Anatomy Of Attic Heat
Imagine yourself laying in the sun on a beach in Cancun. All is good for about 5 minutes then you start to feel hot. You go and get a big fan and set it up to blow air over you. Ah, feels better for about another 5 minutes. Soon even the blowing air feels hot, so you exchange the fan for an air conditioner and let that blow cold air on you. Feels great now so you stay out in the sun till you notice that your skin is red and blistered and burned to a crisp.
What happened? You got zapped by UV rays, a form of invisible radiant heat! Its why you can still get a terrible sunburn even on a cold or cloudy day. Radiant heat zips right through cold air without any affect and cooks your skin. So, what does that have to do with your house?
The roof structure of your home is like your skin. Radiation from the sun heats the surface of the roof. From there, the entire mass of the roof warms up through conduction. Soon the roofs structural mass is so hot that it will radiate heat on its own . This radiant heat passes down through the attic space and hits the material on the surface of the ceiling structure . Very quickly the entire mass of the ceiling structure also becomes a giant heat radiator. This heat moves back up towards the roof again and will continue to radiate heat well after the sun goes down. If your ceiling is not sealed airtight and extremely well-insulated, much of this heat is going to radiate downward into your home too.
I Had Two Attic Breeze Fans Installed Last Summer By Your Dealer Here In The Bay Area I Was Very Impressed With The Reduction In My Electricity Bills However This Year The Fans Do Not Appear To Be Running Even Though It Is 70f Outside So Im Wondering If They Are Operating Properly
Based on our warranty records, we see that your solar attic fans have our thermal switch control option included. Please note that this control option is a mechanical thermal switch which operates in a nominal range of 65°-75°F. This basically means that the switch has a temperature range where it can either open or close. Unlike a thermostat that you may use in your home with a defined temperature setting, a thermal switch has a much more course range of operation. So no worries, your fans will start working as soon as it gets a little hotter outside.
People Also Asked About Solar Attic Fan
Are there any benefits of solar attic fans?
There are countless benefits of solar attic fans. Firstly, they are eco-friendly and therefore dont harm the environment. Plus, there are solar-powered, which means it eases the pressure on your electricity bills.
Moreover, they are easy to install and free from complex wiring.
How can I install these fans?
The instruction manual always comes packing with the product. Read the annual and follow the instructions.
However, if you still dont get it, search about it on YouTube hundreds of tutorials are available. Or, you can also call an expert.
However, installing these fans is not that difficult. Anyone with a little bit of electric knowledge can install it.
Are solar attic fans worth the need?
Yes, as discussed above, solar panels will help you a long way. They will not only keep your attic cool, but they will also clean the environment and protect your roofs.
Which Solar attic fans are the best?
All the solar attic fans which we have reviewed are some of the best in the business. You can buy any of them, and you will regret a single bit on your decision.
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Can You Run A Ceiling Fan On Solar Power
Solar powered ceiling fans are motorized to produce enough power to get the hot air out of the room. They’re easy to install and set up because they don’t require you to change the electrical wiring of your attic or interfere with the structural design. You can just hook it up with any electrical source of your choice.
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Looking At The Solar Attic Fan
Usually Im all about solar gear right off the bat. While my research and talking to several local solar installation companies has convinced me there are times where a solar attic fan could be a good option.
That said, these are much more situational as an option than most solar. This means that its not always the slam dunk that the decision might be for other types of solar improvements.
To decide if its the best option for you, its important to look at your specific situation and decide whether its the best fit for you are not. Once you look at the pros and cans of solar attic fans, as well as your particular situation, you will then know whether or not these are a good home or office improvement for you.
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Keep The Solar Panel Clean
Dust and pollen might accumulate on the solar panel. The unclear glass might reduce the area exposed to the suns rays, lowering the solar attic vents ability to operate at 100% efficiency.
Cleaning the surface of the solar panel is straightforward. Wipe with a damp towel until its clean. The wet towel should clean anything thats stuck on the surface.
