Solar Powered Attic Fans and Vents
If you have an attic and you are keen on using renewable energy as much as possible, then you should look into buying an attic fan or vent. Besides being eco friendly, one of the major benefits of using solar power is that fact that the energy is taken from the sun so this negates the need for wiring. Any electrical work you have done can end up being quite expensive if you have a professional in to do the work plus working in an attic or on top of your roof can be pretty awkward, not to mention potentially dangerous.
Why Do You Need a Solar Attic Fan or Vent?
Some attics can suffer from moisture problems so using a fan can really help with this. Your solar powered attic fan will work automatically because it get its energy from the sun so there is very little effort required to install it. They also need very little in the way of maintenance because they are very simple units with no overly complex parts.
Basements aren’t the only room in the home prone to moisture and damp problems. Attics can also be a source of unwanted excess moisture. If left unattended you can end up with awful mold and damp problems which can have a very bad affect on your home’s structure not to mention your health.
You should already know that hot air rises, so during a hot day, the heat accumulates in your home and then rises up to your attic. Because the heat has nowhere to go it is trapped in your attic making it a very hot place indeed. This heat combined with damp provides the perfect breeding ground for mold as they love warm, damp conditions. The mold will also feed on organic materials such as wood which is certainly not something you want.
Even if you live somewhere that enjoys a temperate climate, you will find that there are usually at least a few days of the year where there is a heat wave. If you already have air conditioning installed you may find it just about bearable however if you don’t you will feel that you are melting like a candle. Using air conditioning units and cooling fans can cost a lot of money on electricity and with energy costs going up all the time, finding other types of power such as solar can be very rewarding in more ways than one.
Attics can be the hottest part of the house, especially if it’s not well insulated. During hot summer months you can feel as if you’ve just stepped into a blazing furnace. One of the best ways to combat this problem is to have an attic fan take warm air in your attic outside.
Many people who don’t have an attic fan avoid buying one because they think it will be difficult or expensive to have installed. This is where solar power comes in. With solar power you don’t have to bother with wires or electrical safety worries. All you need is the most basic of DIY skills so there’s no excuse to not having a solar attic fan installed.
How Do They Work?
Both attic fans and gable ventilators work in pretty much the same way in that a solar panel is placed onto the roof. The solar panel takes the energy from the sun and stores it in a battery for powering the fan or vent day or night. Normally you will find that the fan and vent are packaged up together. Installation is pretty simply but you find that placing the solar panel on the roof is the most tricky part.
If you are used to doing some DIY then you should find this process straight forward, however if you don’t have a clue then having a local tradesperson up is the best option. Once you have your solar panel on the roof you just connect the fan or ventilator to the leads that are connected to the solar panel.
If you decide to go and install the unit yourself all you have to do is follow the instructions that will come with your solar attic fan or vent. Make sure that you buy one which is adequate for the size of attic and should be able to remove excess heat and moisture properly. Also look out for a unit which has an inbuilt thermostat as this will allow the fan or ventilator to switch on an off when needed.
Not only will solar attic fans and vents help reduce your need for air conditioning in your home, thus reducing energy costs, it will also help protect your roof. If you have just gone to the expense of having a new roof installed and your find that the shingles are curling or causing leaks, the company will come out and inspect your roof as part of their guarantee. They will take a shingle away with them to examine it under the microscope and if they find that the damage is caused by poor attic ventialltion this can make your guarantee null and void. So having a fan or vent installed can prevent you from having to have a whole new roof installed! Solar attic fans and vents only cost about $300 - $500 so it will certainly pay for itself.
So, whether you simply just want a more comfortable attic to be in during hot weather or want to protect the health of your home and family, having a solar attic ventilation system installed is a very wise choice and you will be glad you made that decision. Not only are solar powered units better for the environment, you will also have the benefit of easy installation and lowered energy bills.
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March 5th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
[...] Solar Powered Attic Fans and Vents [...]
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
as i said about the bird fountains, the more appliances and household items we can run on solar power the better
May 20th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Our roof was very hot last summer. I had no idea that solar ventallation was needed. This is certainly very helpful advice.