If you’re looking to ensure that your attic stays well ventilated, a solar attic fan is an excellent solution. Not only do they adequately remove hot air from the attic space and allow it to fill up with cool air, but they also run without the use of electricity, saving you money on your utility bill.
Full Answer
Are solar attic fans worth it?
Solar attic fans are a contentious issue. Some people claim they offer considerable energy savings and other benefits. Others aren’t so sure, pointing out drawbacks and questioning whether installing this technology in your home is a justifiable investment.
Do attic fans really work?
Yes, absolutely attic fans really work and can make a huge difference! They can provide a cooling effect that reduces temperature significantly in your house. Attic fans really work because their design and purpose are crucial to the temperature of any home.
How much does solar attic fan installation cost?
Solar attic fans cost $300 to $1,000 to install. While this is pricier than many other attic fans, solar models are super efficient because they use the sun's energy instead of electricity. A solar attic fan pays for itself very quickly in energy savings. A dual powered attic fan costs between $300 and $1,000.
Do attic fans really help?
Do Attic Fans Really Help to Cool A Room? Yes, Attic fans can make a difference. They can provide a cooling effect that reduces temperature significantl y in your house. Using the simple physics principle of air circulation, it can draw in cool air while letting out the warm air. It will offer you more benefits that include: 1.
Criticisms
Alternatives
The Verdict
Does solar attic fan really work?
The results were just as I expected. The solar attic fans all moved less than 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) and they did nothing to lower the temperature inside my own attic. The infrared rays from the sun are powerful. They can elevate your roof temperature above 160 F.
Are solar powered attic vents worth it?
A solar roof vent can help you cut energy bills by as much as 30 percent. These cost-effective, environmentally-friendly fixtures are a smart way to keep the attic temperatures at optimal levels. And since they're solar-powered, they utilize free energy helping you save money all year round.
Do solar attic fans help cool your house?
Solar attic fans help with cooling houses during summer but they are also useful in the colder months. During the winter, warm air from inside the house interacts with the cold underside of the roof. Moisture builds up and can cause damage to the insulation and structural materials.
Are solar powered roof vents good?
Installation of a solar fan in an attic can provide better circulation. "It's really more about comfort," says Danny. "Solar powered fans can make a real difference if you regularly use the space adjacent to your attic. I also use a gable-end fan above my garage that makes the space noticeably cooler."
Is solar or electric attic fan better?
Electric attic fans are more powerful and cheaper than solar attic fans, but they consume a lot of power. If you do choose to use an electric attic fan, consider one with a thermostat (an almost standard feature) and set it for 130ºF or above. This will reduce electricity consumption…
Are solar attic fans noisy?
Attic fans are great machines that can bring some refreshment by blowing out hot air. Even though we all enjoy attic fans, they are mechanical devices and sometimes they can be quite noisy and annoying. So, if you are an attic fan lover, you should be prepared for some extra noise in your home.
Where should a solar attic fan be installed?
0:405:48How to Install an Attic Solar Fan & Save Money on Your Energy BillsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipComing down a little bit from the peak of the roof. Now in order to reference this spot up on theMoreComing down a little bit from the peak of the roof. Now in order to reference this spot up on the roof.
How much does it cost to have a solar attic fan installed?
A single fan typically costs $300 to $600 plus an extra $100 to $150 each for installation. “ Wall mounted solar attic fans cost about $660 with average prices raning from $550 to $770 in the US for 2020, including the price of installation.
What are the pros and cons of an attic fan?
There are numerous advantages to installing an attic fan, but below are the most important benefits...Asphalt Roof Protection. ... A Cooler House. ... Stop Mold Growth. ... Eliminate Ice Damming. ... Carbon Monoxide Risk. ... May Increase Energy Costs. ... Roof Leak Risk.
How long does a solar roof fan last?
