Best Whole House Fan
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Introduction to the Whole House Fan Reviews
Home owners are always looking for ways to reduce power costs, especially in the more extreme heat of summer. Running the air conditioner nonstop can really jack up the power bills but when it is in the high 90s and even low 100s, there doesn’t feel like there is more choice.
This is where these top rated whole house fans can really come in handy. They’ve been around for a long time, but many home owners don’t realize their benefits. We’re going to give you those benefits along with detailed information about these top rated models so you have the knowledge you need to make the decision that is best for you.
Top Ranked Whole House Fans
QuietCool QC CL-4700 Whole House Fan 2 Speed Classic
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Why is it the Top Pick?
Make a dent in your cooling bills with the QuietCool QC-4700. You will benefit from a whopping 50-90% savings on A/C related costs on the power bill.
This means that this unit will pay for itself in no time. You install the fan motor and duct system that is all self contained up in the attic.
Noise is minimal thanks to the quiet operation of the fan.
QuietCool has a patented acoustical ducting system that gives 6 feet between the ceiling intake grill and the fan motor head. This is what contributes to the quiet operation which is always nice when you’re a homeowner. No one wants their whole house fan to sound like an airplane getting ready for takeoff.
Home owners will enjoy the individual fans for the bedrooms which give the bedroom inhabitants individual control over the fan in their own rooms. On high, the unit will draw 4757 cubic feet per minute, or CFM and on low it will draw 3586 CFM.
If you want to install it vertically, that is an option and only requires a vertical wall adapter. The QuietCool QC CL-4700 is the perfect size for a home that is 2000-2800 square feet. Customers will receive the fan, AC cords, a ceiling grill, template and a ceiling box.
QuietCool QC CL-3100 Whole House Fan 2 Speed Classic
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Why is it a Top Pick?
With powers costs rising every year, it’s great to have an alternative that can help cut A/C related power costs by up to 90%!
You won’t have any qualms about buying this unit when you see what a difference it makes on your monthly power statement. The QC-3100 is the top selling QuietCool house fan on the market, drawing 3190 cubic feet per minute. (CFM)
One of the reasons it is so popular is the super quiet operation the fan has due to the 6 feet of distance between the fan motor-head and the intake grill that is inside the house.
Noise vibration is eliminated which means you can use the whole house fan in any of the bedrooms and no one’s sleep will be disturbed. This whole house fan does well for a home that is up to 1500 square feet. It also offers smaller individual fans for individual room control.
Installation is relatively easy, generally only taking 2-3 hours or so and the whole that is needed for than fan is approximately 18 x 13.5 making it fit easily between the typical 16” studs. There is a vertical adapter available, sold separately, if you want to install it vertically.
QuietCool QC CL-1500 Whole House Fan Classic
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Why is it a Top Pick?
If you have a small home 600-1200 square feet, or you want to cool a single room, this is whole house fan you are looking for.
The QuietCool QC CL-1500 has all the great features of the larger models by QuietCool, but it designed for a more singular room or smaller space use.
It will still slash you’re A/C related power bills by up to 90% just like the bigger ones do.
Hang the fan motor and duct system in your attic and benefit from the whisper quiet design that puts 6 feet of distance between the fan motor head and the ceiling intake. You won’t have to worry about any vibration noise which means no disturbed sleep either. It can be installed vertically as well with the purchase of the vertical adapter and draws 1527 cubic feet per minute.
Top Rated Whole House Fan Summary
If you are looking for an alternative to running your AC unit all the time, a whole house fan is an excellent choice. These top rated models are great for many different sized houses and really make a huge difference in the AC related power usage. You will notice a difference easily after that first month of using them.
Even if you only want to cool one or two areas in your home, these whole house fans will fit the bill. Still undecided as to whether a whole house fan is for you? Read our buyer’s guide below for even more detailed information on these efficient and helpful pieces of equipment. Once you have read the buyer’s guide the benefits of a whole house fan will be very apparent and your knowledge will help you choose the right one for your home and needs.
