Where should you place an attic fan?
Thanks for resurrecting this! I was actually just looking at it several days ago and didn't realize all the updates! We never installed anything or did any work up in the attic but we did finally get our new HVAC system (heat pump/gas furnace hybrid system) installed in October (including new ductwork). We had a HERS test done for the ductwork but now I'm thinking we should probably do an energy audit and or blower door test. I started my search for contractors to do an attic cleanout/rodent-proofing/insulation replacement as well (there are signs of old rodent infestation up there and so it's probably not a bad idea just to get rid of everything that's up there, sanitize, rodent-proof, and then get new insulation). The company suggested a radiant barrier as well but I may hold off on that or not do it at all. We did have solar panels installed last year as well and, this could just be my imagination, but it *seems* like it's slightly less hot up in the attic now. The *thought* is that the solar panels are absorbing a significant amount of the heat and keeping it off of the tiles under them, which results in less heat transfer and a partially cooler attic?
That said, it's still hot up there and I think we would benefit from more insulation. There is a hole in our kids' bedroom that is directly exposing part of the attic so that's not helping (there was a water leak at the roofline section that intersects with their room and the attic is directly under that part of the roof, so opening that side of the bedroom wall exposes the attic...) and I have been keeping the door closed - it gets really hot and stuffy in that room but also because I've closed off/shuttered the vent.
As a side-note: The guy who I've contacted for insulation is proposing laying down R38 fiberglass batts. A lot of other contractors I've reached out to previously all suggest cellulose. It seems there are advantages and disadvantages both ways - supposedly, cellulose is more effective at insulation but then it settles over time and decreases in R value. It also makes navigating in the attic very difficult because of the amount that needs to be blown in, which generally covers the joists so that you can't see where you're walking. I suppose you can lay down OSB for the areas you intend to walk on but you obviously can't do that for the entire attic. So if there's ever a leak or issues with the roof that need to be addressed in the attic, it seems like such a PITA to have to deal with going up there. On the other hand, you have fiberglass batts, which aren't as effective for insulating but don't cover up the joists the way cellulose does. I am leaning towards just going with fiberglass batts at the moment but feel conflicted about all of this...
This article was co-authored by Alberto DeJesus and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall . Alberto DeJesus is a Construction Specialist and the CEO of DeJesus Industries. With more than four years of experience, he specializes in high-end real estate development and construction. Alberto and DeJesus Industries have been featured on NBC News and have worked with numerous well-known companies, including Mazda, Amazon, and CVS. Alberto holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University. This article has been viewed 46,886 times.
Article Summary
X
To install an attic fan over a gable vent in your attic, trace the body of the fan onto a piece of plywood that’s wide enough to mount on the studs on each side of the vent. Then, cut out the circle with a reciprocating saw and mount the fan over the cutout using a drill. When the fan is securely mounted, carry it over to the vent and nail the plywood into the studs on each side. Make sure the fan is centered over the vent, with the back of the fan facing in toward the attic. To learn how to install an attic fan on your roof, scroll down!
Did this summary help you?