"Himanshu" wrote in message
news:jEcLg.759$bz1.685@trndny09...
Thank you Ook, Eric, trader4 & Jim R for the replies. Looks like most
of the replies aren't favorable towards the powered vent, so I'll
probably stay away from that.

One thing I forgot to mention is that there's no air-conditioning in the
house, so the attic staying hot is a major discomfort to the wife &
infant in the living area, which is why I am trying to address the
problem. I did install a window unit, but in some areas of the house
where there are larger, connected, open spaces, I am not sure what to
do. I'm considering a split-type a/c in the future.

Anyway, back to the attic ventilation:

Would any of you recommend installing a whole-house fan? Keep in mind
that I'm in New Hampshire and July & August are probably the months that
get really hot.

And if yes to the whole house fan, is a powered vent required on the
roof? I was under the impression that eaves+ridge vent would be enough.

Again, the fan itself is not too expensive, but the installation & labor
makes me think twice. As an example, the fans can be $200-$400, but
the installation estimates are between $1000 (without powered vent for
the roof) & $1800 (with powered vent).

I picked up what was probably sold as a gable vent fan for a few $ at a thrift
shop. I slipped foam pipe insulation over the 4 mounting bars that came off
the fan. This I then set over the attic access hole in my house, blowing up
into the attic. I plugged it in through an X10 appliance module, which allows
me to turn it on/off remotely. When I want to cool an area, I turn on the fan
and open a window in the area to be cooled. Or, I open a window
downstairs so that air will be drawn through the whole house. This thing
makes a big difference in the comfort of my home (in Seattle).
I'm sure that part of its effect is due to the air it blows up into the
attic, cooling the attic at the same time it vents the house.

It's not a real "whole house fan", but is an effective substitute. I don't
really need anything more.

Bob