Whole House Fan Comparison
 QuietCool QC CL-4700 View |
 QuietCool QC CL-3100 View |
 QuietCool QC CL-1500 View |
 AirKing 9166 20″ View |
 Cool Attic CX24BDM View |
 Cool Attic CX30BD2SPD View |
 Cool Attic CX242DDWT View |
 QuietCool QC CL-6400 View |
 QuietCool QC CL-2250 View |
 Cool Attic Belt Drive View |
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| Material | Galvanized Steel |
Galvanized Steel |
Galvanized Steel |
Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | Galvanized Steel |
Galvanized
Steel |
Galvanized
Steel |
| Speed | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 1/2 | 1/6 | 1/6 | 1/6 | 1/3 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/6 | 1/6 | 1/3 |
| Cut-Out Left to Right Width (Inches) |
30″ | 22″ | 14″ | 14″ | 24″ | 30″ | 24″ | 27.75″ | 18″ | 36″ |
| Voltage (Volts) |
120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V | 120 V |
| Amperage (amps) |
5.7 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Height (Inches) |
28″ | 24″ | 38″ | 27″ | 38.5″ | 36″ | 31.4″ | 40″ | 24″ | 36″ |
| Depth (Inches) |
14″ | 14″ | 14″ | 12″ | 31″ | 35″ | 29.2″ | 38″ | 14″ | 13″ |
| Width (Inches) |
48″ | 48″ | 14″ | 27″ | 20″ | 13″ | 11.3″ | 19″ | 48″ | 35″ |
| Weight (Pounds) |
66.2 | 48.6 | 36.9 | 18 | 55 | 51 | 39.5 | 85.6 | 41.7 | 57 |
| Energy (Watts) |
591 | 182 | 189 | 192 | 560 | 970 | 570 | 750 | 225 | 600 |
| Air Flow Capacity |
4757 CFM | 1468 CFM | 1527 CFM | 1545 CFM | 4500 CFM | 7800 CFM | 4600 CFM | 6418 CFM | 2285 CFM | 9700 CFM |
| Area Coverage (Square Feet) |
2000-2800 | 1000-1500 | 600-1200 | 650-1200 | 1000-1800 | 2000-3000 | 1000-1800 | 3000-4000 | 800-1500 | 3000-4000 |
| Dimension (Inches) |
38.8″ x 34″ x 21″ | 37.3″ x 24.4″ x 19.6″ | 37.1″ x 17.1″ x 16.9″ | 27″ x 12″ x 27″ | 38.5″ x 31″ x 20″ | 36″ x 35″ x 13″ | 31.4″ x 29.2″ x 11.3″ | 40″ x 38″ x 19″ | 37.1″ x 21″ x 19.1″ | 36″ x 13″ x 35″ |
| Accessories | ||||||||||
QuietCool QC CL-4700 View |
QuietCool QC CL-3100 View |
QuietCool QC CL-1500 View |
AirKing 9166 20″ View |
Cool Attic CX24BDM View |
Cool Attic CX30BD2SPD View |
Cool Attic CX242DDWT View |
QuietCool QC CL-6400 View |
QuietCool QC CL-2250 View |
Cool Attic Belt Drive View |
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| Ceiling Box | |
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| Ceiling Grille | |
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| Template | |
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QuietCool QC CL-4700 View |
QuietCool QC CL-3100 View |
QuietCool QC CL-1500 View |
AirKing 9166 20″ View |
Cool Attic CX24BDM View |
Cool Attic CX30BD2SPD View |
Cool Attic CX242DDWT View |
QuietCool QC CL-6400 View |
QuietCool QC CL-2250 View |
Cool Attic Belt Drive View |
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| Shipment | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Warranty | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 1 Year | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Pricing | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Ratings | ||||||||||
QuietCool QC CL-4700 View |
QuietCool QC CL-3100 View |
QuietCool QC CL-1500 View |
AirKing 9166 20″ View |
Cool Attic CX24BDM View |
Cool Attic CX30BD2SPD View |
Cool Attic CX242DDWT View |
QuietCool QC CL-6400 View |
QuietCool QC CL-2250 View |
Cool Attic Belt Drive View |
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| Customer Ratings | 4.98 | 4.89 | 4.73 | 4.12 | 4.03 | 3.98 | 3.71 | 3.54 | 3.29 | 3.13 |
| Expert Ratings | 4.83 | 4.81 | 4.62 | 4.31 | 4.11 | 3.79 | 3.82 | 3.61 | 3.44 | 3.29 |
| Overall Rating (Out of 5) |
4.91 | 4.85 | 4.68 | 4.22 | 4.07 | 3.89 | 3.77 | 3.58 | 3.37 | 3.21 |
Whole House Fan Buyers Guide
What is a Whole House Fan?
Air conditioning units can cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000 and sometimes even more. A whole house fan is going to be about $500-$1100 so there is already a savings there. Add in the tremendous difference in the amount of power a whole house fan uses versus a traditional central AC unit and you may be thinking about getting a system for your own home.
Other benefits to having a whole house fan is that it gets rid of the stale, “closed up” air that central AC units circulate. If you suffer from allergies and notice they seem to get worse when the AC is on, this is why. A whole house fan will ventilate your home and make the air much fresher and healthier. Your home will feel cooler, breezy and much fresher since the whole house fans keep the air moving rather than just sitting there.
Where does a whole house fan get installed?
