How does a traditional whole-house fan operate?

A traditional whole-house fan operates by pulling air from open windows throughout the home and exhausting it into the attic space. This method creates a negative air pressure inside the house, which encourages cooler outdoor air to enter through the open windows. As the fan exhausts warm air from the living space into the attic, it helps to lower the indoor temperature effectively, especially during warmer months.

This approach is particularly advantageous because it allows for rapid cooling without the need for air conditioning, making it an energy-efficient cooling strategy. By ventilating the home in this manner, it also helps to remove unwanted heat and stale indoor air, enhancing overall comfort.

The other choices do not accurately describe the fan's function: it does not cool the attic directly; it does not serve as a heating mechanism in the winter, and it does not use a duct system to circulate air like a traditional air conditioning unit. The whole-house fan is a standalone system designed for efficient cross-ventilation, specifically focusing on creating a flow of fresh air into living spaces.