Your attic is hot and stuffy, but you don’t want to spend the money on an expensive HVAC system. Attic fans can help keep you cool in the summer but running them all day can be very energy-intensive, driving up your electric bill.
There is no better alternative than an attic fan thermostat. A thermostat that automatically turns on the attic fans when it’s too hot inside and turns them off when it’s cooler. With a thermostat set at 90° to 110°, you can keep your house cool and comfortable without constantly using your attic space fan.
But how to set attic fan thermostat and what are some of the things you need to consider when buying one? We’ll go over all of that now.
Be calm and go through the steps and other information we’ll provide below.
8 Steps on How to Set Attic Fan Thermostat?
Attic fans are a great way to keep your home cool, but only if they’re used correctly. If you have an attic fan or are thinking about getting one, here are a few steps on how to set up an attic fan thermostat to make it as effective as possible.
Step 01: Type of Thermostat
The first step is to determine the type of thermostat you will need. There are two basic types: those that use a temperature sensor and those that use a timer.
Thermostats that use a temperature sensor are more accurate, but they can also be more expensive. If you have an attic fan with a humidistat, then you will need a thermostat that uses a temperature sensor.
Step 02: Type of Attic Fan
The next step is to determine the type of attic fan you have. An electric or solar attic fan can be mounted on either the roof or the gable mount end. The two most common types of these devices are those controlled by switches and those controlled by timers.
For example, Remington solar attic fans have an automatic on/off switch that turns the fan on when the temperature in the attic reaches a certain level and then shuts it off when the attic temperature drops below that level.
Step 03: Find the Right Location
The second step is to find the right spot for your attic fan thermostat. It should be placed in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight, as this will help make sure it works properly.
You also want to make sure that it’s placed high enough on the wall so that it won’t be covered by a door or curtain. This will ensure that it can detect the temperature in your attic accurately.
Step 04: Set the Temperature
The third step is to set the desired temperature for your attic fan thermostat. You’ll want to set it between 90° and 110°, as this is the range where attic ventilation fans are most effective.
But be sure to keep in mind the attic temperature of your house. In the case of quite hot air, it may be advisable to lower the thermostat.
Step 05: Connect the Thermostat
The fourth step is to connect the thermostat to your attic fan. This will vary depending on the type of thermostat you have, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with it.
Most thermostats will have a wire that goes to the fan and a wire that goes to the power supply. The thermostat will also have a ground wire that needs to be connected to a metal screw or pipe.
Step 06: Test the Thermostat
The fifth and final step is to test your attic ventilation fan thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. To do this, simply wait for the attic temperature to rise above the set point.
If the thermostat is working properly, the fan should turn on automatically. If not, check the connections and make sure that the power is turned on.
Step 07: Set the Humidity
If you have an attic fan with a humidistat, you’ll also need to set the desired humidity level. The ideal range is between 50% and 60%.
Anything lower than 50% can cause the wood in your home to dry out and become susceptible to damage. A humidity level greater than 60% can be conducive to mold and mildew growth.
Step 08: Adjust Temperature as Necessary
If you find that the attic fan thermostat isn’t keeping your home cool enough, you can adjust the temperature setting. If you find that the fan is turning on too often or not often enough, you can adjust the humidity level.
By following these steps, you can make sure that your attic fan thermostat is set up for maximum efficiency. Now that you know how to set up an attic floor fan thermostat for your needs like a house fan, soffit vents, etc.
Things to Consider When Buying Attic Fan Thermostats
There are a few things you need to consider when buying an attic fan thermostat. These include:
Timer or Temperature Sensor
As we mentioned before, there are two types of attic fan thermostats: those that use a timer and those that use a temperature sensor.
Thermostats that use a timer are less expensive but less accurate. Those that use a temperature sensor are more accurate but can be more expensive.
Temperature Range
You want to make sure that the thermostat has a wide temperature range so that it can be used in different attics. It can range from 90° to 110°, so be sure to check the specs before you buy. If you have a ridge vent system, you’ll want a thermostat with a lower temperature range so that it doesn’t turn on too often.
Maximum Current
The maximum current is the amount of electricity that can flow through the thermostat. This is important because you don’t want to overload the system and cause a fire.
Be sure to check the maximum current rating of the thermostat before you buy it and make sure it’s compatible with your attic fan.
Humidistat
If you have an attic fan with a humidistat, you’ll need a thermostat that uses a temperature sensor. This is because the humidity level in your attic can affect the temperature reading.
Whenever the humidity level rises, the temperature sensor will compensate for it and give you an accurate reading.
Accuracy
You also want to make sure that the thermostat is accurate, as this will ensure that the fan turns on and off when it should. And remember, attic fans can be noisy, so you want to make sure that it’s turned off when it’s not needed.
Ease of Installation
The last thing you want to consider is how easy the thermostat is to install. You don’t want to have to hire an electrician just for the fan installation, so look for one that’s easy to install. Most thermostats will come with instructions, so be sure to read them before you buy.
These are key considerations when buying an attic fan thermostat. By taking these into account, you can be sure to find the right one for your needs.
What Are the Advantages of an Attic Fan Thermostat?
There are plenty of advantages to using an attic fan thermostat. These include:
Improving Air Quality
An attic fan can improve the air quality in your home air vent by removing contaminants and pollutants. This is especially important if you have allergies or asthma.
Reducing Energy Costs
An attic fan can help to reduce your energy costs by keeping your home cool in the summer. This attic ventilation can help to lower your air conditioner costs.
Reducing Humidity Levels
An attic fan can also help to reduce the humidity levels in your home. This is important because high humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Extending the Life of Your Roof
An attic fan can also help to extend the life of your roof by removing heat and moisture from your attic. This can help to prevent the roof from rotting and warping.
These are just a few of the advantages of using an attic fan thermostat. By using one, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to attic fan thermostats. These include:
1. What Should My Attic Fan Thermostat Be Set At?
If you’re looking for an attic fan thermostat to keep your home comfortable, the best option is to find one that can be set to 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help ensure that your attic doesn’t get too hot and cause uncomfortable temperatures in the rest of your home.
2. How Do I Control My Attic Fan?
Controlling your attic fan is easy with a control box. It is simple, user-friendly that you can use to turn the fan on and off. You can control the cooling level using the thermostat dial, and the fan will run during the hottest hours of the day. Simply press the “Off” switch on the control box when you want to stop the fan.
3. How Does Attic Fan Thermostat Work?
An attic fan thermostat works by detecting the temperature of your attic. Once it reaches a certain temperature, it will turn on the attic fan to cool it down. This is a great way to keep your attic cool and extend the life of your roof.
4. Should an Attic Fan Run All the Time?
The fan should run all the time during the summer, when the attic is the hottest, to be most effective. However, in the winter it may not be necessary to have the fan running all the time, as the colder outside air may not make as much of a difference in the attic temperature.
Conclusion
An attic fan thermostat is a great way to keep your home cool and comfortable. It can also help to improve the air quality in your home and extend the life of your roof. Be sure to consider all of the factors we’ve discussed before you buy one. This will ensure that you find the right thermostat for your needs.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment on the section below.
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My attic fan is operated by a thermostat. The problem is that the fan keeps on cycling on and off frequently.
Is there an adjustment for that or is the thermostat defective?
The thermostat seems defective. 🙁