Explore the Benefits of Installing Solar-Powered Attic Fans
Air conditioners work overtime to keep the home comfortable when the temperatures are soaring outside. An insufficiently ventilated attic increases the overall home temperature and strains the AC to cool the living areas. Solar-powered attic fans provide an effective solution to the problem by efficiently controlling the airflow.
What is a solar attic fan?
A solar attic fan is a small, standalone device installed on the roof to optimize attic ventilation. Unlike traditional attic fans powered by electricity, solar attic fans use the sun’s energy to run their motor. They regulate the home temperature in summers and fix condensation issues during winters. It is relatively simple and less time-consuming to install solar attic fans, and they work better than their line-driven counterparts. Improved design and efficiency of solar-powered attic fans have led to a significant rise in their popularity.
Advantages of solar-powered attic fan installation
Solar-powered attic fans provide multiple benefits to homeowners, including:
No operating cost
Solar-powered attic fans only have installation costs and do not require homeowners to bear any monthly operational expenses. They are self-sufficient and do not use the home’s energy, making them more affordable to operate.
Improved home comfort
Attics can get unbearably hot in the summers, and the temperature can even reach 160-degree Fahrenheit. The trapped heat makes its way into the living spaces and increases the indoor temperature. A solar-powered attic fan actively pulls hot air and moisture from the attic to push it outwards and replaces it with the cold air it draws from the outside. It helps lower the temperatures of the living spaces and provides the family with a comfortable living environment.
Energy savings
A solar-powered attic fan can lead to significant energy savings by reducing the cost of running the air conditioner. As a well-ventilated attic lowers the indoor temperature, the cooling system does not have to work harder or run more frequently to cool the home. Air conditioners use the majority of power in an average home. Solar-powered attic fans take the load off the HVAC system and reduce its operational cost, helping homeowners save money on energy bills.
Dry and cold attic space
Solar-powered attic fans can reduce the attic temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit based on the fan size. Solar attic fans also keep the attic dry and less humid by drawing the humidity out. Attics accumulate moisture over time, and during winters, it condenses after contacting the cold surfaces. If this moisture seeps into the wood and insulation, it causes the wood frame to rot, leads to mold and mildew growth, reduces insulation effectiveness, and causes other expensive damages.
Increased roof lifespan
Accumulation of excess heat in the attic due to lack of proper ventilation during summer compromises the integrity of the roof’s materials and causes extensive damage to the asphalt shingles. During winters, the roofing system experiences issues like ice damming, rot, rust, and mold. Solar-powered attic fans ensure proper airflow and extend the service life of the roof.
Other benefits:
Quieter operation
No carbon monoxide risk
Sustainable and environmentally-friendly
Homeowners can become eligible for a federal tax credit
Maintain the right temperature in your attic
Investing in solar-powered attic fans is a wise decision, and you can start enjoying its benefits immediately after installation. Contact a local HVAC professional if you want to install solar-powered attic fans or know more about their benefits.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort.Call us today at 210-897-8658.