Solar attic fans last around 20 years long on average, in our experience, as that's what a typical solar panel will last for (5). However, some units from manufacturers like Remington Solar can last for much longer. They offer a lifelong warranty on their solar attic fans' parts (labor not included) (6).
Are solar attic fans tax deductible?
The Federal tax credit for solar attic fans has been extended through 2021. The Solar Powered Attic Fan is eligible for a 30% (up to $1,500) credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax.
Do solar panels make attic cooler?
And there are even more benefits as well: solar panels have been shown to keep your roof cool by providing shade during daylight as well as warmth at night by helping hold heat in.
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 att...
How Many Solar Attic Fans Do I Need?
The number of solar attic fans you need will depend on your attic's temperature and size, along with your roof's slope. Every case is different, bu...
How Long Do Solar Attic Fans Last?
Solar attic fans last around 20 years long on average, in our experience, as that's what a typical solar panel will last for (5). However, some uni...
What is a solar attic fan?
A solar attic fan is an active ventilation system that is typically installed on the roof of an attic. These types of fans use solar panels to coll...
How to size a solar attic fan?
To determine what size solar attic fan(s) you need for your attic, you first need to know the size of your attic in square feet.To determine the si...
What is CFM?
CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, determines the amount of air that a fan can move while operating at the highest speed. The larger the attic, the hig...
What is the best solar attic fan?
The best solar attic fans are typically Made in the USA and come with a minimum of a 25-year warranty. Our choice for the best solar attic fan is t...
Is there a tax credit for solar attic fans?
Solar powered attic fans are eligible for a 26% Federal Tax Credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax. Additional incenti...
Do solar attic fans work on cloudy days?
Yes. Ordinary daylight is all that’s required. As long as the product is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured by hedges or under a roof o...
How much does it cost to have more than one solar fan in your attic?
So, if you are getting two, for instance, your total expenses may shoot up to $750 to $1500. Then in some jurisdictions, you might incur some extra costs due to the rules.
How high can a solar attic fan be?
Solar attic fans usually have CFM ratings up to 1200 CFM. But a traditional attic fan such as an electric attic fan can have a rating as high as 1600 CFM. This means that solar attic fans cannot push air out of the attic, and electric attic fans can.
Is a Solar or Electric Attic Fan Better?
The better choice between solar attic fans and electric attic fans depends on the user. Electrical attic fans are better because they offer stronger cooling (they are typically rated 800 to 1600 CFM). But this comes at a price – electric attic fans consume a lot of power, so your heating and cooling bills may rise. Conversely, solar attic fans are powered by the sun, which is free to use.
How much air does a solar attic fan blow?
One solar attic fan is expected to push around 800 to 1200 CFM of air, and a 1000-square-feet attic needs at least 700 CFM. For attics with steep or darker roofs, the CFM requirement is 15% higher.
How much does it cost to install a solar attic fan?
Compared to alternative types of attic fans, the cost of getting a solar attic fan is high. On average, you can sell a solar attic fan for $300 to $600. Then if you cannot install it yourself, you may have to shelve out $150 to $300 for installation. In total, you may spend $450 to $900 to get a solar attic fan and install it.
What happens when you heat up the attic?
Attic Insulation. When attic insulation is not efficient, hot air will move between the home’s interior and the attic. In warmer seasons, the hot air will rise into the attic. Then in winter, it will radiate towards the house. In both cases, it will undermine the effectiveness of the solar attic fan.
When is solar energy available?
Solar Energy Is Available When It Matters . When the skies are cloudy, and it appears like it is about to rain, the temperature falls, and the demand for cooling falls. On such days, you may have little or no need for the solar attic fan. So, the absence of the sun would be of less concern.
How does a solar attic fan work?
Solar attic fans work by pulling in the cold air from the soffits and pushing out the hot air that has accumulated at the top of the attic. This is basically how air naturally moves: cold air is at the bottom, and warm air is at the top. The attic fan just helps the air move more which adds cooler air circulation.
How long does it take to make a return on investment for an attic breeze solar attic fan?
