We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Attic Ceiling Fans?

By Anna B. Smith
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,483
Share

The different types of attic ceiling fans include roof ventilators, gable fans, and whole home cooling systems. These units may be non-powered, electric, or rely on solar energy to operate. Their purpose is to move hot air, which naturally rises to the uppermost peaks of a home, outside through open areas in or near the roof of a house.

One classification of attic ceiling fans is known as ventilators. These units are installed directly into the roof of the home, and are designed to vent hot air and moisture outside. This prevents a buildup of heat and humidity inside the upper areas of the house, which can increase energy bills during warm months and cause damage to any exposed structural supports and insulation.

Non-powered attic ventilators are small, rounded vents that sit above the roof line of the house and feature internal fans. These fans circulate based on the temperature differences between the air in the attic and the air outside the home. Hot air is naturally sucked out into pockets of cool air. The number of ventilators required for an attic is usually determined by the amount of exposed square footage. These vents can typically be closed during winter months when it is more desirable to keep warm air inside the home.

Powered attic ventilators operate automatically once switched on, and pull hot air outside of the attic more efficiently than their non-powered counterparts. These devices are mounted directly into the ceiling and present a short, rounded cap just above the roof line. Units are generally sold based on the square footage of attic space that will be cooled. Homeowners who are concerned about the added costs to their utility bills by installing a powered ventilator can choose instead to purchase a solar panel operated unit.

Gable attic ceiling fans perform work similar to that of the ventilators, but require less assembly. These fans are available in non-powered, powered, and solar operating units. In this type of assembly, a large, cylindrical fan is mounted into the already existing gable of the attic, and pulls hot air outside of the home. A wired screening frame that opens and closes manually may be mounted over the gable fan to prevent small animals from entering this warm space when the fan is not operational.

Whole home cooling systems similarly rely on the use of attic ceiling fans to circulate air more efficiently. These systems install tunneled vents into the ceilings of upstairs rooms in addition to using powered ventilators within the roof. Each tunneled vent opens into any available attic space, carrying hot air away from the living quarters of the house. These vented ends are then placed strategically close to powered roof ventilators which work to circulate hot air constantly outside of the home.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-attic-ceiling-fans.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.