Evaluate Your Attics Ventilation
Any solar attic fan that you choose to install has one goal: to take the hot air out of your attic. So, what replaces this hot air then? Most lofts will feature ventilation points typically located at the eaves of your roof. Look for this in the bottom corner of the roof. Make sure your attic has the proper ventilation to take in cool air after the hot air has been transferred outward.
They Can Help You Save Money
Finally, solar powered fans can save you money. The only costs involved are the up-front purchase of the fan and anything regarding installation. Obviously, youll need to do some maintenance, as well, but those costs are pretty low.
Since you dont need electricity to power the fan, you can let them run automatically year-round, keeping your home more comfortable. That means the house will be better heated and cooled, so you dont have to spend as much on electricity bills for air conditioning and heating, which also saves you some dough.
Choosing Your Solar Attic Fan
Attics are important storage areas for most homes, and youll want to regulate temperatures there to protect the items placed there. A solar attic fan can keep your attic ventilated and usable year-round. Plus, adding a solar attic fan can help with cooling your home and reducing your energy costs in the seasons hottest months.
If you are considering a solar attic fan, we can provide the answers you need regarding the benefits to your home. Here at The Solar Guys, we promise to deliver solutions and provide the highest quality products and the best customer service in the business. Contact us today at for a FREE estimate!
Read Also: How To Know If Solar Panels Are Worth It
Overview Of Attic Fan Installation Costs
Depending on the type of unit you choose, its location, the conditions in your attic, and any additional add-ons, you could spend as little as $200 or as much as $1,200 on your attic fan installation. However, most homeowners can expect to spend between $300 and $800 to have an attic fan installed. The process first involves choosing the type of attic fan you want, whether it be a roof-mounted model, gable-mounted model, or solar-powered.
The unit that you choose, as well as the conditions in your home, will determine whether or not the project requires the expertise of more than one professional. With that said, the following are all the factors included in the final cost of your attic fan installation.
How Do I Calculate The Size Of My Attic
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Zamp Solar Panels
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.
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.
Recommended Reading: Is Solid State Drive Better
You May Like: How Much Does A Solar Salesman Make
Install A Whole House Attic Fan
To many homeowners, the best way to bring down the temperature in the house is to use a whole house fan. Everyone knows that the cost of running the air conditioners can be quite high and the pressure of paying your electric bills can also be high especially during the hot season. The attic fan, on the other hand, can save you a lot of money since the attic fan cost of operating it is much lesser.
You might think that you can save in the long run but you have to invest a lot more now, but this is a very wrong common assumption. In fact, the installation of the whole house attic fan is affordable to most families. The whole attic fan cost price ranges from about $200 to $1000, depending on the different models. This is also why you should always consider some important factors like the size of your house before you make a decision on the model.
The relationship between the size of your house and the type of fan is that if you have a larger house, you will need a better and higher price fan to effectively cool down you entire house. There are also some cases when you need two fans instead of one.
Cost To Install Attic Fan By Location
The cost to install attic fans ranges from $75 to $1,000, depending on location and type. Three locations can be used for fan installations: roof, ridgeline, and gable. Depending on the location, the installation can be easier and cheaper or more complicated, requiring more materials and labor. Gable is the easiest installation. Ridge vent and roof mounted installations are more complicated and costlier. Typically, roof and ridge vent fans installations go right through the roof and are installed when you have your roof reshingled to create a good seal. All are available in various types.
| Fan Location |
|---|
| $300 – $1,000 |
Recommended Reading: What To Know About Solar Panels
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.
Amtrak Solars Powerful 40
Amtraks gable mounted fan is a great choice for those who have an existing gable vent or those who own greenhouses or RVs. This unit comes with a 14-inch fan housing plus a 10-inch high efficiency fan blade that is connected to a thermal protected fan motor. This sun powered fan is made in the USA and is guaranteed to last for at least thirty years.
Its 40-watt crystalline solar cell starts working as soon as it is hit by the suns rays, and the fan runs all day, every day. Another amazing thing about this particular solar attic gable fan is that the installation can be completed without the help of an electrician. That is how simple it is to install!
Pros
Read Also: Can An Llc Be Considered A Sole Proprietorship
Don’t Miss: When Do Babies Eat Solid Food
Overview Of Attic Ventilation Fans
Powered and non-powered attic ventilation fans are commonly installed in the attics of homes in warmer climates where attic temps can reach to 130 degrees or more on a 90 degree day. When combined with adequate fresh air to allow outside air to enter the attic through the gables or soffit, powered attic fans can reduce the temperature in your attic and reduce the workload on your home HVAC system. For reference, attic vent fans are not the same as ceiling fans, which mount to your ceiling in a room and circulate the room air. Nor are the the same as whole house fans, which install in a ceiling, and vent the heat from the living area into the attic of a home.
Note that there has been a goodbit of discussion on whether or not attic fans are good or bad, by people much more knowledgeable than me on the subject. A lot of that depends on your home construction, how tightly your attic is sealed from the living space, and how well your attic is already ventilated. Proper attic fan installation and more-than-adequate fresh air supply also play a big role. This is a difficult thing to know as a homeowner and it may be worth your time to talk to a HVAC company first, and get their opinion. The state of Georgia has gone as far as prohibiting grid powered fans completely, and the only type you can install are natural vents, turbine style vents or solar powered attic fans.
Are Solar Attic Fans Worth It
Yes, solar attic fans are worth. According to SolarEnergy, solar attic fans remove hot air from your attic which allows your A/C to put out cooler air, makes your roof last longer, and makes your home more comfortable. According to HGTV, Solar powered fans can make a real difference if you regularly use the space adjacent to your attic.
