Whole-House Fan Verification Checklist PDF

Full QC Checklist+

Verify inputs/sizing method, pre-purchase planning, installation, and post-installation/operating safety for a whole-house fan.

✓21 Inspection Points

✓4 Verification Categories

✓Inputs & Sizing Method+

House area entered is GROSS floor area (including closets, hallways, and other unoccupied space), not just conditioned living area
Entered ceiling height is the AVERAGE per-floor ceiling height (typically 8-10 ft) — NOT a multi-story home's combined/stacked height — with vaulted/cathedral areas accounted for separately if they're a large share of the floor plan
Selected cooling performance tier is a deliberate choice, not left at a default without understanding that only the HVI Minimum tier matches HVI's own published sizing formula
Existing attic exhaust vent NFA (if entered) is measured or calculated from the actual installed vents' rated NFA, not guessed

✓Before Purchasing+

Attic's actual exhaust venting capacity (existing or planned) confirmed adequate for the RECOMMENDED fan's full rated CFM — not just this calculator's bare minimum requirement
Chosen fan model is HVI-916 certified, so its rated CFM and noise figures are independently verified, not just a manufacturer claim
Ceiling joist bay at the planned mounting location physically fits the chosen fan's housing dimensions, confirmed before purchase
Dedicated switch and adequately-rated electrical circuit planned for the fan, confirmed with a qualified electrician
Local building code and any HOA restrictions checked for whole-house fan installation, ceiling penetration, and exterior louver requirements
Multi-speed or variable-speed control considered for the chosen model, not just a single-speed on/off unit

✓Installation+

Fan installed with an insulated, self-closing (motorized or gravity) shutter/damper, not left as an open, uninsulated hole in the ceiling when not running
Ceiling opening framed and air-sealed tightly around the fan housing, with no gaps bypassing the shutter
Fan wired to an easily-accessible switch — ideally with a timer or smart control — installed by a qualified electrician per code
Fan mounted per manufacturer instructions with vibration isolation, so motor/blade vibration doesn't transmit into the ceiling structure as noise
Fan grille/blade guard spacing confirmed adequate for household members (especially children) with access to the room below, per the manufacturer's own safety guidance

✓Post-Installation & Operating Safety+

Household understands to NEVER run the fan with all windows closed — always open windows totaling at least the calculated required area first
Household understands NOT to run the fan while a naturally-vented (non-sealed-combustion) gas water heater, furnace, or fireplace is operating, unless adequate makeup/combustion air is confirmed
Household understands the correct operating window — run when outdoor air is cooler than indoor air (typically evening through early morning), not during peak daytime heat
Actual delivered airflow and attic temperature drop spot-checked after installation, not just assumed to match the rated CFM
Household understands not to run the whole-house fan at the same time central air conditioning or heating has an active thermostat call
In cold-winter climates, a supplemental seasonal shutter cover or additional sealing considered on top of the fan's built-in insulated shutter

Inspection Notes+

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Inspection Notes

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.

No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.