Does your house feel like an oven in the summer? You might not realize it, but your attic is a major culprit! Hot air gets trapped up there, making your whole home uncomfortable and driving up your energy bills. Choosing the right attic fan seems simple, but it’s not! You face confusing terms like CFM, wattage, and installation types. Which fan actually cools your house best without costing a fortune to run?
This confusion leads to fans that don’t work well or waste electricity. We understand the headache of wading through confusing product specs. That’s why we created this guide. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features matter most in a Rated Attic Fan.
We will break down the jargon and show you how to match the perfect fan to your attic size. Get ready to say goodbye to that sweltering attic heat for good!
Top Rated Attic Fan Recommendations
- Powerful Attic Fans: The 14" attic gable vent fan efficiently ventilates spaces up to 1,850 sq ft, ensuring optimal air circulation and cooling. This roof exhaust fan with thermostat helps maintain a comfortable home environment year-round.
- Advanced Thermostat Control: Featuring a gable exhaust fan with thermostat, this unit provides automatic temperature regulation. The attic fan with thermostat roof ensures your attic remains cool and energy-efficient, reducing strain on your HVAC system.
- Quiet Operation: Designed as a quiet attic fan, its noise-minimizing technology allows for peaceful operation. The roof attic fan with thermostat ensures powerful ventilation without disturbing your household, offering both comfort and tranquility.
- Durable and Efficient: This solar attic fans roof mount with thermostat is crafted for longevity and efficiency. The attic fan roof mount provides sustainable cooling, reducing energy costs while safeguarding your attic's structural integrity.
- Versatile Installation: Our attic gable fan with thermostat is compatible with various gable vent configurations. The gable vent with fan design ensures seamless integration, making it an ideal choice for attic fans for house.
- Energy-Efficient two-speed PSC Motor
- QuietCool Smart App Control
- Up to 1,945 CFM on high at 120 Watts
- Fire Safety Sense Shut-off
- Plug and play (no wiring)
- Automatic adjustable built-in thermostat
- 2.85 amps, 120 volts, 230 watts, 1/8 HP with 1010 rpm
- 2339 cfm that cools up to 3400 square feet of attic space
- Galvanized steel housing with mounting brackets for easy installation
- 14-Inch diameter steel propeller specially engineered to maximize air movement
- Smart App Control for automated fan operation - thermostat and humidistat
- Built-in mounting tabs with anti-vibration pads
- Up to 2801 CFM on high at 142 watts
- Plug and play (no wiring)
- Three-speed, brush-free Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM)
- ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED EXHAUST FAN WITH LIGHT (LED): 80 CFM bathroom exhaust fan reduces energy consumption by about 50% compared to standard bath fans. Durable LED Light: Long-lasting, integrated LED light is rated for 50,000 hours of life at a 3500K color temperature. This versatile bath fan helps reduce moisture and odors in your bathroom while providing enough light for your space.
- QUIET PERFORMANCE: This bath fan is as quiet as a whisper (1.5 sones) with efficient ventilation for rooms up to 75 sq. ft. This is just enough to know the fan is on, but quite enough to maintain a peaceful setting. Your fan will remove excess moisture from the room to reduce foggy mirrors with efficiency.
- FASTEST INSTALLATION: No cut roomside installation makes it possible to retrofit to spaces with no attic access, without having to cut drywall - saving time and reducing complexity. Housing DImensions: 7.5"D x 7.25"W x 5.75"H. Cover Dimensions 9.5" x 9.5".
- SEAMLESS DESIGN: Simple design with the modern CleanCover grille provides a floating appearance that blends into the ceiling. Our patent pending Slideclip allows for springless attachment that allows for fast installation of the grille/cover and easy cleaning.
- BROAN NUTONE: From the industry leader in residential indoor air quality Broan Nutone has exceptional performance, US based service to support you from start to finish and is located in Hartford, Wisconsin. This bath fan include a 3 year manufacturer warranty.
- Rapid Venting: This shutter exhaust fan delivers 1400 CFM to quickly expel stale air, floating dirt, heat, and bad smells, keeping indoor air fresh. Also works as a high-airflow exhaust fan for sheds and workshops
- Smooth Variable Speed: Stepless variable-speed control puts airflow at your fingertips. The included controller lets you dial the exhaust fan from a gentle breeze to a powerful blast to suit different ventilation needs
- Premium AC Motor: 1520 RPM and 60W provide up to 6.7 m/s airflow while running smoothly with low noise, efficient and stable for a quiet, comfortable experience. Ideal as an attic fan for year-round ventilation
- Tough Build: All-metal steel construction offers high rigidity, deformation-resistant, and handles damp and rain, more sturdy than plastic and ready for harsh weather
- Rain Guard: Shutters open when powered for ventilation and deodorizing, then close when off to block rain and small things, reliable protection for an attic exhaust fan setup
- Crawlspace Garage Attic Ventilation Fan: Airflow: 260CFM, Ventilation type: Air out. With this exhaust fan, you can exchange the outdoor and indoor air, improve room air quality and balance the humidity. Use crawl space vent fan to change your crawl space from low-speed passive ventilation to efficient active ventilation.
- Updated Design Easy to Install Vent Fan: Overall Size: 13.4"x2.5"x 9.1", 6.7 inch fan with 6 foot grounded power cord. Faceplate can be trimmed to meet your different installation needs. Features simply knob control panel, easy to set humidity for running. Just plug it in, set it and forget it. Constant operation helps vent radon gas, treated wood gases and unpleasant odors, prevents seeping into living space.
