this post was submitted on 01 May 2024
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Handyman suggested cutting hole in 1330 sq. ft. attic for second attic ventilator. Does this make sense? (lemm.ee)
submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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General info: Looking to get current attic ventilator fan replaced. The attic is about 1400 sq. ft. Current attic ventilation fan is a foot from the ridge of the roof. Live in USA.

Handyman wants: To install two 1500 CFM fans. Two 120 volt 20amp dedicated circuits, one for each fan. He wants to install the second fan 4 feet away from the current fan. He stated that the attic ventilator fan would need to be replaced within 6 years.

My questions: Would two fans be better than one fan? Would I need two 120 volt circuits to run two fans? Is there an attic ventilator that has a user replaceable fan?

Thank you in advance for any help.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Each fan would be 1500 cfm. I'm guessing the attic is about 3500 cubic feet.

I forgot to say this, but the current circuit, as far as I can tell, doesn't connect to the breaker box. The lines are dead and the attic ventilation fan hasn't worked since we bought the house. The fan doesn't spin smooth when manually rotated, so we assumed it needed replacing.

The handyman originally insisted on installing a 240 volt wiring and circuit breaker. I don't know much about electricity but that set off red flags. I have no problem going with higher gauge wiring if the cost is cents more, but there is no reason to run that many amps unless we're plan on charging an electric car in the attic.

Thank you for your comment.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Yeah, that 240v line run suggestion puts a gigantic question mark on anything they've suggested at all. I'd recommend a second opinion.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago

240v for an attic fan? Wtf?

Yea, fire this "handyman". 240 in the US is for high load devices, like AC, electric stove (electric heat is a direct short), electric water heater.

A fan draws a very small amount of current - less than 5 amps at 120v.

I have a small portable blower (this uses a compressor wheel, so draws more current than a fan), and it's rated for 5 amps.