This is the Attic Breeze Energy Savings Calculator! Based on the averages I put in ( see my screenshot), it will take 4-7 years for me to theoretically make the return on investment of an attic breeze solar attic fan.
What are baffles in a soffit?
Baffles are pieces of cardboard that basically prohibit insulation movement over certain areas. This will protect the soffits from getting clogged with insulation so soffits can properly breathe. You can check out this article from EnergyStar.Gov that explains the importance of baffles with attic fans.
What camera did Matt and his friend use to show how conditioned air is lost through the ceilings?
Basically, Matt and his friend partnered with a Flir (thermography) camera, show how conditioned air is lost through the ceilings.
Is an attic fan a good idea?
In my mind, attic fans seem like a great idea and have a great pitch, but in reality, you would be better off spending your money in other places.
What is the best solar attic fan?
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 can’t go wrong with either one.
Which attic fan gets the most sunlight?
Roof-mounted solar attic fans get the most exposure to sunlight, making them the most efficient models. The long-term savings associated with this may also offset the upfront installation cost.
What is a natural light attic fan?
Natural Light is another brand dedicated to providing customers with quality solar attic fans . The Natural Light Energy SAF32B Solar Attic Fan is a good option for a roof-mounted solar-powered fan with basic capabilities.
What is the venting capacity of a fan?
The venting capacity is the cubic feet per minute (or CFM) of air moved by the fan. The fan’s CFM will need to be 70% or more of your attic’s size in cubic feet. You’ll also want to make sure the fan has a high wattage, as this indicates that it can produce more electricity.
What is a yellow blue solar fan?
Designed by aerodynamic engineering experts and made from only the best materials, these solar fans are sure to improve the ventilation quality of any space. Yellowblue fans are available in several types. They have the standard gable-mounted, roof-mounted, and portable models, of course.
How long is Solaro's warranty?
Each of their fans comes with a 25-year warranty, so you can always feel secure with your Solaro purchase. If you’re interested, contact us for a quote for materials and installation. We are a licensed distributor of all Solaro products.
How long is the warranty on a 10 watt attic?
Depending on the size of your attic, you may decide whether the 10-Watt or the 25-Watt is appropriate for you. Either way, the product has a 20-year limited warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
What is a solar attic fan?
You install a solar attic fan to do two jobs. The first job is to lower attic temperatures by venting out hot air and drawing cool air back in. The second task of a solar attic fan is to keep your attic dry. Let’s look at how an attic fan performs these tasks.
What does a solar fan do in the attic?
During hot summers, your solar fan removes superheated air from the top of your attic and draws cool air in, lowering temperatures and cooling your home below . In the cooler months, an attic solar ventilation system continues to provide airflow through your loft space, taking out still air and replacing it regularly.
How do solar attic fans work?
Solar attic fans draw cool air up through the ceiling of your house. One drawback of solar attic fans is that you need an airtight seal between your home and your attic to avoid the fan drawing cool air from your house up through gaps in the ceiling into the attic.
How many square feet of screened soffit vents per solar attic fan?
You will need around eight square feet of screened soffit vent per solar attic fan.
Why is my attic humid?
During winter and in the cooler months, still, humid air in your attic causes problems. Wet air condenses on surfaces calling causing mildew, dampness, and water damage. But a solar attic fan keeps a regular airflow that takes out the damp air and replaces it with cooler air, drying everything in a similar way to a fan.
How long is the warranty on an attic fan?
Many attic fans offer a fifteen-year warranty. If you’re concerned about the expense of your attic fans, then buy ones with a more extended warranty period so you can expect many years of energy savings after you’ve paid off the initial cost.
How much does it cost to install solar attic fans?
A typical solar panel costs around $300. By the time this is set up and installed, that cost has probably risen to $500. And you can double this for larger homes that need two solar fans.
Why use solar attic fans?