Don’t Miss: When Will Solar Panels Be Affordable
Consider Size And Weight
A bigger fan, with a larger coverage area, will almost always be larger and heavier, although this also depends on the design materials for example, the small 1,280 CFM fan from Brightwatts weighs 28 pounds compared to the 34.5-pound 1,750 CFM fan from GBGS. Size can be important if you have limited space in your attic or a small entryway, since you need to be able to get the unassembled fan into the attic and have the blades rotate without obstructions.
Which Is Better: Whole House Or Attic Fans
Whether a whole house or attic style is better for you will depend on a variety of factors. For example, attic fans will not raise home value but they are cheaper to purchase and install, while whole house are more expensive and can raise your home value. Also, whole house styles depend on a lower outside air temperature, while the attic styles can work with high temperatures.
You May Like: Is Dba Same As Sole Proprietorship
Should I Hire A Professional Attic Fan Installer
Homeowners with the right experience, skills, tools, and time to do the job can opt for a DIY passive attic fan installation. However, we strongly advise shelling out on professional labor costs to ensure the installation is done correctly and safely.
There is no need to put yourself at risk of danger when a professional can do it for you flawlessly. Installing an attic fan is not a beginner-friendly project. Even trained professionals take some time to set up these fans right where they belong.
Should you plan to install an electric-powered fan, you will be required to consult an electrician for proper electrical installation and wiring. It is something you will need to consider an investment as it guarantees the safety of all the occupants in your home.
Kubiza Malini Ukufaka I
Babiza malini abalandeli be-attic power power powered solar?
Kube nokwamukelwa okuqhubekayo kwemithombo yamandla avuselelekayo ezinhlobonhlobo zezindawo zokuhlala. Lokhu kubonakala kubalandeli be-solar attic. Ngalezi zinhlobo zabalandeli, kusetshenziswa amandla amancane okubuye kwehlise izindleko zakho zanyanga zonke zamandla.
Okubaluleke nakakhulu, i-attic yakho ihlala ipholile phakathi nezinsuku ezishisayo zasehlobo.
Also Check: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In San Antonio
What Are The Best Solar Attic Fans
Although there are plenty of good options to choose from, the Solaro Aire and the Yellowblue Solar Fan are two of the best solar attic fans. Both are USA-made, and Solaro products come with a 25-year warranty, while Yellowblue fans come with a limited lifetime warranty. You really cant go wrong with either one.
Ready to improve your attics ventilation by installing one of these brilliant fans? Get a free attic inspection and solar attic fan quote.
How Do Solar Attic Vent Fans Work
Solar attic vent fans run on power from the sun and pull superheated air out of your attic to be replaced by cooler outside air. This reduces the amount of work your HVAC system has to do to cool your upstairs living area. This can prolong the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and is a great alternative to replacing your air conditioning unit
This solution is much more effective than relying on small passive vents at moving air to expel heat and moisture. A hot attic acts like a giant radiator, transferring heat into your living spaces, sending both utility bills and temperatures soaring. Not only does an attic fan save you money through the use of solar power, but it also takes a bite out of electric bills because it regulates the temperature within your attic improving the efficiency of your AC unit.
You May Like: How To Become A Sole Proprietor In Illinois
Solar Powered Attic Ventilation Fans
Yu and Moore have done research on the performance of the SPAVFs.
This experiment was done in a ranch-style house in Boone, North Carolina in the USA. The attic was around 1440 square feet of area. In this experiment, two situations were considered mainly.
In the research experiment, they have built a solar-powered attic ventilation fan with the following specifications.
- Power: 30W
- Maximum airflow: 1550 cubic feet per minute
- Solar panel capacity: 30W
- Fan blade: 12 inches
- Base flashing: 24-inch x 24-inch
In this experiment, under similar conditions, they have taken the solar irradiance readings, ambient temperature, and attic temperature readings for the given two situations above.
It was shown in the results that the attic temperature reduced from 3.90C to 140C after the introduction of SPAVF. Therefore, it is crystal clear that solar-powered attic ventilation fans also have the same effect on the attic temperature as the normal grid-tied attic fans.
Now we know that the effect of SPAVF and the grid-tied attic fan on the attic temperature is the same, lets see why SPAVF is a step ahead of the grid-tied attic fan.
The main difference between the grid-tied attic fans and SPAVFs is that the SPAVF is not connected to the grid. It does not use power from the mains to power the fan motor. Instead, it uses electrical energy produced by solar panels connected to it.
- Stainless steel screws
Solar Attic Fan Reviews
Even though electric attic fans can lower your air conditioning costs, they cost more money to run than what they save you. Meanwhile, solar attic fans are free to run, lower your electric bills, and have few costs beyond purchase and installation.
Here are some more benefits of getting a solar attic fan:
- Easy to install: A homeowner can install a solar attic fan in about an hour. A professional can do it in about 30 minutes, according to US Sunlight, who manufactures solar attic fans.
- Extend the life of your roof: When warm, moist air from your home collides with a cold roof during the winter months, it can cause condensation. Without proper venting, this moisture builds up, causing mold and mildew.
- Quiet: A solar attic fan is so quiet, you likely wont ever be able to hear it.
Just as solar attic fans have many benefits, they also have drawbacks. Whether these downsides count as deal breakers depends on why youre considering a solar appliance.
Here are some potential pitfalls of solar attic fans:
You May Like: Will Pine Sol Kill Fleas On Dogs
Is A Solar Or Electric Fan Better
When asking, Which is better? between a solar or electric fan, the answer depends on the situation, as there are pros and cons to each.
Solar attic fans are usually better than electric attic fans because theyre quieter, costs nothing to run, and they dont pull cold air away from your air-conditioned house.
On the other hand, electric attic fans dont require sunlight to work properly but demand energy from your grid to function.
