At an average cost of $200 to $800, whole house fans are a cost effective and energy efficient way to keep a house cool. Comparing certain features will help you choose the best whole house fan for your home.
Air Change
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fans should change the air in a home 30 to 60 times per hour. The air change requirements vary in different climates. It is best to consult a professional to determine the best air change rate for your particular climate.
Size
Whole house fans are sized in cubic feet per minute (cfm) of cooling. The right size fan is important for cooling and cost efficiency. The volume of the home is multiplied by the recommended air change rate and then divided by 60 to determine the cfm.
Operating Noise
Consumer Reports recommends using a large capacity fan with two speeds that will be quieter at a low speed than a smaller fan operating at high speed. Direct drive units with the fan blades mounted directly on the motor are noisier than belt driven units, which require regular maintenance of the belt and pulley system.
Speed
Whole house fans are either single or dual speed fans. Dual speed fans provide rapid cooling at high speed and at the low speed operate quieter while maintaining the comfort level in the home.
Tags: house fans, whole house, change rate, high speed, speed fans