- Built-in Isolation Mesh IP-55 Rated: 5.5mm Isolation Mesh prevents reptiles from gaining access to the crawl space; Solid-Built Aluminum Zinc Shell with IP-55 rating, highly resistant to liquids and dust, higher weather-proof, makes it ideal for work in a humid environment with a long service life, don't worry it rust. Maintenance free basement fan helps increase air circulation to protect damp areas from condensation.
- Built-in Dehumidistat Freeze Protection Thermostat: Operating humidity: 5%-80%RH, this High-Flow Powered Ventilator Fan will turn ON/OFF automatically with SET humidity % level. Auto stop working when the outdoor temperature is lower than 35°F/3°C. This vent fan will help reduce moisture in crawl space / foundation / basement to protect the structure of the house and the health of its occupants.
- IMPORTANT: All models are equipped with factory pre-installed thermostats to prevent fan operation when outdoor temperatures fall below 35°F.
- Perfect replacement for an old or non-functioning attic fan thermostat
- Adjustable thermostat between 50°F and 120°F
- Built-in fire safety shut-off to turn fan off if thermostat detects temperature over 182F
- Single speed control
- Rated for up-to 4 Amps
Choosing the Right Rated Attic Fan: Your Complete Buying Guide
An attic fan helps keep your home cooler in the summer and prevents moisture problems year-round. A “rated” fan means it meets certain standards for performance and safety. Picking the best one for your house is easy when you know what to look for. This guide will help you make a smart choice.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an attic fan, these features matter most for good performance:
- CFM Rating (Cubic Feet per Minute): This tells you how much air the fan moves. Bigger attics need higher CFM. A good rule of thumb is to calculate your attic size and multiply it by 0.7 to find the minimum CFM you need.
- Thermostat Control: A built-in thermostat turns the fan on when the attic gets too hot (usually around 90°F or 100°F) and turns it off when it cools down. This saves electricity.
- Humidistat Control: This feature is important if you live in a humid area. It turns the fan on if the attic air gets too wet, which stops mold and mildew growth.
- Power Source: Most fans run on electricity. Look for models that match your existing wiring setup.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used in the fan heavily influence how long it lasts and how well it works.
Motor Quality
The motor is the heart of the fan. Look for fans with permanently lubricated motors. These motors do not need oil added later. High-quality motors often run quieter and last much longer. Avoid cheap plastic components in the motor housing.
Housing Construction
The fan’s outer shell, or housing, should resist weather. Galvanized steel or heavy-duty aluminum makes the best housing. These materials resist rust and stand up to harsh attic heat and cold. A sturdy housing protects the internal parts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain design choices make a big difference in fan quality and your satisfaction.
What Makes Quality Better:
- Balance: Well-balanced blades reduce vibration. Less vibration means the fan runs quieter and puts less strain on the motor.
- Warranty: A long warranty (like 10 years or more) shows the manufacturer trusts their product’s quality.
- Low Noise Level: Check reviews for noise complaints. A quiet fan improves your home experience greatly.
What Can Lower Quality:
- No Screen/Gutter: Fans without proper screens can allow pests (like squirrels or birds) or debris to enter the attic space.
- Underpowered Motor: A motor that is too weak for the fan size will quickly overheat and fail.
- Poor Sealing: If the fan housing does not seal well against the roof, rain or snowmelt can leak into the attic.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the fan and what your experience will be after installation.
Installation Ease
Some fans are designed for easy DIY installation, fitting right into existing roof openings. Others require more complex wiring or cutting. Read installation guides before you buy if you plan to install it yourself.
Best Use Cases
- Hot Climates: In summer, the fan pulls super-heated air out, reducing the load on your air conditioner. This saves you money on cooling bills.
- Damp Climates: In winter or spring, the humidistat setting removes moisture buildup. This stops condensation that damages insulation and wood structure.
A rated attic fan is an investment in your home’s comfort and longevity. Focus on the CFM rating, motor quality, and smart controls for the best results.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Attic Fans
Q: What does “rated” mean for an attic fan?
A: “Rated” means the fan has been tested and meets specific standards for safety and performance, like electrical safety or tested CFM output.
Q: How do I calculate the CFM I need?
A: Measure your attic space in cubic feet (Length x Width x Height). Then, multiply that number by 0.7. That result is the minimum CFM rating you should look for.
Q: Should I get a fan with a thermostat or a humidistat?
A: If you live where it gets very hot, get a thermostat. If you live where it is often damp, get a humidistat. Getting both offers the best all-around protection.
Q: Do attic fans use a lot of electricity?
A: Modern, high-quality fans use surprisingly little energy, similar to a few old light bulbs running together. They save more energy than they use by lowering AC costs.
Q: Can I install the fan myself?
A: Some models are designed for easy homeowner installation. However, if you are not comfortable working on a roof or dealing with electrical wiring, hire a professional installer.
Q: Will an attic fan work if I don’t have vents?
A: No. An attic fan pulls air out, but it needs fresh, cooler air to come in from somewhere else. You must have adequate soffit or gable vents for the fan to work correctly.
Q: How loud are these fans usually?
A: Quality fans should be relatively quiet, especially when running at lower speeds. Look for low decibel (dB) ratings in the product specifications.
Q: What is the difference between a roof fan and a gable fan?
A: A roof fan mounts on the roof deck and exhausts air upwards. A gable fan mounts on the vertical wall (gable) near the peak of the house.
Q: How long should an attic fan last?
A: A well-made, rated fan with a good motor should last between 15 and 25 years, depending on how often it runs.
Q: Does an attic fan replace my air conditioner?
A: No, it does not replace your AC. It works alongside your AC by removing the super-hot air trapped in the attic, making your main cooling system work less hard.