Whether you are building a brand new home or simply want to spruce up the look of your existing home, adding a new garage or attic fan can make a world of difference.
New fans can be expensive. That’s because they are built to last and to handle heavy use. However, new fans do not necessary have to be expensive. There are plenty of “used” fans available that will work just as well as a new one and maybe even better. In fact, many times a “second-hand” fan may even be cheaper than buying a new one. But how do you tell if it is really a good used fan? And, more importantly, how do you know it will work as well for you as a new fan would?
To help you with these questions, I am going to share with you three tips that will increase the life of your garage or attic fan… and make it work better for you. These tips will also make your new or used fan last longer and keep the nasty bugs out!
Tip #1: Clean It Regularly!
The first thing you should do is clean your fan each and every time you use it. This may sound like a no-brainer… but… so many people ignore this important step that it is surprising to me. If you do have a problem with your fan not working properly, cleaning it will almost always fix the problem.
Cleaning your fan consists of removing all dust and dirt that has accumulated on the fan blades. You can do this by wiping it off with a soft cloth. Just be sure to use a clean, soft cloth. Do not use a scratchy one or you could end up scratching or gouging the surface of the fan. This will cause friction and will eventually lead to failure. Another thing you could do is give your fan a full wash. A good washing machine will remove the majority of the dirt and grime. However, if there is still some residue remaining you could give your fan a very thorough cleaning using a good quality cleaner like the one from Ajax Power Equipment.
Cleaning your fan will prevent many types of problems. Not only will it keep the fan in top operating condition it will also keep the inside of your home fresh and clean. If you have pets or little children, cleaning your fan will keep them all healthy and happy.
Tip #2: Change The Filter Often!
The second thing you should do is change the filter on your fan at least once every three months. This will help keep dust and other particulate matter out of the fan. Particulate matter can cause many types of problems. It can lead to an early demise for your fan… or… it can cause other types of problems such as aggravating allergies.
Changing the filter is easy to do. All you have to do is remove the old one and put in a new one. If you are using a standard light-bulb style filter you will simply pull off the old one and replace it with a new one. If you are using a more advanced type of filter (the type that uses electrostatic charges) you will have to unscrew the top portion of the filter and then gently slide the new one down into place. Either way, this is a very easy job and one you should not ignore.
Tip #3: Use Only As Much Air As Your Fan Can Handle!
The third thing you should do is only use as much air as your fan can handle. This will extend the life of your fan and keep the noise level down to a minimum. When you first turn on your fan you will hear a loud “whoosh” sound. This is the fan pushing all the air it can handle through the blades. But, after a few minutes of operation you will start to hear a continuous “wheeze” from your fan. This is caused by the fan running out of air and having to work really hard to push the same amount of air it was originally pushing. Using too much air will cause your fan to wear out faster and make an awful lot of noise.
Using too much air can also lead to a whole host of problems. Not only will using too much air cause your fan to wear out faster it can also cause your home to become stuffy and uncomfortable. Using too much air will suck all the oxygen out of your home which can lead to health problems for you and your family.
Summary:
Garage or attic fans are inexpensive and very easy to install. However, they can become very expensive if you do not take care of them properly. By following these three simple tips you can greatly extend the life of your fan… and… keep it working efficiently for many years to come.
