Gable Fan Vs. Whole House Fan

Identification

• A gable fan is an attic fan that mounts to an attic's gable, which is the portion of the wall that sits between the two edges of a sloping roof.

  A whole house fan goes into the ceiling that separates the living space from the attic. It's possible to use ceiling fans and other fans within the home to increase the effectiveness of gable and whole house fans.

Function

• A gable fan provides cool air in the attic to reduce the amount of heat traveling from the attic into the living quarters. A whole house fan pulls cool air into your home via open windows, and exhausts hot air out through the attic. You shouldn't use an air conditioner and a whole house fan at the same time because all the cool air will escape.

Warning

• The U.S. Department of Energy recommends professional installation for a whole house fan. Installation might call for new wiring, plus the addition of several new attic vents.

  A gable fan requires careful installation as well because you might have to cut through the side of your home or install new wiring.