The old fans earned their reputation. Newer remote mounted designs are much quieter. Here are the numbers for every CentricAir and QA-Deluxe model, and what keeps a fan quiet.
A modern whole house fan does not have to be loud. CentricAir lists its whole house fans at 47 to 49 dBA on high and 45 to 47 dBA on low. QA-Deluxe models are listed at 51 dBA on high and 49 dBA on low. For comparison, the World Health Organization puts a library at about 40 dB and normal conversation at about 60 dB. Installation matters too: CentricAir says the duct should form a 90 degree bend and the fan should not touch a joist.
If you grew up with a whole house fan, you may remember a big blade in the hallway ceiling that rattled the house. That design is still sold, but many newer fans hang the motor in the attic and connect it to the ceiling with flexible, sound absorbing duct. The motor is no longer right above your head, and the difference is easy to hear.
How loud is a whole house fan in decibels?
CentricAir models are listed at 45 to 49 dBA, QA-Deluxe models at 49 to 51 dBA.
| Model | High speed | Low speed | Airflow (high) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CentricAir 1.5 | 47 dBA | 45 dBA | 1,263 CFM |
| CentricAir 2.0 | 48 dBA | 47 dBA | 1,918 CFM |
| CentricAir 2.7 | 49 dBA | 47 dBA | 2,709 CFM |
| CentricAir 3.4 | 49 dBA | 47 dBA | 3,242 CFM |
| CentricAir 4.0 | 49 dBA | 47 dBA | 3,921 CFM |
| CentricAir 4.0 ECM | 49 dBA | 47 dBA | 4,146 CFM |
| QA-Deluxe 3300, 4800, 5500, 6500 | 51 dBA | 49 dBA | 2,425 to 4,478 CFM |
Ratings from each product page on centricair.com, September 30, 2026. The pages do not state the measurement distance, so compare these numbers with each other rather than with other brands’ ratings.
What does 49 dBA sound like?
Between a quiet library and a normal conversation.
The World Health Organization lists a soft whisper at about 30 dB, a library at about 40 dB and normal conversation at about 60 dB. Decibels are logarithmic, so every 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud to most people. A fan rated in the high 40s sits closer to the library than to a conversation.
Why are some whole house fans loud?
Where the motor sits, and how it is installed.
- Motor in the ceiling. Direct mount fans put the motor and blade right in the ceiling opening, so the noise comes straight into the hallway.
- Vibration. CentricAir’s install guide says the fan cannot touch a joist. Contact with framing carries vibration into the house.
- Straight duct. CentricAir says the duct should form a 90 degree bend for optimal sound.
- Starved airflow. Too few open windows or too little attic vent area makes any fan work harder and louder.
How do you make a whole house fan quieter?
Run it on low, open more windows, and check the install.
- Use low speed overnight.Every CentricAir model is listed 1 to 2 dBA quieter on low.
- Open more windows.Building America recommends about 4 square feet of open window per 1,000 CFM.
- Check the fan mount.Make sure the fan is not touching a joist and has 4 feet clear in front, as CentricAir’s video specifies.
- Check the duct.It should be supported with straps and form a 90 degree bend, not a tight straight run.
- Check attic vents.Each CentricAir model lists its required net free vent area, from 1.75 to 5.5 square feet.
Does the motor make a difference?
Yes. A balanced, well built motor runs smoother.
CentricAir uses a German engineered fan motor in its whole house fans. This short video shows what is inside.
Every CentricAir model is listed at 49 dBA or less on high.
Watch more from CentricAir
More videos from the CentricAir YouTube channel. Click any video to play it right here, or subscribe for new installs, tips and product walkthroughs.
Frequently asked questions
How loud is a whole house fan?
CentricAir lists its models at 45 to 49 dBA, and QA-Deluxe models at 49 to 51 dBA. For reference, the World Health Organization puts a library at about 40 dB and normal conversation at about 60 dB.
What is the quietest whole house fan?
Among CentricAir and QA-Deluxe models, the CentricAir 1.5 has the lowest listed rating, 47 dBA on high and 45 dBA on low.
Can you sleep with a whole house fan running?
Many people do, especially on low speed. CentricAir’s models are listed at 45 to 47 dBA on low. Remote mounted fans keep the motor in the attic, away from the bedrooms.
Why is my whole house fan so loud?
Common causes are a fan touching a joist, a duct pulled straight instead of bent, too little attic vent area, or too few open windows. CentricAir’s install guide addresses the first two.
Keep reading
Sources
- CentricAir 1.5, 2.0, 2.7, 3.4, 4.0 and 4.0 ECM product pages (specifications tab), centricair.com, accessed Sept. 30, 2026.
- QA-Deluxe 3300 (PSC), 4800 (ECM), 5500 (PSC) and 6500 (PSC) product pages, accessed Sept. 2026.
- World Health Organization, Deafness and hearing loss: Safe listening, March 6, 2026.
- CentricAir, CentricAir and QA-Deluxe Whole House Fan Installation Video, YouTube, May 12, 2015.
- U.S. Department of Energy, Building America Solution Center (PNNL), Whole-House Fans, updated Sept. 29, 2022.