How to Properly Install an Attic Gable Vent Fan

Jeff asks, “I would like to install an attic vent fan in the gable vent of my house, but to install it on the side away from the prevailing wind will be extremely difficult. Could it be installed instead in the gable vent on the windward side to draw air into the attic?“

Hi Jeff,

If your attic uses soffit vents at the bottom and gable vents at the top for ventilation, having a gable vent fan drawing air into the attic would not be the best solution, since it would tend to create positive pressure in the attic which could reverse the natural air flow that occurs when heat rises up through the soffit vents and out through the gable vents.

If you are unable to install the fan on the end away from the prevailing wind, consider installing a roof mounted power vent fan near the top of the attic instead.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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2 Comments on “How to Properly Install an Attic Gable Vent Fan”

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Jean Ashley Says:
September 1st, 2010 at 6:09 pm

I saw a comment on your board about having sofffit vents ( we also have an electric attic exhaust fan) affecting the r value of insulation. Could you elaberate on this. We have 1200 sq ft attic and are looking for proper insulation. Home build in 1973. Some pink insulation is there already, about 4″

Due to severy allergies, (I am on Oxygen when exposed to any chemicals.) We prefer batt, famaldyhide free. Any suggestions?

How does one determine the r value.Do you have a recomendation. We live near Washington DC
Any help would be appreciated
Thank you
Steve Godfrey Says:
August 12th, 2011 at 10:42 am

I currently have two gable exhaust fans that are about half way up my attic roof and I’m having ridge vents installed with a new roof. I also have soffit vents around half of my house. I’m thinking of having the gable fans turned around to blow air into the attic which would cause the hot air to raise and push it out the ridge vents. Do you see any problems with this approach?

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