Perhaps this is a silly question, but I am going to install a gable fan up in the attic and not sure if it should be placed on the north or south side of the house.
Is there a rule of thumb?
Thanks.
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Replies
I assume that along with the fan (exhaust), that there will be a vent in the opposite end for intake air?
My rule of thumb is try to keep the intake on the shadier end, usually the north side, and to make it as large as is practical. Within reason.
Draw in cooler air, exhaust it out the "hotter" end...buic
There's a couple of considerations. All things being equal, it makes more sense to draw in the cooler air, as previously suggested. However, if the fan makes much noise, you may prefer to switch ends. I did that when the choices were; a. over a bathroom or b. over the kitchen. It was much easier to nullify the constant hum by closing the bathroom door.
Sunny side - expel hot air; pull in cooler air from shady side.
Consider a Fan-Attic solar powered fan. 400 cfm, very quiet, shuts itself off at night. Definitely want to install on south or west exposure.
I think more important is the direction of the prevailing wind - don't try to fight it.
Forrest
My thought too, McDesign. - lol
I would also add that it should be based on the summertime prevailing winds. Here in San Jose, our summer winds come from the north. During the winter rainy season, a southerly wind means that rain is on the way.
Working in the same direction as the wind.
Next silly question: how do I determine prevailing wind direction?And what happens if that puts the fan on the sunny side - which rule supersedes?
Edited 6/13/2007 6:26 pm ET by Fireball05
Look at how the trees lean.