Our attic fan broke. In this very hot weather it used to run non-stop. I went up there recently and noticed that the fan is not running non matter how hot so it must be broken. It runs on a thermastat and comes on when it reaches a certain temperature.
I alerted my husband because I think it might be a fire hazard since we have mega storage up there of boxes, clothes, christmas items, easter, halloween, ad finitem.
He says it's not necessary to hurry up and fix it because most people don't even have attic fans.
I think the combination of storing boxes of stuff, (nothing combustible), but still, PLUS the stiffling sauna type heat, might be a fire hazard and I'm worried.
Thoughts?
2006-08-11 11:27:57 · 18 answers · asked by Genie♥Angel 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is not a fire hazard just having things stored in the attic. I would find the breaker that operates the attic fan and make sure it is turned off though. If there is power going to the defective fan the electric itself could be a hazard.
2006-08-18 17:47:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about it in the way that your stored items would catch fire right away. Have an electrician look at it if your really worried, it may help with peace of mind.
If you can unplug it or turn of the circut that it's on, I would strongly suggest that. Have it on a dedicated circut if possible. You can still have thermostat switch to turn it on when needed I humbly suggest to have it run in cycles. On a medium seting for an hour every 3 to 4 hours it is off.
2006-08-18 21:32:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely a hazard. A close friend's house burned down and it was attributed to a faulty attic fan. Cut and tape the wires to it until it can be replaced. Besides, a hot attic without a fan is very combustible
2006-08-17 18:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by syrious 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO a broken attic fan is not a fire hazard but is their anything in the attic that the higher temp. could warp or melt [ things made of plastic-or candles]
2006-08-16 13:57:25 · answer #4 · answered by mr handy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should examine it more closely! There are many things that can go wrong; thermostat, fan belt, motor, high-temp shutoff, short ect.
It could be a fire hazard or it may damage some items (such as candles)
by possibly melting them, but those are the extremes. I'd say if it's over 150F you could start worrying, but for now, just cool it!
If you're really that worried you can go ahead and post more details so I can help pinpoint your problem, k?
2006-08-11 15:59:31 · answer #5 · answered by Ammy 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It is unlikely that the temperature is near the flash point of paper
(451 degrees F, according to Ray Bradbury).
In fact, with a fan running, it would be MORE dangerous because
that would circulate oxygen better if there was already a fire.
2006-08-11 11:31:33 · answer #6 · answered by Elana 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
did you climb up through a scuttle or attic stairs and check to see if the belt between the motor and fan pulleys is broken? may be a simple repair. go to the electrical panel and see if one of the breakers is labeled attic fan...if so put it in the off position until your husband has time to make a repair.
2006-08-11 12:53:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't see that it would be a fire hazard, but it will increase your electric bill, and also you run the risk of moisture buildup (which can damage the structure of a frame house) without adequate attic ventilation.
2006-08-11 11:35:50 · answer #8 · answered by Steve 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Permanently installed fans are notorious for starting house fires. They are not supposed to ignite when the motor seizes, and most won't if they are clean and haven't been modified. But if they have an accumulation of lint or grease (from kitchen fumes or grease) they can easily start a fire if one of the windings shorts out. You should make sure the power to the fan is disconnected safely until the fan is fixed. I've noticed that many newer fans have completely sealed motors; this may reduce the chance of a fire, but it could also shorten the life of the motor, unless there is enough heat transfer to keep it cool. As for the contents of the attic, the only time I've heard of a hot attic spontaneously combusting was when dry-cleaned clothes were stored up there. But common sense would dictate that anything containing flammable liquids or ammunition should be removed and any heat-producing equipment should be shut off.
2014-06-05 22:42:04 · answer #9 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thermostat could be broken too, or the power could be interrupted. If the electricity is turned off to that fan it cannot cause fires, so find the fuse, circuit breaker, or switch to turn it off.
2006-08-11 11:32:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