Attic Fan Broken -> Is This a Fire Hazard? Lots of Boxes Up There!?
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?
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.
no .but house will be warmer
im Lorac p and i say it shouldnt be now you answer my question
its not a fire hazard
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.
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.
no it is not a fire hazard,I have no fan at all. Alot of houses do not have fans.
It is a fire hazard when it’s running properly. So yeah!
Oh, not your attic the machine itself. Did you ‘unplug’ it? Would be lots safer.
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.
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.
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?
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]
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
It should by all means be checked out and if nothing else be sure the electric going to the fan motor is OFF.
Unless it was 451 degrees Fahrenheit, I would not worry. Paper ignites at that temperature and you would be dead already.
no , but the broken fan may be
You`re hubby sounds like mine! Then he might be right so I would not worry. If something happens you can always say told you so…Really I would`nt worry….
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.