Solar attic fans can provide your home with an improved appearance that speaks of environmental consciousness when you make this investment. It also provides a lower profile then other ventilation options so that you can streamline the look instead of using bulky items that can cause distractions.
What are the pros and cons of solar attic fans?
List of the Pros of Solar Attic Fans. 1. This option runs on a renewable energy resource. The most significant benefit of solar attic fans is that they operate using renewable energy from the sun instead of being hooked up to your electrical grid.
What to consider before installing solar attic fans?
Before considering solar attic fans, you will want to think about how much direct sunlight your solar panel will receive each day. Cloud cover, dust, and other obstructions are essential to review before you commit to this technology as well.
How much tax credit do you get for solar attic fans?
If you choose an Energy Star-rated solar attic fan for your home, then you might qualify for tax credits that equal up to 30% of your initial expense. Because you’ll usually need two fans to create the results you want instead of a single traditional product, your expenses are going to double.
Why is my attic not warm?
Your attic can get pretty warm without direct sunlight exposure thanks to the thermal energy that comes from the sun. If you don’t receive those rays, then the solar attic fans are not going to operate. Some communities are unable to rely on solar power because they get 150 or fewer days of sunshine per year.
Why do attic fans use the sun?
Because solar attic fans use the sun for energy, you can operate the unit on the days you need it the most without worrying about the extra electrical expense. The extra sunshine gives you power on the hottest days of the year.
Why does my fan stop spinning?
Because most models do not use a battery as a backup power source, any drifting clouds that come along will interrupt the operation of this unit. The fan will stop spinning immediately once it loses contact with the light. That means you could be stuck with a hot day and no way to improve the conditions in your attic.
How long does a solar attic fan last?
Your fan will run 12 months of the year without costing you a dime after installation. Read our review on the best solar attic fans.
What Are Attic Fans?
Before we tell you all about these fans, let’s talk about what they actually are.
How do attic fans work?
In the summer, a properly installed attic fan can remove excessive heat build up, providing cooling to an attic space. This helps reduce the pressure on your insulation systems, preventing unwanted heat transfer into your living space. This ultimately makes your home feel cooler, while also alleviating the work that your air conditioning system needs to put forth. In the winter, attic fans can also make a big difference by removing heat and moisture that escapes from the home. This helps prevent things like mold growth and ice damming.
Why is an attic fan important?
In general, a high-quality attic fan can provide ongoing active ventilation to protect your, support insulation systems, and help provide some cooling benefits in certain climates.
Why do attic fans cost less?
Because attic fans take away some of the work that your air conditioning would be doing, you will spend less on running your air conditioning. However, running an electric fan in attics could mean the cost just goes towards the attics rather than the air conditioner.
How to reduce air conditioning in attic?
By cooling down your attic, you can decrease your air conditioning. Your air conditioner is currently having to work against the sauna that is sitting on top of your living space. Give it a hand by cooling your home’s upper space to outdoor temperatures before your turn up the AC. Cool down a second story in your home.
How hot is the attic?
As attics reach 150-160 degrees, much hotter than it even is outside, this can warm your house overall. You can even take your own attic’s temperature to see how hot yours is. Alternatively, you can schedule an attic inspection to get more detailed insights from thermal imaging tools.
Why is it important to have a solar attic fan?
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 season’s hottest months.
How does a solar attic fan help?
As a renewable energy source, your solar attic fan will help reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money in the process. Energy Conscious Solar Power – Known as photovoltaic power, solar power used by the solar attic fan is not only free but can help reduce your utility bills by pushing hot air out of your attic.
How expensive are solar attic fans?
While there aren’t many, solar attic fans do have a few cons, like these: 1 More Costly than Traditional Models – Solar attic fans are most costly on the front end than traditional attic fans, but the initial expense is ultimately made up in energy savings over time. 2 Most Homes Need Two – In most homes, you’ll need two solar attic fans to move the air needed and enhance utility savings. 3 Solar Attic Fans Require Direct Sunlight – Solar attic fans require direct sunlight to work as their energy source is the sun. Your solar panel will need to be in direct sunlight to operate, which means cloud cover, shade trees, and even dust can hinder operation.