Your home needs to have an attic if you want to get a whole house fan since this is where it is installed. The reason they are installed in attics is because your attic is the hottest part of your home and can even reach temperatures in the 120s and 130s. Since the air is trapped in the attic, this will also heat up the interior of the house too.
Once you get the whole house fan installed and flip it on, you will immediately feel a difference because it will literally pull cool outdoor air through your open windows and circulate it through the house; no more feeling like you can’t enjoy the outdoors because the AC is on. With whole house fans you use the great outdoor air to cool your home at a fraction of the cost of AC units. The warm air in your home is drawn up into the attic and then expelled through the roof vents.
Why is a Whole House Fan better than an Attic Fan?
The difference between the way a whole house fan works and an attic fan works is in what they do with the hot air that is in your home. The main difference is that a whole house fan removes the hot air from the interior of your home and forces it into the attic where it is exchanged with cooler outside air. This is done through roof vents.
An attic fan removes some hot air from the attic but not the interior of the home. Attic fans do save a bit on cooling related power costs and it can also preserve the life of your shingles but you will get a much more significant result with a whole house fan.
Is a Whole House Fan Right for You?
Before you make a decision about whether to purchase a whole house fan, be certain to take a look at these guidelines that we’ve included. You need to be aware of what your needs are before you get started purchasing.
- What are you dealing with? – Do you have mildew, mold, rusty mail heads or even damp insulation or wood root? You need to check the kind of ventilation your attic has. It will also be unbearably hot in summer in the attic. All attics are hot in the summer, but when it is absolutely impossible to be up there, more than likely you are dealing with poor ventilation.
- What Kind of Vents does your Attic have? – Vents are another form of ventilation so you need to take a look and see what kind of vents your attic has. There are different types of vents that can be used on attics:You want to note where all the vents are in your attic and if possible note the size, location and type of each vent your attic has.
- What is the Attic Square Footage? – Most building codes state that attics need to have 1 sq ft of vent area for each 150 sq feet of floor space. The new houses are being built to code, but if you have an older home, you may find that you don’t have the required vent area. If possible, increase the building code minimums for proper ventilation. This is not a place you want to take short cuts.
- Balance your Intake and Exhaust Avenues – When a home’s ventilation system is installed properly, there is a balance of intake to exhaust avenues. The air flow in your attic is controlled by the amount if intakes you have. Make sure that half you system is exhaust fans and the other is intake vents and you will be good.
- Inquire About Utility Company Rebates and Warranties– Many utility companies will offer consumers rebates to install a whole house fan so be sure to ask if your local utility company offers this. Also don’t forget to check into any warranties that the company may offer as well. These are things you want to check unto before you purchase a whole house fan so you get the best discounts, rebates and warranties possible.
What to Look for in a Whole House Fan
One complaint that homeowners had about whole house fans is the noise, but technology being what it is today, manufacturing companies have worked on this issue and there are models out there that have eliminated vibration noise and other problems. When you are looking for the right whole house fan for your needs, look at the following factors as well.
Basic Tips for Getting the Most out of your Whole House Fan
The best times to use a whole house fan are going to be in the early mornings or in the late afternoons and evenings when the outside temperatures are at their coolest. They will also be cooler than the inside temperatures and this will give you the best results. There are some other basic tips that will get the most out of your whole house fan. We’ve outlined them below.
- When you use your whole house fan, make sure the AC is off or all you will succeed in doing is sending all the cool air right outside.
- Keep your windows and doors open when using the whole house fan. This is a very important tip because not having the doors and windows open can cause your gas appliances if you have any, to back draft exhaust fumes which can bring noxious fumes and carbon monoxide into your home.
- Do not use the whole house fan when you have a fire going in the fireplace. It will not vent properly due to the change in air pressure.
- In the winter time to prevent energy loss, cover the vents so heat doesn’t escape through them.
Conclusion
Whole house fans, by far, are an excellent alternative to using your central AC unit. If you want to save on energy bills, this is the way to go about it that will not involve you having to sit and suffer in a house that is too hot and stuffy. Installation is typically fairly easy with these systems and you can either choose to have it installed or do it yourself if you know what to do. If you’re not very handy, this is not a project to take on.
There are many benefits to using these whole house fan systems, and they offer some flexibility in the rooms that are cooled much more than AC units do. With the information you have learned in this buyer’s guide you are ready to start researching what is out there.
The top rated whole house fans we reviewed are some of the best out there and they cover houses from 600 square feet to 2000 square feet but there are larger models are well if you have a large home. Read the information about the unit you are considering. Make sure you know the square footage of your home before you purchase and get a reliable installation job and you will have a means of cooling your home that will save you a lot of money each month if you’re running your AC a lot.