How to choose the correct whole house fan

When choosing a whole house fan, there are several factors to consider:

Size: The size of the fan should be determined by the size of your home and the amount of ventilation in your attic. A fan that is too small will not be effective, while a fan that is too large may cause over pressurization issues in the attic. At a minimum, you want one CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) for every square foot of living space.

Motor: A fan with a high-quality motor such as a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor will be more efficient and durable.

Noise level: Some whole house fans can be quite loud, so you want to choose one that is quiet enough to be used without disturbing your sleep or daily activities. Look for ducted whole house fans with a low decibel (dBA) rating of 51 or less.

Energy efficiency: Look for fans that are energy efficient. Traditional or older style whole house fans can use more than a kilowatt (1000 watts) of power, while the new ducted style fans can use significantly less energy. This will help you save money on your energy bills.

Installation: Consider the ease of installation. The newer ducted style whole house fans are designed to fit within most ceiling joists (16” on center or larger).

Controls: Look for fans with remote controls or wall-mounted controls for easy operation. A remote control will eliminate the need to run wires down the wall, making for an easier installation. It will also make the fan more convenient to use.

Brand and warranty: Choose a reputable brand and make sure the fan comes with a good warranty.

Overall, it's important to choose a whole house fan that is appropriate for the size of your home, has a high-quality motor, is energy efficient, and is easy to install and operate.