June 6

Best Attic Fan Covers To Buy: Cheap and Effective!

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There's nothing like the fresh breeze of spring to make you feel alive!

Needless to say, my attic fans were working throughout the season to welcome the cool spring air after a dreary and cold winter of shut windows and vents. Although I have nothing against winter, it isn’t the best season to leave my attic fans open.

Unfortunately, the sweet potatoes and lima beans that I am growing in my garden have all matured – which means it is almost summertime. And, while the July heat is great for growing tomatoes, watermelons, and pumpkins, it warms up the attic and leaves me sweltering.

To protect the attic and my family from melting in summers and freezing in winters, it has become a necessity to seal my attic fans with a sturdy fan cover. Places in eastern Texas that experience hot summers call for attic fans being covered during the day.

Hi! My name is Stacy, and I’m here to share my pick of the best attic fan covers!

M-D Building Products 43251 Attic Armour Attic Fan Cover, 48-Inch x 48-Inch
Battic Door Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits up to 36" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters
AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Cover Reflective Foam Core 48" x 48" Trim to FIT
MWS Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits 48" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters Insulation
M-D Building Products 43251 Attic Armour Attic Fan Cover, 48-Inch x 48-Inch
Battic Door Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits up to 36" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters
AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Cover Reflective Foam Core 48" x 48" Trim to FIT
MWS Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits 48" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters Insulation
$29.98
$48.99
$29.43
$24.44
$29.43
M-D Building Products 43251 Attic Armour Attic Fan Cover, 48-Inch x 48-Inch
M-D Building Products 43251 Attic Armour Attic Fan Cover, 48-Inch x 48-Inch
$29.98
Battic Door Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits up to 36" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters
Battic Door Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits up to 36" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters
$48.99
AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Cover Reflective Foam Core 48" x 48" Trim to FIT
AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Cover Reflective Foam Core 48" x 48" Trim to FIT
$29.43
MWS Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
MWS Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
$24.44
Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits 48" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters Insulation
Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits 48" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters Insulation
$29.43

Top 5 Attic Fan Covers Reviews

1. M-D Building Products 43251

M-D Building Products 43251

An attic fan cover is essentially a piece of foam with a coating that can be fastened to ceiling shutters. Given its simplicity and limited features, there is no room to hide. This brings me to the fan cover from M-D Building Products, which is an understated product but it does fulfill its duties with precision and ease.

Product Highlights

Some attic fan covers require separate adhesive agents, such as a can of aerosol adhesive or adhesive tape, to hold everything together. In the case of this product by M-D Building products, a hook & loop fastener comes with the package itself. Of course, since it’s velcro, you can re-use it multiple times.

Simply trim this velcro fastener to the required size and attach it around the shutters before fastening the insulated cover. Trimming is a piece of cake – I simply cut around the border with a pair of kitchen scissors.

Since I used it to seal up small air vents, the 36” x 48” fan cover was more than enough to seal the vent, leaving some overhanging to boot. However, if you have one big attic fan or multiple vents, then you may opt for the larger 48” x 48” fan cover to save time.

Lastly, the fan cover has a glossy white vinyl exterior that is meant to help it blend in with the rest of the ceiling.

What's There To Like About It?

Throughout the last winter, which consisted of staying indoors most of the time, this fan cover was an absolute blessing because it kept cold drafts at bay.

In fact, I had recommended it to my friend Betty who lives in sunny California. And last year, after a massive forest fire hit her state, she called to say that my recommended fan covers had blocked out not only the heat but also the smoke from the fires!

What's There Not To Like About It?

Remember that the product is rolled up when it is delivered. While some mind it more than others, these rolls form crease lines, which are not the most attractive to look at. But, let’s face it, the shutters it seals off weren’t a beautiful adornment, to begin with.

