For most home owners attic fans are totally unnecessary since they only cool the attic; and not a lot of people spend time in their attics. But what many homeowners do not understand is that keeping their attic space cool and properly ventilated can improve the insulation of their entire home. During the hot summer months, your attic space can trap a lot of heat. If your attic is not properly ventilated, the heat can be transferred throughout your house. If you are considering getting an attic fan, here's how to install it: • First, cut an exhaust opening in you ceiling. Before cutting the hole, you should make sure that it will not affect any plumbing or electrical wirings that are concealed in the walls. • Next, install a metal exhaust grate on your home's exterior. The metal grate does not really improve the function of the fan but it will keep small animals or debris from coming into your home. Also, the grate will improve the appearance of your house. • Direct the slats in your grate in such a way that the exhaust air is pushed away from your house. Use your home's overhangs to direct the hot air downward. • Install the attic fan so that it will blow in the direction of your exhaust opening. Since attic fans vibrate while running, it highly recommended that you avoid mounting the fan on an inflexible wooden or metal structure. You might want to consider hanging you attic fan from springs or laying it on top of a rubber or felt mat as an alternative. • Place the fan in relation to the exhaust opening. The fan should be as far from the exhaust part as the fan blades are long. • If you are familiar with wirings, run the electrical wiring to your attic fan. If you are not practiced in running electrical wirings, you should consult with an experienced electrician to make sure that the process is completed as safely as possible. You might also want to consider wiring your attic fan to an automated timer or thermostat for easier use.a