How to Use a Whole House Fan in Florida

Turn off your air conditioning. Whole house fans work by bringing in outside air and exhausting the air inside the house through attic vents. Operating your air conditioning and the fan at the same time will simply blow cool air outside.

Open the windows. In order for your fan to work properly, fresh air must be allowed to freely enter the house. Opening the windows wider on the shady side of the house during the afternoon and evening can improve your comfort level by drawing in cooler air.

Turn on the fan. The resulting breeze will create a cooling breeze inside the house. It can also lower the attic temperature by up to 10 degrees, which will reduce radiant heat from the ceiling. According to Florida climate data published by the University of Florida, sunlight intensity from April to November elevates temperatures above human comfort levels and is absorbed by roofs and walls. Dissipating the heat in your attic caused by direct sunlight will increase your comfort level during these months.

Turn off the fan before closing the windows. Whole house fans create a powerful suction inside the house to draw in outside air. Restricting the airflow inside the house by closing the windows while the fan is operating will place unnecessary strain on the fan motor.

Turn the air conditioning on to reduce humidity after closing the windows, during Florida's wet summer season, from April until October. The early morning hours, when the temperature is at or below the dew point is the best time to use your air conditioner.