Pros and Cons of M-D Building Products 43251

Pros

  • Includes hook & loop fastener
  • Insulates heat and cold
  • Blocks smoke
  • Easy to attach

Cons

  • Unattractive crease lines
M-D Building Products 43251 Attic Armour Attic Fan Cover, 48-Inch x 48-Inch
  • Attached with Velcro for access/reusability
  • Easy to install
  • Can be trimmed to fit many different size openings

2. Battic Door Whole House Attic Fan Seal

Battic Door Whole House Attic Fan Seal

Brief Product IntroThe brand Battic Door was established with the vision of engineering easy-to-use air sealing products that would mainly conserve power and reduce electricity bills. Needless to say, the whole house attic fan seal by Battic Door is considered one of its highest-rated products for these very things.

Product Highlights

This fan cover from Battic Door comes in three sizes. Small fits up to 36” x 48’, medium fits up to 48” x 48”, and the largest size can fit up to 48”x 60” attic fans. Nevertheless, the kits are easy to use, and you can easily trim the foam to match the shutter dimensions.

Speaking of the foam, it has a decent thickness of 3/16 inches, which can protect the interiors from all kinds of weather extremities, whether hot or cold. What’s more, the back of the foam is made of shiny aluminum that reflects back hot rays and effectively insulates the attic from heat.

Coming down to the energy efficiency of this product, once it is attached, it immediately controls the temperature of the house by not allowing any air leakage. Without a doubt, heating costs come down during the colder months.

What's There To Like About It?

This well-reviewed product has a fair share of loyal fans who can vouch for its insulation capabilities. After all, who wouldn’t want a temperature-controlled attic at a discount?

However, apart from being easy on your wallet in terms of cost and electricity bills, this is also one of the best attic fan covers for storm and tornado-prone areas. And surely, even the ferocious winds of the frequent Texas tornadoes were unable to make it budge!

What's There Not To Like About It?

To get your money’s worth, it is absolutely necessary to follow instructions closely and with patience. With that being said, it is easy to attach the fan cover, but it is also prone to mistakes. Unsurprisingly, it took me a few tries before I could get the velcro fastened and secured.

Pros and Cons of Battic Door Whole House Attic Fan Seal

Pros

  • Available in three sizes
  • Energy-efficient
  • Wind-proof
  • Prevents air leakage

Cons

  • Velcro fastener mildly difficult to attach
Battic Door Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Shutter Seal Cover, Fits up to 36" X 48" Attic Fan Shutters
  • Easy to install
  • Trim to fit
  • Works like a storm window for your whole house fan!

3. AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

This fan cover is a budget option for those who want a straightforward and simple device for insulating their attic fans. There’s not much to complain about when the product advertises itself exactly as you would receive it.

Product Highlights

This product is a relative newcomer on the market. As you have seen, its predecessors have perfected insulation and air-sealing technology. So, it comes as no surprise that this product also does what it is meant to do, that is, cover attic fans and make them air-tight.

With no air leaking or cold draft escaping, there is no doubt that attaching this will bring down your heating bills during the winter months. Also, much like the others, this attic fan cover can be directly attached to the fan shutters – thus, eliminating the hassle of climbing into vents.

What it does differ in is the lack of velcro fasteners. In place of these, the fan cover comes with a roll of double-sided tape.

What's There To Like About It?

Usually, I prefer to double down on the adhesion of the fan covers by adding magnetic tape or stapling it to the inlets. So, in a way, it did not trouble me much that this product did not come with the usual velcro band.

However, the good news is that once it is attached, it really works! In fact, I tried this one out last winter. Surely, it came as a pleasant surprise that my attic and the upper quarters of my house remained toasty without cranking up the heating.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Even though it comes with sticky tape for installation, it is not the most convenient way to attach the fan covers, while also running the risk of ripping off paint upon removal. Add this to the fact that these are not reusable like velcro fasteners. So, unless you are willing to go to the store to buy a separate adhesive agent, consider other options.

Pros and Cons of AES Industries House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Large 48” x 48” foam cover
  • Effectively blocks cold drafts in winter
  • Reduces heating bills

Cons

  • Double-sided tape not enough for mounting foam

4. MWS Insulation Kit

MWS Insulation Kit

This trusty and durable fan cover is made entirely in the US with high-quality materials that will last a lifetime. Overall, this is an effective product that has been rubber-stamped for meeting several standards of safety and energy efficiency.

