Attic Vent Fan or Whole-House Fan? Identify the Proposed System

DOE’s August 2011 guide describes electric or solar-powered attic fans mounted in gable vents, says they are not necessarily recommended, and warns they may pull conditioned air into an attic when ceiling air sealing is poor. It describes a whole-house fan in an upper-floor ceiling, drawing house air through open lower-floor windows and exhausting through a ventilated attic. The guide cautions against operating one while combustion equipment runs; insufficient open windows may allow backdraft. DOE Building America, 2011, p. 43

Treat this as historical. Ask each bidder to name the exact device, purpose, air route, and included sealing, ventilation or combustion-equipment review or work. The guide does not choose one for your home.