Solar attic fan - Page 4

Xringer · 08-12-12, 01:43 PM

I'm a bit doubtful the fan causing so much suction inside the house, that it pulls up radon..
But, I can see where some leaks/ventilation configurations might cause negative pressure, all the way down to the basement.

Currently, my Radon alarm meters are displaying 2.6 ppm, a couple of months back, the readings were 2.5 or less..

I'm going up and unplug my little attic fan, and keep an eye on those radon alarms.

08-12-12, 02:04 PM

XRinger,

I can assure you that it will. That is how I first got interested in this subject. We had a client in Bowling Green, Kentucky where they started smelling gasoline vapors in the basement. The ultimate source was a leaking underground storage tank. The proximate cause was two powered attic fans that were litterally pullling huge volumes of soil gas into the building. Subsequent air sampling showed high radon levels as well as gasoline constituents.

Of course, if the ceiling/attic interface is air tight, this could not happen. However, it still doesnt justify the expense of a powered attic fan.

Barry Westbrook
℅ DocAir
4014 Flagstone Ct
Franklin, Tn 37069
615-373-2498

Xringer · 08-12-12, 03:06 PM

I'm not sure what the level of vacuum would be in the basement.
It likely kicks up pretty high when the oil burner fires up, or if the dryer is running!

We have an attic pull-down stairs in the back hall/basement stairway.
It's sealed, but the way it's constructed, doesn't allow for a really good seal.

What also worries me, is the fans in the kitchen & bathroom.
Those pull a suction on the living areas.

One of the projects on my to-do-list is taking care of our radon problem.

Seems like the best way to keep your attic cooler is installing PV..

SolarSouthwestFlorida · 10-04-12, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkM66

If hot air rises, will a cooler attic really have an effect on the lower living area?

I'm also looking for ways to run my a/c less.

Absolutely. The top of your attic may be 150 degrees and the bottom 120 degrees, but if your air conditioning ducts are in the 120 degree area, its still heating up the air you just cooled!

08-12-12, 01:43 PM	#31
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	I'm a bit doubtful the fan causing so much suction inside the house, that it pulls up radon.. But, I can see where some leaks/ventilation configurations might cause negative pressure, all the way down to the basement. Currently, my Radon alarm meters are displaying 2.6 ppm, a couple of months back, the readings were 2.5 or less.. I'm going up and unplug my little attic fan, and keep an eye on those radon alarms. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less.. Last edited by Xringer; 08-12-12 at 01:49 PM..

08-12-12, 03:06 PM	#33
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	I'm not sure what the level of vacuum would be in the basement. It likely kicks up pretty high when the oil burner fires up, or if the dryer is running! We have an attic pull-down stairs in the back hall/basement stairway. It's sealed, but the way it's constructed, doesn't allow for a really good seal. What also worries me, is the fans in the kitchen & bathroom. Those pull a suction on the living areas. One of the projects on my to-do-list is taking care of our radon problem. Seems like the best way to keep your attic cooler is installing PV.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..

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08-12-12, 02:04 PM	#32
DocAir Guest Posts: n/a	XRinger, I can assure you that it will. That is how I first got interested in this subject. We had a client in Bowling Green, Kentucky where they started smelling gasoline vapors in the basement. The ultimate source was a leaking underground storage tank. The proximate cause was two powered attic fans that were litterally pullling huge volumes of soil gas into the building. Subsequent air sampling showed high radon levels as well as gasoline constituents. Of course, if the ceiling/attic interface is air tight, this could not happen. However, it still doesnt justify the expense of a powered attic fan. Barry Westbrook ℅ DocAir 4014 Flagstone Ct Franklin, Tn 37069 615-373-2498