If the fan has stopped working, you may think you have to call in a repairman, but the job may be simple enough to do yourself.
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Identify the problem. This may sound simple enough, but the way you proceed depends heavily on the source of the problem. Many fans have either motor malfunctions or troubles with a thermostat.
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Diagnose electrical problems with an extension cord. If your fan plugs into a standard outlet, simply bring an extension cord and a small lamp up to the attic with you. Keep the extension cord plugged into another outlet, plug the fan into it and see what happens. If the fan works, then you’ve probably got an electrical problem. Try plugging the lamp into the outlet dedicated to the fan; if it doesn’t work, you’ve identified the problem.
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Check the thermostat. Many attic fans stop working because of a problem with the thermostat. If your fan has an "off/on" switch that can bypass the thermostat, try that and see if the fan turns on. If it does, you’ve found the problem. If it doesn’t have that option, remove the thermostat to see if the fan still functions. Be sure to disconnect any electricity at this point.
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Get the right parts for the job. If you’ve diagnosed a motor or thermostat problem, you should be able to get the parts at your local home improvement center or from the make of the fan.
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Replace the parts. Once you’ve got the parts, you can easily follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the problem part.