There isnt a specific rule as to how many times you should clean. Still, you will clean more frequently if your area has plenty of dust.
How Do I Calculate The Size Of My Attic
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Does A Solar Attic Fan Save Money
In the past, attic fans were always hardwired into the home and powered by electricity. Many homeowners saw that, while the attic fan may have been saving them some money, those savings were being erased by the cost of installing and operating the fan.
Luckily thats no longer an issue with the Solatube Solar-Powered Attic Fan, which runs not on your homes electrical system but on free and abundant natural sunlight.
Even as it keeps your attic cool and dry, the Solatube Solar-Powered Attic Fan requires no hands-on operation or maintenance. In fact, because of its whisper-quiet operation its likely that youll never even notice its running!
For one thing, Solar Star has been designed and manufactured to resist everything nature might throw its way, from wind and rain to snow and hail. Its power sourcea series of small photovoltaic panelsis located right on the exterior cap of the fan. Made of durable composite, the cap reliably shields the more vulnerable components, ensuring powerful ventilation year-round. The brushless motor and lightweight, non-corrosive fan blades work in concert to keep the operating noise level down to a whisper.
Solar Star becomes even more effective with its add-ons. One such option is a thermal switch that automatically activates the fan once the attic temperature reaches a certain threshold.
Attic Ventilation Comes In Many Forms Here We Take A Look At Attic Fans And Why Theyre Useful
Ventilation is important everywhere, even in the attic. Fans are one way to improve attic ventilation. They help homes stay cool in steamy summers, and even prevent ice dams in frigid winters. Heres how to decide if an attic fan is right for your home.
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Understanding The Effects Of Heat And Humidity On Your Home
With 90° plus temperatures and sticky humidity, Florida residents often escape to the inside of their homes and air-conditioned comfort. For those whose homes arent properly insulated, or have no air conditioning, what happens? Well, attics trap solar heat, which then readily transfers to living spaces, forcing those with air conditioning to adjust the thermostat down, which in turn causes utility bills to go up.
Without proper ventilation and air exchange, trapped Florida humidity can damage insulation, deteriorate your roof, cause fungal decay, and delaminate plywood. Attic ventilation in the form of a solar attic fan can help, and since it is powered by the sun, you wont use additional electricity. In result, solar attic fans remove excess heat from your home.
Saving Your Precious Time
The most important benefit of online shopping is its convenience. You can order anything anytime without waiting in lines or asking help from the shop assistants to find you things.
This would save you time and also your physical hardships. No more carrying heavy shopping bags all the way from the market to your home.
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Solar Attic Fans Can Draw Cool Air Through The Ceiling Of Your House
One drawback to using a solar attic fan is that you will need to have an airtight seal between your home and your attic to prevent the fan from drawing cool air up through gaps in your ceiling into the attic. This could put a major strain on your HVAC system as it tries to cool your home and the attic.
The good news is that our team at Solar Bear Orlando offers spray foam insulation to combat this exact problem!
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How Does It Work
Like all solar products, the solar attic fan runs on solar energy. Solar attic fans basically act as the gateway between cool air and warm air and thus, help in regulating the temperature inside your home.
The solar attic fan runs on two essential components: the solar panel and its fan.
The solar panels are responsible for collecting solar energy. The size of the panel depends on the model one bought. The size and capacity of your home is also a factor to consider.
The fan inside the solar attic fan is in charge of the actual ventilation. The fans speed varies depending on the solar energy it got.
The solar attic fan can be used in all climates, especially during summer and winter months.
In summer, attics can usually reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter due to constant solar exposure. This heat then disperses around your home, resulting into an overworked air conditioner and higher electrical bills.
A solar attic works by exchanging the warm air inside with the cold air outside. Little by little, the living space can get cooler, resulting into reduced electricity consumption.
