Hallway Fan Venting in the Attic

During my inspection in a 1995 property I discovered a hour fan venting in the attic. I have it noted in my report just wondering if the condition is acceptable

Google “whole house ventilation fan”. I see no issues when the attic has proper ventilation.

Btw….welcome to the forums

7 Likes

I agree with Thomas. That is a whole house fan and is likely original to the home. You won’t see many of those in new-construction or modern construction homes, but they were popular several decades ago, especially in homes that did not originally have central HVAC.

5 Likes

9 times out of 10 the installers cut the bottom chord to install the fan, which results in a recommendation for a Structural Engineer. I think I see part of it in your picture, but that’s always the first thing I look for whenever I see a whole house attic fan.

Another thing I mention is that it’s a good idea to properly insulate it the winter.

Did you operate it? Normally there’s a switch or a timer switch on the wall below the area where it’s installed.

9 Likes

It’s acceptable. Whole house fans are common in my area.

6 Likes

Thank Thomas. Per IRCIRC M1507.2 Whole-house mechanical ventilation system

The whole-house mechanical ventilation system shall be designed in accordance with Section M1507. Air shall be exhausted directly to the outdoors. Exhaust air shall not be recirculated within a residence or discharged into an attic, crawl space, or other areas inside the building.

I totally understand that we are not code inspectors. But I thought this was an issue that I brought up to the client attention

1 Like

Yes i operated it. There is a wall switch

1 Like

On side note; Refer to it as a “whole house attic ventilation fan”. Many incorrectly refer it to an attic fan. Two different components.

4 Likes

Thank you George.

1 Like

Then it’s good to go, as long as they didn’t modify the truss to install it. :wink:

2 Likes

Thank you Keven.

1 Like

You’re welcome.

1 Like

I had one in my last house and they are great for cooling the house and the attic if they are installed properly, You dont want to turn one on if You have a fireplace or wood stove going (heard it from a friend :roll_eyes: )

7 Likes

4 Likes

Talk about back draft…..sucks the smoke back into the house and out through the attic :sweat_smile:

3 Likes

Agree with Kevin, some individuals cut the lower chord on the truss. Only other issue I typically see is the wire splice to the motor is exposed.

3 Likes

Once you get used to the sound of having a Cessna running outside your bedroom, they are pretty nice.

4 Likes

And the cool night air it draws across your bed sheets. Heaven.

2 Likes

I always felt like I had strep throat every morning when I woke up though.

2 Likes

If in the frozen north like myself, this is a fairly important thing to let the client know. Especially since the younger buyer may not be aware of the implications of a gaping hole from the conditioned space to the attic in the winter.

1 Like