Product Idea - Feedback Needed

[JasonR]

A guy I know came to me with this idea - he built one for his own home. I did some research, and not much exists on the market, but I'm not sure it's enough to build a solid business around (or, potentially, license the idea).

The problem: Whole House fans offer little to no R-value (i.e. no insulation). However, whole house fans do wonders for cooling your house. Your attic and its insulation is a big factor in our cold or warm your house stays. Smud/PGE does NOT give any sort of credits when buying a whole house fan because of the lack of R-Value.

The Solution: An insulated box, in the attic, surrounding the whole-house-fan. The box has flaps, which open due to the forced induction of the whole house fan (made of foam). There are no mechanical hinges or motors to break. The hinges are made out of a non-conducting material. When the fan is shut off, the doors close automatically sealing off the attic. There is a stop to prevent the doors from opening too wide, and not shutting on their own. They can be retrofitted for existing fans, and can be sold with new fans.

I've attached photos, but they're very rough mock ups of a working product. Perhaps, with some persuasion, SMUD and PG&E would give energy/tax credits for those who install the boxes. The closest things I could find on the market are really expensive, small whole house fans with motorized, insulated doors. The product here is relatively cheap. Prototype is built, and it works. Thoughts? Bad idea? Something to investigate further, and test the market?

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

I'm confused on the whole concept due to not being familiar with home construction, or what goes on in an attic.

I know Costco used to offer "attic cooling fans" that seemed to be a big hit as they advertised potential energy savings.

My mother bought one.

Obviously, homeowner knowledge on what these do would be a fairly large challenge.

 

[JasonR]

Thanks for the response, and I think you're right.

I have no idea how many people have whole house fans, if they are actually used, and how big of the lack of insulation problems are.

 

[1PercentStreet]

Thanks for the response, and I think you're right.

I have no idea how many people have whole house fans, if they are actually used, and how big of the lack of insulation problems are.

Perhaps offering it as a energy saving item. I think these would sell if you did webinars and seminars describing(selling) it.

 

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[JasonR]

I envision licensing these to one of the top whole house fan manufacturer's. But yes, I think the problem is educating consumers as to why they would be valuable. But, if it doesn't appear to be a good enough product, I don't want to spend the time on it. However, getting a provisional patent and trying to license it would be a good test to see if it's marketable and fastlane.

Edit: It's so simple, I'm shocked no one else has done this before.