How to Install a Whole-House Fan | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows a quick and clever way to keep a home cool. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Tom helped a homeowner reduce his air-conditioning costs by installing a whole-house fan. Mounted in the floor of the attic, the fan pushes hot air out of the attic and draws cooler air into the house through downstairs windows.

Shopping List for How to Install a Whole House Fan:
whole-house fan [amzn.to/2mW7xFh], used to exhaust hot air from home
2x10 blocking [amzn.to/2mRqqsN], for nailing between ceiling joists
16d nails [amzn.to/2mWb2LV], for attaching blocking
1 5/8-inch drywall screws [amzn.to/2lfBhg0], for fastening plywood attic floor
spray-foam insulation [amzn.to/2lcLREt], used to seal hole in ceiling

Tools for How to Install a Whole House Fan:
hammer [amzn.to/2mRtB3H], for installing 2x10 blocking
circular saw [amzn.to/2mVSZWe], used to cut blocking
speed square [amzn.to/2lgBSht], for squaring up blocking with joists
plunge router [amzn.to/2kW4YT4] fitted with flush-cutting bit and guide bushing, used to cut the fan hole in the attic floor
drill/driver [amzn.to/2mSflaY]
reciprocating saw [amzn.to/2lrRPBc], for cutting hole in ceiling
wet/dry vacuum [amzn.to/2lp3AZa], used to catch the dust when cutting the ceiling hole
utility knife [amzn.to/2mWQ0gc]

Tom installed a whole-house fan (model number HV1600-GDR) manufactured by Tamarack Technologies, Inc. [tamtech.com/]

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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.

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How to Install a Whole-House Fan | This Old House
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