When I bought my place, I had central air put in the attic of my 1091 sf rancher. At the same time, the installer recommended a thermostatically controlled attic fan installed on the roof. Both of these installations were done at the same time, and I also had a roofer put on a 35 year roof.
Now six years later, the fan is kaput. The A/C guys say this is about as long as these critters last, and will swap it out for about $350.
Doing a little research, I have discovered that
1) Indeed, 5 years is the usual life expectancy of a motor-drivien fan.
2) There are solar powered fans, but I would have to have the p/v panel routed to the sunny side of the roof, and probably should have a thermostat installed--these babies cost more, and some are only warranted for 5 years or so unless you get a Natural Light, which is warranted for 25 years and the nearest installer is on the other side of the state.
3) Have the roofer rip it out, repair the hole and shingle over it, because the roof is equipped with gable vents, soffit vents, and ridge vents. Price at present is not known.
I am neither handy nor strong, (and I don't "know" anyone),so my choices are limited to hiring out.
Any body know anything more than I do that would help me decide which route to go? I do not want to keep forking over $$ every couple of years, especially if a fan is not really doing me any good.
Now six years later, the fan is kaput. The A/C guys say this is about as long as these critters last, and will swap it out for about $350.
Doing a little research, I have discovered that
1) Indeed, 5 years is the usual life expectancy of a motor-drivien fan.
2) There are solar powered fans, but I would have to have the p/v panel routed to the sunny side of the roof, and probably should have a thermostat installed--these babies cost more, and some are only warranted for 5 years or so unless you get a Natural Light, which is warranted for 25 years and the nearest installer is on the other side of the state.
3) Have the roofer rip it out, repair the hole and shingle over it, because the roof is equipped with gable vents, soffit vents, and ridge vents. Price at present is not known.
I am neither handy nor strong, (and I don't "know" anyone),so my choices are limited to hiring out.
Any body know anything more than I do that would help me decide which route to go? I do not want to keep forking over $$ every couple of years, especially if a fan is not really doing me any good.