harm than good. They state that most fans are too powerfull and thus will actually pull cold air from inside the house into the attic through leaks. They stated that a properly vented attic will naturally pull in cooler air through the eave vents and convect up through the gable vents ( I believe I got that right). You may want to look into radient barriers. But I'm not so sure about those either.

Residential HVAC - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion

The consesus seems to be: replace old windows, seal up leaks, add insulation, and check for duct leaks.
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Old 03-04-2010, 07:34 PM
 
Location: Phoenix, AZ
41 posts, read 133,812 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bungle View Post
Well I just ordered one. $50 shipped. Its not solar, standard wired with a thermostat. I plan on hooking it up to a switch so I can easily turn it off if I'm gone for an extended period of time. I've read both how great they work and save money as well how much of a waste there are. There's only one way to find out for sure!
Well, if you find out it was a waste then at least it was only a $50 waste=).
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Old 03-08-2010, 11:48 AM
 
Location: Phoenix, AZ
3,515 posts, read 3,686,396 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bungle View Post
I'm just curious if anyone has installed an attic fan and actually seen any savings on their electric bill as a result. I popped my head into my attic the other day and was amazed at how hot it already was up there.

Average on attic fans is anywhere from 10-15%. Whether solar or electric, they do make a huge improvement in energy consumption, reduced reliance on A/C and perhaps most importantly, air circulation in the attic, meaning less dirt, mold, mildew.....etc.

Most of the time when you hear people talking down attic fans, they tend to have a vested financial interest. Why bother installing attic fans when you can simply replace your A/C units regularly?


I've seen people get as high as 20% from a single solar attic fan for example, it just depends on your home. If you've got more than 2600 square feet, you'll most likely need 2 fans.

Last edited by Juram; 03-08-2010 at 11:56 AM..
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Old 03-08-2010, 06:08 PM
 
845 posts, read 2,327,104 times
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I put the wind turbines in a former property. They significantly lowered the attic temp.. The jet noise did increase, though.
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