What is the Best Place to Install a Whole House Fan?

Installing a whole house fan can be an excellent way to improve indoor air circulation while creating a cool, comfortable living space. Whole house fans can reduce the negative impacts of air conditioners on the environment, and reduce cooling costs while making your home more energy efficient.

How does a whole house fan work?
Whole house fans are powerful ventilation systems that reduce home temperature while improving indoor air quality. The fans draw in the outside cool fresh air through the open windows, while pushing out the hot, stale indoor air through the roof vents and the attic.

Whole house fans have a cubic per minute (CFM) rating that provides an idea of how the fan units circulate the indoor air. A fan must ideally offer air circulation every minute to provide optimum house ventilation.

Calculate the volume of your living space to install a whole house fan of the appropriate size for better home ventilation.

The Best Place to Install a Whole House Fan
The key points to consider before choosing a place to install a whole house fan include:

A central location:
Whole house fans are best installed close to the center of the home to maximize air circulation.

Hallway placement:
Ideally, the fan is installed in the ceiling of an un-obstructed hallway to ensure the air is circulated in all the rooms of the house;

Clear, unobstructed space:
Whole house fans must be installed in a place where there is enough space for the fan shutters to open and close. The space must be free from obstructions like pipes, HVAC ducts, and wires that interfere with the operation of the fan.

Whole house fans must be installed close to the windows to maximize air circulation. Where the windows are far away, more windows must be opened when operating the fan to improve home ventilation.

Access to the attic:
Whole house fans can be installed in the attic as they are well-ventilated and have enough space for equipment. For the best position, choose the attic joists close to the house’s center.

In the absence of an attic, install the fan exhaust in a crawlspace or the garage. You can also consider roof-mounted fans, available in the marketplace.

Ventilation is the key:
Typically, a whole house fan exhausts into the attic. The attic space must be well-ventilated to avoid a pressure build-up that causes trapped air to creep back into the house through the ceiling openings, affecting the home's ventilation. WholeHouseFan.com has a 23+ year history of selling whole house fans online. Take a look at our collection here.  If you need additional help, give us a call 1-661-775-5979