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I'm considering adding a whole-house fan at my home. How do they work, and in what parts of the country is it smart to use one?
Whole-house fans cool your home by pulling in cool air from open windows and exhausting warm/hot air through the attic and roof. (The illustration from the U.S. Department of Energy shows how these fans work.) They're ideal in areas with low humidity levels and typical nighttime temperatures below 75°F during the summer. Prices range from $200 to $800, and it's best to hire a pro to do the installation.
We recommend you choose a large-capacity fan, which will make less noise running at a low speed than a small fan will operating at high speed. Be sure the contractor installs the fan with rubber or felt gaskets to dampen noise.
Whole-house fans require an opening between the living space and the attic, but that opening can allow cold air to infiltrate your living space in winter. So if you live in a cold-weather climate, install an airtight insulated cover over the opening to prevent heat loss—and higher utility bills—during the winter. e-mail | Twitter
Essential information: Use our buyer's guide to air conditioning and read up on portable air conditioners, split-ductless cooling systems, and ceiling fans. And find out how to keep cool for less this summer. For more on whole house fans, download this PDF from the DOE: Whole-house fans.
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