Product Highlights

The MWS Insulation Kit contains a 48” x 48” foam core laminated by double layers of radiant heat barrier foil, along with military-grade double-sided tape for installation. What’s more, the fan cover has the capacity to block radiant heat by up to 95%.

Surely, this makes it a great addition to your attic for hot and dry summers. Even though increased ventilation cools down houses during spring and early summer, radiant heat is the main culprit behind attics heating up when the mercury hits the 100-degree mark.

Moreover, this homegrown product has undergone rigorous quality control and has been certified puncture-resistant, Energy Star-rated, and it meets the new ASTM fire codes.

What's There To Like About It?

Texas is notoriously hot and dry during late summers, which means there is no respite by wind and breeze. For this reason, I went about looking for an attic cover that is engineered for summers and insulating radiant heat.

While most fan covers are all about winterizing homes and preventing cold drafts, the MWS Insulation Kit goes the other way and focuses on controlling heat.

What's There Not To Like About It?

Although this product tries hard by adding a 16-feet military-grade double-sided tape to the package, it is essentially still a sticky tape that doesn’t hold for long. With that being said, perhaps it is best to staple down the foam after trimming and attaching it to the vent.

Pros and Cons of MWS Insulation Kit

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Good insulator for summers
  • Energy-star rated foam core
  • Meets ASTM fire standards

Cons

  • Double-sided tape not ideal for installation
MWS Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
  • Residential Fan Shutter Cover Attic Exhaust Vent Stop Sealer Door Insulation Kit
  • 48inch x 48inch Low-E White/Foil 1/8 Solid reflective foam core insulation
  • 16feet of Military Grade Double Sided Tape (tape can be used over and over)

5. US Energy Products Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

US Energy Products Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

US Energy Products is an upcoming and ever-expanding supplier of energy-saving solutions. Needless to say, the attic ceiling fan cover from the company utilizes its tried-and-tested insulation foam cores to give great results.

Product Highlights

In terms of the foam core itself, you will get a 48” x 48” sturdy and humidity-resistant polyethylene center that has a decent ¼ inch thickness. In addition, a reflective foil layer on each side creates a good barrier for heat that prevents up to 97% of radiant heat transfer. Needless to say, this is an easy energy-saving solution, and power bills will definitely reflect the same.

Although US Energy Products is credited for selling rolls of insulation foam cores in bulk, this particular product puts together a whole DIY kit for ease of installation. With that being said, it comes with a velcro tape that adheres firmly to the ventilation inlets. However, there is room to improve when it comes down to attaching the foam core itself to the velcro tape.

What's There To Like About It?

After some experimenting with installation, I decided to staple these down to my side vents to prevent hot air from seeping into rooms. What a pleasant surprise it was that not only did it help cool down the house, but it also muffled up the sounds that usually travel from the TV room to my home office!

Likewise, if you need a sound barrier for vents, then this is the product to look out for. Moreover, the cover never loses its shape – which makes me believe it is made of truly high-quality materials.

What's There Not To Like About It?

The velcro that was delivered along with the foam is black in color. With that being said, the velcro rig looks unattractive when the foam is peeled off. Moreover, when the velcro tape itself was removed, it also pulled out parts of my freshly painted ceiling.

Pros and Cons of US Energy Products Whole House Attic Ceiling Fan Cover

Pros

  • Energy-efficient
  • Noise-reducing
  • Prevents 97% of radiant heat transfer
  • Economical

Cons

  • Unattractive black velcro fastener

Buyers Guide

After going through my list of the top 5 attic fan covers, you may have noticed that some products target certain areas more than others. To figure out which features are relevant to your situation, keep these pointers in mind.

1. Heat And Humidity Insulation

A topic that often comes up when discussing attic fan covers is whether they should be used during summers. After all, attic fans were built to help ventilation and cool down the house by allowing airflow.

However, due to the presence of radiant heat, attic fans prove to be counterproductive when temperatures soar and exceed 100 degrees. Instead of a cooled-down upper floor, you will be left with melted plastic toys that may have been stored in the attic. To prevent such mishaps, it is advisable to go for an attic fan cover that prevents radiant heat by 95% or more.

