You turn on your attic fan to cool down your home during the hot summer months, but instead of feeling a refreshing blast of air, you only hear a faint humming sound. What gives? Unfortunately, this is among the common issues that households struggle with. But don't worry; there are steps you can take to troubleshoot your attic fan and get it back up and running in no time. This will go over some of the most common issues that make your attic fan malfunction and how to fix them. By the end, you should have your fan up and running again in no time!

Fan Not Turning On

If your attic fan is not turning on, a few potential issues could be causing the problem. First, check to ensure the power switch is "on." Check the fuse or circuit breaker to see if it has blown or been tripped. If neither of these is the issue, then it's possible that the motor itself is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Blades Not Moving

If your attic fan blades are not moving, first check the power source. Ensure the switch is on and there is power to the outlet. If everything looks good there, move on to checking the motor itself.

If the motor isn't working, it may be because it's burned out. Replacing the motor is usually a pretty easy fix. However, if you're not comfortable doing electrical work, you can always call an electrician to handle it.

Another possibility is a blockage in the blades from turning. It could be dirt or dust buildup on the blades. Give them a good cleaning and see if that does the trick.

When everything else fails, it is best to call in a professional. An experienced HVAC technician will be able to diagnose and solve any problem you're having with your attic fan.

Reduced Airflow

If your attic fan is not working efficiently, the reduced airflow could be the culprit. There are several reasons behind this issue, but thankfully, you can take some easy steps to troubleshoot the problem.

First, check to ensure that all the attic vents are clear and unobstructed. If there is any debris blocking the vents, this could significantly reduce the amount of airflow. Also, check to see if the blades on your fan are clean and free of debris. If they are dirty, they may not be able to move as much air as they should.

If you have checked both of these things and still find that your attic fan isn't working correctly, it's possible that the motor itself is to blame. In this case, you'll need to contact a professional to have it repaired or replaced.

Banging Noise While Moving

If you hear a banging noise while moving your attic fan, it is likely due to a loose or imbalanced blade. If the blade is loose, tighten the retaining screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. If the blade is imbalanced, try removing it and flipping it over to see if that balances it out. You may also need to replace the blade if it is damaged or bent.

The Bottom Line

If your attic fan is not working properly, you can take some steps to troubleshoot the problem. First, check to ensure the power is turned on and the circuit breaker has not been tripped. Next, check to see if the blades are clean and debris-free. If they are dirty, use a soft cloth to clean them. Finally, check to see if the belt is tight and in good condition. If it is loose or damaged, consult a professional and replace it with a new one.