An attic fan doesn’t typically lower the energy bill by much, if at all. The energy savings they provide is typically countered by the energy they use. Attic temperatures can reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in mild to hot climates, and fans pull hot air outside to reduce the temperature.
However, they do:
Reduce the strain on your AC.
Reduce humidity in the attic.
Help protect roofs from extreme heat.
They may provide more benefit in mild climates as they only use 10%–15% of the power of a traditional AC.
Attic fans typically last up to about 15 years. However, they may go out in a matter of a few years or last decades. Your attic fan installer near you will make sure to install one that works in your climate. Depending on the style, you'll want to get them serviced and maintained yearly with cleaning and any oiling your model requires.
You'll generally know your attic fan motor is bad if you smell a light electrical burning from the exhaust vent. Once it's completely out, the motor won't function at all. You may also consider it if the fan won't turn on at all. However, that can also be a symptom of other problems in the system, such as a bad thermostat, connection, or a mechanical failure.
No, you don’t need to turn off your attic fan in the winter as it provides quite a few benefits. It’ll continue to reduce attic moisture. It can also help prevent ice dams on the roof and reduce the chances of mold growth. Even if you decide to turn the attic fans off, you’ll still want to leave the vents open to allow proper airflow through your attic in the winter.