Attic Fans
#1
08-13-02, 09:26 AM
Attic Fans
I had an attic roof fan installed 8/6/02 on the roof of my split level home, in Essex County, NJ. (rated to cover up t 3200 sq ft. which is more than enough.) The second floor of the house is noticeably cooler and so I am somewhat pleased with the installation.
However, there are two problems; 1) the fan is noisy and viberates so that a tea kettle sitting on the stove, on the first floor actually rattles and 2) There is a musty smell when standing on the deck, downwind of the fan and to a lesser degree in the upstairs hallway.
Please advise on these two problems. There is a roof vent that is partially blocked by a beehive, which will be removed as soon as I can find someone to do the job. I am really concerned about the vibration of the fan. Thanks.
However, there are two problems; 1) the fan is noisy and viberates so that a tea kettle sitting on the stove, on the first floor actually rattles and 2) There is a musty smell when standing on the deck, downwind of the fan and to a lesser degree in the upstairs hallway.
Please advise on these two problems. There is a roof vent that is partially blocked by a beehive, which will be removed as soon as I can find someone to do the job. I am really concerned about the vibration of the fan. Thanks.
#2
08-13-02, 04:17 PM
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Fan blade balance
Sounds to me like the fan blade is either bent or out of balance causing the vibration.
Most blades for these fans are the cheap stamped type and bend easily, especially during installation.
Sometimes hey can be straightened but it may need to be replaced if you can't get the "wobble" out of it.
If you can get in the attic check and make sure the blades are straight.
Otherwise have the installing contractor come out and fix the problem, it's his "redo" anyways
The musty smell is probably the stale attic air from years of being sealed up, but it may also be posssibly mold in the attic.
You need to get up there and check it out if possible...
I'll bet you had little or no passive ventilation before the fan ...
Most blades for these fans are the cheap stamped type and bend easily, especially during installation.
Sometimes hey can be straightened but it may need to be replaced if you can't get the "wobble" out of it.
If you can get in the attic check and make sure the blades are straight.
Otherwise have the installing contractor come out and fix the problem, it's his "redo" anyways
The musty smell is probably the stale attic air from years of being sealed up, but it may also be posssibly mold in the attic.
You need to get up there and check it out if possible...
I'll bet you had little or no passive ventilation before the fan ...
#3
08-14-02, 08:36 AM
Greetings,
Besides the blade problem you may not have enough exit vent area. If you have a 36" blade you need at least 7 sq. ft FREE AIR vent area. This can also cause problems. If this is the the problem you'll hear a roaring sound when the fan is running. You also need a minimun of 36" between the blades and the sheathing.
If the odor is that strong you may have mold problems. You didn't say if you have attic vents. If you do and thay are not a ridge vent then mold could form. If you do need a ridge / soffit vent system ck cor-a-vent.com The ridge /soffit vents will help with the 7 sf air space too.
If you also insall a type 3 radiant barrier over the existing attic insulating, you'll find that you won't need the fan very often.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
Besides the blade problem you may not have enough exit vent area. If you have a 36" blade you need at least 7 sq. ft FREE AIR vent area. This can also cause problems. If this is the the problem you'll hear a roaring sound when the fan is running. You also need a minimun of 36" between the blades and the sheathing.
If the odor is that strong you may have mold problems. You didn't say if you have attic vents. If you do and thay are not a ridge vent then mold could form. If you do need a ridge / soffit vent system ck cor-a-vent.com The ridge /soffit vents will help with the 7 sf air space too.
If you also insall a type 3 radiant barrier over the existing attic insulating, you'll find that you won't need the fan very often.
Thank you for considering my opinion.
rbisys
