How DOES A SOLAR ATTIC FAN WORK AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
How does a solar attic fan work and what are the benefits? I am asked this question more and more. So first off I will repeat what I have been saying for a long time…“If you’re not managing your attic, it is managing you.”
Your attic is mostly known as a space for storing old belongings. However, when properly managed it also plays an essential role in controlling your home’s air flow. When air-flow is constantly controlled it will lower heating and cooling related energy costs and keep mold from developing. A properly ventilated attic will also extend the lifespan of your roof’s shingles, and enhance home comfort year round! If you haven’t given the maintenance of your attic much thought, it may literally be costing you!
Installing a solar attic fan on your roof is one of the most effective ways to optimize attic ventilation. The installation is easy (neither a building permit nor complicated electric work is required) and once it’s installed there’s virtually no maintenance involved.
How does a solar attic fan work and what are the benefits? I am asked this question more and more. So first off I will repeat what I have been saying for a long time…“If you’re not managing your attic, it is managing you.”
Your attic is mostly known as a space for storing old belongings. However, when properly managed it also plays an essential role in controlling your home’s air flow. When air-flow is constantly controlled it will lower heating and cooling related energy costs and keep mold from developing. A properly ventilated attic will also extend the lifespan of your roof’s shingles, and enhance home comfort year round! If you haven’t given the maintenance of your attic much thought, it may literally be costing you!
Installing a solar attic fan on your roof is one of the most effective ways to optimize attic ventilation. The installation is easy (neither a building permit nor complicated electric work is required) and once it’s installed there’s virtually no maintenance involved.
Here’s how Solar Attic Fans work.
A solar attic fan harnesses the power of the sun to run its motor without using electricity. With no electrical source required homeowners can be proud to have a renewable energy source in operation. Solar Attic fans can be installed in just 15 minutes. Once the solar-powered attic fan is up on the roof, the sun works its magic to power the fan! A solar attic fan ideally delivers up to 400 CFM of venting power per 1000 sq. ft. of attic and expels hot air from the attic, quickly replacing it with cooler air from outside.
Solar Attic Fans in the Summer
Without proper ventilation, your attic can reach temperatures of 160 ̊F or above in the summer! This build-up of heat becomes trapped in the insulation and ductwork, potentially damaging roofing materials and increasing the load on your air conditioning system. A solar attic fan continuously exchanges attic air to avoid heat and moisture buildup.
Solar Attic Fans in the Winter
In the winter months, warm air from the living space below rises into the attic space where it comes in contact with the cold underside of your roof. As hot air cools on contact with your roof, it condenses, leading to rot, mildew, and mold; all of which wreak havoc on your roofing materials, damage insulation, and produce exterior cosmetic issues on your roof. In the winter a solar attic fan introduces cool, drier air into the attic space, but keeps the outdoor temperature and the attic temperature as close together as possible. This constant exchange prevents moisture from building up.
Benefits of a Solar Attic Fan
Improved Home Comfort
The constant air exchange regulates the temperature and humidity in the attic, reducing the load on your cooling and heating systems, which in turn improves the comfort of your home. For example, first floor living space temperatures can drop by 10°F after just a few short hours of solar attic fan operation. If the thermostat is set at 75°F to trigger the air-conditioner, the living space will likely not get beyond 72°F.
Reduces Energy Costs
A properly fitted attic (requiring 1 to 3 solar attic fans) will see approximately 3.5 kwh of electricity reduction (air-conditioning load) per cooling day.
Extends Lifespan of Roofing Materials
A solar attic fan is your best defense against mold, mildew, and other contaminants. Solar attic fans push moisture out, keeping the attic dry and reducing the growth of mold and mildew. Less mold and mildew not only improves the air quality of your home, but will also extend the life of roof shingles and trusses which will add up to savings and maintenance in the long run.
If you’re interested to find out how your family’s home can benefit from iSolar’s attic fan technology or would like to become a distributor, please head to www.isolarsolutions.ca today. The iSolar team will be happy to answer your questions, concerns, or provide a free solar assessment.
Watch for an upcoming episode of Island of Bryan on HGTV Canada where we will demonstrate the iSolar Attic Fan!