In winter times, there are tendencies for moisture to build-up as well when the warm air inside your home meets with the cold underside of the roof. Moisture breeds molds, which can damage your home.
The solar attic solves this problem by exchanging the warm air inside for the cold air inside. This way, you will have a drier roof and attic.
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Although The Process Of Installing These Solar Attic Fans Takes Less Than 20 Minutes You Need To Hire A Professional Technician To Help You With The Process Since The Fans Are Installed On Rooftops And Require You To Cut Holes In Your Roof A Professional Must Be Present To Avoid Damaging Any Important Parts Of The House For The Process Of Successful Installation Of Solar Fans The Following Steps Must Be Followed:
How Solar Vents Work
No matter the size of your attic space, airflow is essential during hot and cold times of the year. Even in winter, heat rises and fills your attics, causing roof surfaces to heat up. The warmer roof will melt snow and cause it to form ice dams. This is bad for your roof and can lead to leaks.
A properly ventilated attic prevents the dreaded heat buildup. Another problem with over-heated attics is high energy bills. When your attic gets too hot, it triggers air cooling systems to run more than they should, leading to higher utility bills.
Roof vents work by pushing hot air out of your attic, lowering both the temperature and relative humidity in your attic space. Running a solar-powered roof vent instead of passive air vents circulates the air more efficiently, which helps cool your entire home during hot weather. It also helps to prevent problems associated with humid air buildups, such as mold and rot.
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You Must Earth The Solar Attic Fan
Some parts of a solar attic fan are made of metals so that they can conduct external electricity. Since the installation will be on or close to your roof, the solar attic fans may get struck by lightning. If this happens, they most probably will get damaged. To avoid this, ensure the solar attic fans come with a grounding or earthing wire and connect this wire correctly.
Earthing your solar attic fan is pretty straightforward but very vital.
Do Solar Attic Fans Really Work
First, lets start off by answering the basic question, What do solar attic fans do for my home? Solar attic fans are used to help regulate the temperature in your attic by safely and efficiently ventilating the space and ultimately leaving your home more comfortable.
Solar attic fans are gaining in popularity to help homeowners improve their homes efficiency, save on their electricity bill, and live more comfortably. But do they really work?
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Electrically Powered Roof Fans
Mains-connected attic roof fans are cheaper than solar-powered units. But they incur electricity usage costs, so you need to decide if the price of cooling your attic is justified by the savings from reduced aircon usage downstairs in your house.
Solar attic fans dont have this problem. A good compromise option is a hybrid solar fan that uses solar power when available and then switches to the main supply on the, hopefully, rare occasions when thats required.
How Does A Solar Attic Fan Work
Just like every other solar powered device out there, a solar attic fan operates by collecting energy from the sun through the use of solar cells or photovoltaic panels. These panels absorb the suns energy, and the said energy is then converted into electricity, which powers up the fan. Simple, right?
It works like this as the panels continuously collect solar energy to turn the fan on, the fan starts to rotate and pushes warm air out of the attic and exchanges it for cooler air from the outside. This process is extremely helpful during colder and warmer months. In summer when the heat can be unbearable, an air conditioner can become overworked as it tries to counteract the sweltering temperature.
In winter, moisture tends to set in and build up as the cold air outdoors meets the warmer temperature indoors. The issue with moisture is that it causes mold and mildew that can damage your home over time. But with the proper ventilation that an attic fan can provide, all these problems can be prevented by exchanging warm for cold air or vice versa whenever it is necessary.
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Not The Best Pure Cooling Option
If your goal is straight up dropping the temperature to make an attic office more comfortable or an attic room rentable, then there are better options than adding an attic fan.
Adding insulation, opening air flow from a central air conditioner, or even adding a portable air conditioner in the room are all options that will likely produce better options.
Can an attic fan be used in conjunction with any of these methods to make things better?
Sure. But if a dramatic temperature drop is your main goal you may be disappointed with the results here.
