Whole House Fans

Whole house fans provide fast, low-cost cooling by pulling fresh outdoor air through open windows and exhausting hot, stale air through the attic. This creates whole-home ventilation that drops indoor temperatures, clears odors, and relieves heat‑build‑up without running your air conditioner all night.

Compared with AC, a whole house fan uses a fraction of the energy, making it a smart choice for evening and morning cooling. It scrubs indoor air, reducing humidity and improving indoor air quality after cooking, showers, or DIY projects.

Choosing the right fan starts with sizing. A common rule is 2–3 CFM per square foot of living space. Example: a 2,000 sq ft home targets 4,000–6,000 CFM. Quiet operation matters; look for low sone ratings, ECM motors, and acoustically lined ducts on ducted models. Ensure adequate attic venting—typically about 1 sq ft of net free vent area per 750 CFM—and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Features to consider include insulated dampers to block drafts, belt or direct‑drive motors, multi‑speed or variable‑speed controls, wall timers, thermostats, and smart Wi‑Fi switches. Many “quiet whole house fan” kits include sealed shutters that improve energy performance in winter.

Safe, effective operation is simple:
- Open enough windows to provide makeup air in the rooms you want to cool.
- Run the fan during cool evenings, nights, and early mornings to pre‑cool the structure.
- Avoid use if outdoor air is smoky or extremely humid.
- Ensure combustion appliances have adequate ventilation to prevent backdrafting.

Installation can be DIY for experienced homeowners, but many prefer a pro to cut the ceiling opening, frame, wire, and verify attic vent area. Routine maintenance includes cleaning dust from blades and grilles, checking louvers, and inspecting belts if equipped.

Find energy‑efficient, quiet whole house fans that cut cooling costs while keeping home fresh and comfortable.