Why is attic ventilation important?
The truth is attic ventilation can help keep most homes more comfortable by removing excess heat and the bonus of lower utility bills!
What happens when you have no air conditioning in Florida?
For those whose homes aren’t 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.
Is solar attic fan good for Florida?
A Good Investment – For Florida residents, more than 250 days of sunshine are normal, making a solar attic fan a good investment designed to make your home more comfortable and lower your energy costs. Solar attic fans also provide curb appeal adding an aesthetic bonus of a sleek, seamless low profile look that testifies to environmental consciousness and electrical savings.
Do solar fans work in the attic?
Solar attic fans provide a number of benefits for you and your home. These include: Keep Your Attic Cooler in Summer – In warmer climates , like Florida, the heat buildup in your attic, not only radiates to the living spaces below, but can also damage your roof, insulation, and structural integrity of your home.
What is the best solar attic fan?
Remington Soar’s range of solar attic fans is considered one of the best. It works perfectly even in extreme weather.
Why is it important to install a solar attic fan?
That is why it is important to install a solar attic fan as it exhausts hot attic air and cools down the temperature. It is also a simple and most cost-effective way to add easy ventilation to your home. Plus, it cleans the house’s air and frees it from harmful elements.
How long does it take for a solar attic fan to hiccup?
After a few years , your solar attic fan might start to experience a few hiccups. This is where a good warranty comes in handy.
What material are solar attic fans made of?
These high-quality solar attic fans are constructed from outstanding matter like aluminum, stainless steel, and glass. Thus, it is durable and sustainable.
What happens when heat is trapped in the attic?
When heat from the sunlight is trapped inside your attic, it could not only endanger your roofing materials but also transfers the heat everywhere into the home.
Do solar fans harm the environment?
There are countless benefits of solar attic fans. Firstly, they are eco-friendly and therefore don’t harm the environment. Plus, there are solar-powered, which means it eases the pressure on your electricity bills.
Do gable fans need vents?
There are many types of fans that you have to choose from. However, each has a different installation. The gable fan requires a gable vent for installment.
Solar Attic Fan vs. Electric Attic Fan: Which is Better for My Home?
Much “product advancement” nowadays could fall into the category of “one step forward, two steps back,” and the story of the attic fan is no exception. When someone touts a “new and improved” product as a better solution than what you already know, cynical or suspicious reactions are natural.
The Electric Attic Fan: A Thing of the Past
Most of us are well aware that a hot, moist attic is not good for our home. A poorly ventilated attic space often leads to higher A/C bills, a shorter roof shingle life, plywood roof decking damage, and mold and mildew issues.
The Solar Attic Fan to the Rescue!
Enter the age of the Solar Star® Attic Fan! Brilliant minds finally realized that while the sun is the culprit behind most of the attic issues we all have, it is also the best solution!
What Is A Solar Attic Fan?
Benefits of Solar Attic Fans
- Advocates of solar attic fans point to several benefits over alternative options and not installing them at all.
Criticisms
- Solar attic fan systems do have some drawbacks. When deciding if a solar attic fan worth it, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides and see if they apply to your situation. After all, when you know what can go wrong, you can make sure it doesn’t.
Alternatives
- 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 don’t have this problem. A good … - Standard air vents
If your home is well ventilated and has good soffit venting, then you may be able to create a cooling airflow just by installing rooftop vents. Hot air rises, so as long as there is a ready supply of cooler air entering the base of your attic, there will be natural air circulation. This may allow y…
The Verdict
- There is little doubt that solar attic fans have the potential to offer you energy savings over a long period. Equally, a poorly installed system is as good as useless. You can take steps to avoid the potential pitfalls of a bad solar fan installation and make sure that you put in a system that does what you want it to from the start. The table below summarises how you can anticipate and solv…