Why Whole House Fans are Useful and How We Inspect Them
Jon Vacha | Vice President | Home Standards Inspection Services
Whole house fans can be a fantastic addition to your home, especially during seasons with hot days and cool evenings. These fans work by pulling fresh air in through open windows and pushing it into the attic, where it escapes through attic ventilation. Typically installed in a central location, like a hallway ceiling, they provide a simple and energy-efficient way to cool your home.
During a home inspection, we test whole house fans briefly to ensure they are functional. While the fans come with metal flaps that close when not in use, they often lack proper insulation or an air barrier. This can lead to heat loss during colder months.
As home inspectors, we can offer suggestions for improving insulation over these fans. For instance, constructing a box from foam board and placing it over the fan in the attic is a practical solution. This simple step can help improve energy efficiency and keep your home more comfortable year-round.
Curious about other ways to improve your home’s efficiency? Contact Home Standards for a comprehensive inspection!
JON VACHA
Vice President
Certified Inspector
ACI & ASHI
Jon is a native of Omaha and earned his BA in business from University of Nebraska Omaha. He has been inspecting homes with Home Standards since the company started in 2008.
After inspecting a home, Jon’s clients are always grateful once they better understand the house they are buying. He finds helping others by sharing his knowledge and expertise rewarding and considers home inspectors being a “detective and solving ‘house mysteries’.”
“I especially like working with first time home buyers,” Jon said. “I appreciate the relationships I’ve made with people in the real estate industry.”
When not working, Jon enjoys spending time with his two daughters and wife, going to playgrounds, riding bikes, and whatever other adventures they can find.