Home Fan Installation Tips

Posted by: Jeffrey Ahbe

Most fans used in heating, ventilating and air conditioning installations are powered by electric motors. Because of the small sizes of most home fans, the majority are equipped with direct-connected motors. A V-belt drive arrangement is used with larger fans, particularly centrifugal fans used in forced warm-air furnaces or the larger ventilating units found in commercial and industrial installations.

The following are tips and recommendations for proper fan installation in your home.  Home fans help circulate and vent the air in your house.

1. When possible, install an exhaust fan or air outlet on the leeward side so that the air leaves with the prevailing winds.
2. Install the fan and air intake openings at opposite ends of the enclosure so that the intake air passes lengthwise through the area being ventilated.
3. Provide a net intake area at least 30 percent greater than the exhaust fan opening.
4. When possible, install ventilation (supply) fans or air intakes on he windward side so that the entering air utilizes pressure produced by prevailing winds.
5. When a filter is used, increase the net intake area to allow minimum pressure loss from the resistance of the filter.
6. An explosion-proof motor with a spark-proof fan should be used when the exhaust air is hazardous.
7. Steam, heat or odors should be exhausted by fans using totally enclosed motors mounted near the ceiling. The air intakes should be located near the floor.
8. Spring-mount fans and connect them to the wall opening by a canvas boot when extremely quiet operation is required.

If you are unsure if your home is ventilated properly, you can have a blower door test completed that tests the air flow of your home.  This is also a great way to find out if your home has other air leaks outside of your hvac system.  Here is a great video showing the Home blower door test at work!

If you are interested in a home energy audit, contact REenergizeCO (720) 530-5259 for a free in home estimate.