The AFG PRO-3.0 is the heavy hitter of the QuietCool attic fan line. This unit has a permanent split capacitor motor (PSC) that draws in 3,000 CFM and is designed for larger attics that need substantially more power than a typical big box attic fan. Because the unit comes with an adjustable thermostat, the homeowner has the option to have the unit kick on when outside temperatures are between 60º F and 120º F. If a homeowner would like their attic to stay below 100º F, they would set their thermostat to kick on at 95º F, which prevents the attic from ever getting hotter than 95º F. Like many of our other units, this one also comes with a 15-year motor warranty!
To ensure maximum efficiency with the attic fan, proper ventilation is necessary. The two types of ventilations are exhaust and intake ventilation. Attic fans function similarly to a car’s intake and exhaust systems. Condensation occurs in attics when the air does not circulate well. In turn, this damages the roof, sheathing, insulation, and even the ceiling. Effective ventilation happens when there is enough space for air to enter and leave the attic.
Exhaust: Turbines, dormers, ridge vents, attic fans, or power attic fans.
Intake: Box or dome vents, gable vents, and soffit vents.
Generally, soft vents are in homes that have been built within the last 25-30 years. Soffit vents can be added if needed. Older homes may need more ventilation. If unsure, walk outside your home and look towards the roof. If you see a vent, you are alright. You can also contact your local roofing contractor or a general contractor if attic ventilation needs to be created.
As discussed, attic fans are a more energy efficient method to cool down an extremely hot attic. They are a tool that helps cool down your home quicker while consuming less energy, but do not offer the same cooling power as an air conditioning unit.
We have come up with a simple mathematical formula to help you calculate how much ventilation you need. Additionally, you will need to figure out how many vents will be needed to vent your attic.
It is suggested that for every 1 square foot of attic ventilation, you have 150 square feet of attic floor space. In a 3,200 square foot home, divide 3,200 by 150. This equals 21 square feet of attic venting. Now, divide 21 by 2, which is 10.5 square feet of intake and 10.5 square feet of exhaust.
To figure out how many vents are needed for the 10.5 square feet of ventilation you will convert the number to square inches. Do this by multiplying 10.5 by 144 which equals 1,512 square inches of attic ventilation needed for both intake and exhaust.
The attic fan power ventilates your attic by forcing air out through the gable. If you have a roof mounted attic fan, air is forced out through the roof.
