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I recently installed a roof mount attic fan for a customer, Nutone model RF68H. It seems to be a good unit, and it works well. The problem is, it’s powerful motor is quite loud and is unacceptable to the owner. Are any of these type fans rated in sones like a bath vent? Can anyone suggest a quality unit that will operate more quietly? Owner has said that money is no object. The attic space is 1200 s/f and approximately 3000 cubic feet. Thanks.
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Look at the Grainger Catalog, which lists fans by amps, CFM, and quietness. Some direct drive fans are noiser than belt drive as well. As your dealer. Hope this helps.
*Scott One of the best powerful fans available and common are the fans in old forced air units. Just hook it up and see how powerful and quiet it is. Lots of contractors use them to keep cool or blow out dust. If the old blower vibrates, just hose off the accumulated dirt on the fins. If you want the MOST efficient and Most economical attic ventalator, you can build a false chimney. The taller and hotter it is, the more cfms that is drawn.Gordon
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You can also insulate for sound transmission around a noisey blower (although better to start out with a quiet one). Isolate the blower from the house framing with rubber isolation pads or mats (Grainger's). Build a plywood box around the blower that allow air in through a couple of turns with no direct, line-of-sight path for the sound to get out. Nor even any single-bounce paths for the sound to reflect out through. Use accoustical foam (dense egg crate stuff - Grainger's) or accoustical ceiling panels (way cheap) to cover the inside surface of the plywood surround.
One layout of such a surround might have a 8" x 8" opening in the box with 16" x 16" 'covers' centered on the smaller opening. One inside and one outside, each about 2" off from the main box. Again, with all those surfaces covered with accoustical material.
Quietly,
David
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I recently installed a roof mount attic fan for a customer, Nutone model RF68H. It seems to be a good unit, and it works well. The problem is, it's powerful motor is quite loud and is unacceptable to the owner. Are any of these type fans rated in sones like a bath vent? Can anyone suggest a quality unit that will operate more quietly? Owner has said that money is no object. The attic space is 1200 s/f and approximately 3000 cubic feet. Thanks.