Looking for the best attic fans? When summer heat strikes, many people turn on fans or air conditioning units. An often overlooked place to help reduce the heat in the home is to reduce the heat in the attic. An attic fan can cool the entire house and help reduce overall energy costs. However, it is important to understand the difference between a whole house fan and an attic fan. A whole house fan is located in the attic but acts to circulate air throughout the house and thus reduce heat. An attic fan is designed to cool off just the attic but in so doing can reduce the heat of the house also. Generally, a whole house fan costs more money and requires a bit more labor to install. But both types of fans can help to cool and reduce air conditioning costs. In reviewing these types of fans, I have divided the fans into attic ventilators, whole house fans, and solar powered fans. Make sure you know both the type of fan you want and the square footage of the area you want to cool. For more information on picking the right size fan see, Sizing a whole house fan So which fans ranked high in customer satisfaction?
Cool Attic CX1500 Power Gable Ventilator Fan
This well priced fan cools 1300 CFM or an attic space of up to 1850 square feet. It is a 14″ fan with both an electrical cord and attached thermostat. The adjustable thermostat reads well and the fan itself is effective. Fan owners did note that with this type of fan, it is a good idea to use nuts and bolts instead of screws to allow more space for the fan to spin. Also, putting weather stripping or foam tape between the fan and the mounting brackets will help to greatly reduce noise from vibration. Finally, as with any fan, place it in an area so that air can flow freely around it and increase its effectiveness. This fan comes with a 2 year warranty.
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Broan 353 Gable Mount Powered Attic Ventilator
The Broan 353 ventilator fan cools 1140 CFM or up to 1630 square feet of attic space. Made of galvanized steel it comes with a power cord and adjustable thermostat. Fan owners note that installation is easy but a few adjustments, such as using foam tape, can reduce noise. A few had issues with the thermostat but noted it was easily replaceable. The fan cools well and lowers the overall house temperature as it cools the attic. Owners noted the motor seems to be well made.
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Broan 35316 Gable Mount Powered Attic Ventilator
Have a little bit bigger space? The Broan 35316 cools 1600 CFM so would be work for a space up to 2280 square feet. As with the Broan 353, this attic fan is easy to install and comes with an adjustable thermostat. Installing it carefully can reduce noise. A few buyers noted the fan arrived damaged from shipping but was easy to exchange. Just check your fan is in good condition before beginning installation.
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Air Vent Inc 53315 Gable Ventilator
This attic fan cools 1050 CFM so is designed for an attic up to 1500 square feet. The fan installs easily and the adjustable thermostat functions well. Owners noted that using nuts and bolts as well as foam tape helps to reduce noise and allow the fan to spin well.
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Lomanco 1800 Addavent Gable Mount Ventilator
This aluminum attic fan cools 1800 CFM and comes with a factory set adjustable thermostat. The factory set thermostat switches the fan on when attic temperatures reach 100 degrees and switches off at 85 degrees. But these settings can be adjusted. Owners attest this fan functions well and the Lomanco name is a well trusted one.
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Broan 350BK Roof Mount Powered Attic Ventilator
The Broan 350BK attic fan is mounted on your roof instead of inside the attic and cools 1050 CFM. The motor is well protected but you have to make some adjustments to the exterior of your roof. There is a built in adjustable thermostat that is reliable for setting your desired house temperature. The instructions for installation are clear. Owners note to make sure you are selecting the right size fan for your house and to take steps during installation to reduce noise. To see a demonstration of how to install an attic fan see,
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Broan 356BR1600 Roof Mount Powered Attic Ventilator
The Broan 356BR attic fan is also a roof mount attic ventilator. It cools 1600 CFM or up to 2285 square feet. As with the above model, the motor is well protected but you have to make some adjustments to the exterior of your roof. There is a built in adjustable thermostat and the instructions for installation are clear. Installing this fan with foam insulation and in a spot with low vibration is key for noise reduction.
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Cool Attic CX24BDM 2 Speed Whole House Fan
The Cool Attic fan is a whole house fan designed to circulate air throughout. It is installed in the attic but is much more powerful (4,500 and 3,100 CFM), with 2 speeds. This fan comes with a wall switch so you can regulate it easily. It is fairly quiet and cools up to 1800 square feet. Owners note to check it carefully after shipping because it can be damaged easily. Also, make sure to tighten all screws, even those on the fan, during installation. For information about the benefits of a whole house fan see, Using a whole house fan
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Cool Attic CX30BDDWT 2 Speed Whole House Fan
The Cool Attic CX30 is a larger version of the above fan. It has two speeds as well, cooling 7,500 and 5,200 CFM). It also has a wall switch and is fairly easy to install. The blades of the fan are thin but it does move quite a bit of air. Be sure to install using foam tape or insulation to cut down on the noise. Owners said customer service was responsive to issues with the fan.
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Air Vent Inc 24″ 54301 Whole House Fan 54301
The Air Vent Whole House Fan cools 4500 CFM and comes with a pull chain to turn it off and on. Users say it is easy to attach a switch instead. This fan, with good air circulation around it, cools well. Be sure to install with foam insulation and place it in a spot where noise is minimized but air can still flow around it. Owners say the shutter is cheaply made but usable.
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Solar Attic Fan 10 watt by Natural Light
Solar fans are more expensive initially but have the huge advantage of having no wiring to hook up because they use no electricity. The drawback is that they work best when it is sunny so cloudy days can be problematic. The Natural Light Solar Fan is well designed, sturdy, and built to last. With a 25 year warranty and good customer service, this fan is a smart investment. It cools well and comes with a reliable thermostat.
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Solar Attic Fan 20 watt by Natural Light
The middle model 20 watt solar fan is powerful and well made. As with the other Natural Light fans, this model comes with no electrical wiring to hook up. One owner suggested adding rubberized aluminum tape around the outside metal edging to prevent rusting and tarnishing. The fan itself, backed by a 25 year warranty and made in the U.S., is sturdy and well built.
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Solar Attic Fan 30 watt by Natural Light
This more powerful solar fan is designed for a larger home than the 10 and 20 watt models. It has no electrical wiring but does need sun throughout a good part of the day to function well. The Natural Light Solar Fan 30 watt is well designed, sturdy, and built to last. With a 25 year warranty and good customer service, this fan is a smart investment. It also cools well and comes with a reliable thermostat.
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Durabuild 527S-DUB-106-BLK Attic Fan 20 watt
The Durabuild solar fan cools up to 1850 square feet. It does need full sun to work well, as well as adequate air flow. It features an adjustable thermostat and durable motor. The Durabuild comes with a 5 year limited warranty on the motor and 20 year warranty on the solar panel.
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Ventamatic VX2515 Solar Gable Attic Ventilator
This solar fan cools up to 1000 CFM or a space up to 1500 square feet. It does come with a power cord and is easy to install. Owners note it makes a squealing noise when the solar panel does not have full sun. A few owners said the fan came missing parts but exchange was easy. This fan is designed for a smaller home.
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Do you have other fans you want to add to this list of the 15 best attic fans? Please leave us a comment below.
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