How long has the Fan Man been in business?
The Fan Man was established in 2001 by Mark A. Romano, Jr to service the in Charlotte, NC. area. Mark is the son of a roofing contractor who understands the importance of a properly ventilated attic. Working with his father in construction and roofing Mark was made aware of the many benefits attic ventilation offers from a longer lasting roof, an easy way to cool a home, and money saved on energy bills. With this in mind, upon college graduation from ECU with a BS degree in business he started up this company specializing in attic ventilation.

How many fans do I need?
That depends on a couple of factors. The total square footage of the attic space along with the pitch of the roof determines the volume of air in the attic. The volume of air, along with the shape of the attic determines how many fans you need. Typically for Charlotte, North Carolina one fan will ventilate between 1500 and 2500 sq/ft of attic space.

What is the ideal temperature for an attic?
A good rule of thumb is 100 degrees or less. A poorly ventilated attic can have temperatures that reach above 160 degrees. Even an attic with a convection fed system (ridge and soffit vents) can reach between 140 and 150 degrees. When an attic temperature gets above 100 degrees the heat is drawn toward the living space through the insulation and has a detrimental effect on the air handler and duct work in the attic. A powerful ventilation system along with the proper intake air is capable of keeping your attic around 100 degrees on a 90 degree day.

Why is the upstairs harder to cool than the downstairs?
Typically the HVAC air handler and ductwork for the upper floor(s) is located in the attic. The heat trapped in the attic is being absorbed into the duct work and the air handler. By the time the cold air is produced in the metal air handler and the air runs through the ductwork it can be heated between 8 and 20 degrees because of the extremely hot air in the attic. When the temperature in the attic is lowered the air conditioning unit runs more efficiently to produce cooler air.

How much can I save in Cooling Costs?
Several factors will determine the amount saved on your cooling costs. The placement of the air handler and ductwork is a major factor. If they are located in your attic and absorbing the heat trapped in your attic space the savings on your energy bill will be greater than if your air handler is located somewhere else. It also depends on the temperature you set the thermostat as well as the age of your AC unit. Typically our customers in the Charlotte, NC area save a minimum of $20-$40 a month during the time in which they run the AC. However, we have had customers save significantly more.

How much power do these fans consume?
Each fan when running uses the same amount of energy as two 60 watt light bulbs. Far less energy is used when running the fans than when trying to cool a home with an overheated attic.

How often will the fan run?
If you are running your AC there is a good chance that your attic fan will be running at some point in the day. On a sunny 65 degree day your attic will reach 100 degrees so your fan will be running periodically throughout the day. During the summer in the Charlotte, NC area your ventilation system will turn on early and operate throughout the day. When your fan is running it is saving you money on your air conditioning.

Is it true that proper attic ventilation can make my roof last longer?
Yes. A poorly ventilated attic can cut the life of your roof in half. A 40 year roof for example can very easily last only twenty years if it is exposed to the heat of the sun along with 150 degree temperatures in the attic. This is essentially cooking your roof from both sides.

Why do I see streaks on relatively new roofs?
When a shingle is overheated “burn-off” occurs. This occurs when a shingle over heats and the top layer breaks loose and falls off. The top layer of the shingle has a protective coating which prevents algae build-up. When that coating comes off mold and fungus can grow on your roof. When the attic is kept at a cooler temperature the “burn-off” effect is minimized. This in turn keeps your roof looking better longer and the rate of deterioration is much slower.

Do the fans make a lot of noise?
When the Fan Man installs an attic fan they take special care in making sure the fan runs quietly and smoothly. First, galvanized screws are used to secure the fan. Not roofing nails. Nails can work themselves loose. Screws secure the fan to the roof. Secondly, the fan is balanced to minimize noise and vibration. Finally, a membrane is installed between the fan flashing and the roof sheathing, so the fan is riding on a cushion. These steps ensure a balanced fan which runs smoothly and quietly.

What type of warranty does the Fan Man provide?
Every aspect of your ventilation system is covered by a lifetime warranty. This includes parts and labor. If your fan starts making any noise, vibration, or quits working we will repair or replace your system free of charge for as long as you own your home.

Are the fans thermostatically controlled?
Yes. Each fan is connected to its own thermostat. We set the thermostat at 95 degrees so when the attic reaches 95 degrees the fan turns on and runs until the attic temperature reaches 85 degrees. There is also a switch installed with the fan so that it can be turned off manually if need be. However, the switch will most often be left on and the thermostat regulates the system so you don’t have to.