In the end, the decision to seal off fan covers depends on the weather and temperatures in your area. For instance, those who are residing in hot and humid states like California and Nevada may have to cover their attic fans for longer months.

However, this might not ring true for entire states like Texas, where you have pockets that have warmer summers and places like Fortworth that stay cool most of the year.

2. Storm-Resistance

Late spring and early summer are synonymous with tornadoes if you are living in Texas. Likewise, if you are preparing for a season of viciously windy evenings, then opt for fan covers which are durable and built to weather a storm.

Good quality fan covers, in general, are built to survive even in extreme weather conditions, and they won’t flap around even during a tornado. Although it may sound too good to be true, my experience with some of these recommended fan covers has proved that it is possible!

Additionally, if you are considering a tornado-resistant fan cover too, then pay attention to the velcro fastener to avoid having any fan covers flying off the ceiling along with dust and debris. And this leads me to the next point.

3. Velcro Fasteners

As you may have noticed while going through my list of the best attic fan covers, even the top-rated products still haven’t perfected velcro fasteners that do the job with ease. This is not to say that the velcro fasteners that are delivered with the kit are useless. In fact, some of the fasteners firmly attach the foam insulators to the attic fan. All you need to do is prepare beforehand.

Moreover, velcro fasteners may come in different colors – however, you probably want to stick to one with a glossy, white exterior that blends in with the ceiling. Velcro fasteners that come in other colors, such as black, may leave an eyesore when the attic fan cover is removed.

And, in case you are thinking of shopping for non-velcro fasteners separately, consider buying from manufacturers that only deliver the foam element. After all, these come at a lower price and are as sturdy as any other.

4. Sound Reduction

Looking for a sound-canceling solution for a commercial office space or a noisy home, which also serves as an attic fan cover? You can now get the best of both worlds with the right product!

When people talk about insulation, it often means blocking out hot air and cool drafts, but not necessarily sound. However, some of these top-notch fan covers are multi-taskers that can block sound from traveling through vents around the house.

5. Smoke And Fire Resistance

Another added function of industrial-grade attic fan covers is that they can efficiently block out smoke, and they are completely fire-resistant.

So, for those who are living in forested areas and are subjected to frequent wildfires, it is recommended that attic fan covers always be kept at hand. After all, these can readily seal up all your vents and prevent hazardous smoke from seeping into the house within minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure the attic fan cover doesn’t come off the velcro fastener?

While most of the fan covers efficiently block out heat and cold drafts, the velcro fastener is something that each product struggles with. However, it is not always the velcro that is the issue. Perhaps by taking some precautions, you can get the most out of your purchase.

As you are attaching, peeling off, and trimming the foam and fasteners of the DIY kit, remember not to touch the parts that have any form of adhesive. In fact, the repeated process of sticking and removing itself may strip off the adhesive properties, so make sure to work gently and always peel off diagonally from the corners.

Moreover, before attaching the velcro fasteners, always use a solution like rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the vent and the foam to remove any dirt and oils. Additionally, you can use a staple gun to pin everything down in place.

2. Should I cover my attic fans during winters?

Attic fan covers are a popular type of equipment that will efficiently "winterize" your house. Needless to say, you should cover your attic fans to not let cold drafts in during winters.

Of course, leaving these fans unsealed throughout the winters will have your family members shivering and turning up the heat more often. This, in turn, leads to a surge in heating bills and power consumption. If not, your attic will become home to ice dams!

My Final Recommendation

Right off the bat, my top pick has to be the M-D Building Products 43251, with the Battic Door Whole House Attic Fan Seal coming in as a close second.

Surely, I have also had great luck keeping my house at a pleasant temperature all year round just by sealing up my attic fans. And, that too, without compromising my power consumption.

On the other hand, some of my friends have used these fan covers to block out smoke, while others use them to block out noise. In each case, they have done the job of insulation well.

It’s time for me to sign off and tend to my garden. Until next time!


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