The fan is in the attic, vent is located near the top of the steps. Open a few windows downstairs and it's sucks the outside air inside, pushing the hot air up and into the attic. With the right attic ventilation it will push the hot air into and out of the attic. Cooling the house and eventually the attic as well. I didn't expect it to work so well, sort of a hard to believe deal, but our neighbors have one, so I got to see it in action before I bought one.