If you have an upstairs bonus room or bedroom that becomes excessively warm in summer, consider installing a solar-powered fan in your attic. Solar or PV fans operate on solar energy and expel hot air from your attic to be substituted by cooler air from outside. This decreases the workload of your HVAC system in cooling your upstairs living space.
Solar energy fans are perfect for both residential and commercial structures. But which options provide you with the best value for your investment?
To address that question, we’ve put together a simple and handy checklist for you to evaluate when determining which is the best solar attic fan for your needs.
The Function of Solar Attic Fans
A solar attic fan is intended to expel warm air from your attic area and introduce cooler air. Typically, the air within your attic is significantly warmer compared to the air outdoors. Adequate ventilation and airflow maintain consistent interior temperatures in your home and safeguard your roofing materials from damage caused by heat.
In areas, where triple-digit temperatures occur each summer, attic fans are crucial as they assist in preventing your roof from overheating. In unshaded homes, roofing materials can exceed 150°, but with a correctly installed solar attic fan, that temperature can be decreased by up to 40°.
Additional advantages of setting up a solar attic fan consist of the following:
- Lowered humidity in your attic space
- Aids your home’s heating and cooling system
- Prolongs the durability of your roof
- Aids in lowering monthly energy expenses
- Eco-friendly and lowers your carbon footprint
Continue reading to discover more about selecting the appropriate solar attic fans.
Efficiency
The effectiveness of solar attic fans is gauged in CFM, meaning cubic feet of air are relocated each minute. This indicates the volume of airflow a particular fan can deliver to your attic. Typically, higher CFM values indicate that the fan is capable of moving a greater volume of air across a wider space. Keep in mind that the specified wattage of a fan’s solar panels does not correspond to how effectively it circulates air.
Solar attic fans, for example, one with 20W106-FLEX, boast efficiency ratings reaching 400 CFM. This implies that its design can accommodate an area of up to 600 sq. ft. Given that the majority of homes feature an attic smaller than 1,000 sq. ft., most homeowners will typically need just one or two of these cost-effective, high-efficiency units to ensure optimal airflow in the attic.
You might also consider inquiring with a manufacturer about the method used to measure the CFM rating of their fans.
Materials and building techniques
Solar attic fans extend the longevity of your home’s roofing materials. Therefore, it is reasonable to anticipate durability and excellent craftsmanship when choosing a fan. Regrettably, the majority of fans available in the market are primarily composed of aluminum or inferior plastics. These materials indicate a significant vulnerability to chipping and corrosion as time progresses.
Look for fans with heavy-gauge, recycled polyethylene plastic in its products — materials recognized for their excellent resistance to damage, fading, and chemical corrosion.
Take into account water resistance as an additional factor, particularly for homeowners residing in regions with severe climates. Before purchasing a solar attic fan, inquire with the manufacturer regarding the fan’s quality and if it holds an IP68 rating. IP68 is the top globally acknowledged standard for assessing how effectively an electrical device resists dust, dirt, and water.
Finally, investigate which solar panel materials fit your financial plan and requirements. Solar panels typically belong to one of two types – monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are constructed with a single silicon crystal for each solar cell. This indicates they are more resilient to high temperatures compared to others available. Nevertheless, this also results in a higher price compared to polycrystalline panels, which use multiple silicon crystals for each solar cell. Polycrystalline solar panels are typically better suited for residences located in regions with milder climates.
Use a professional to install the solar attic fan
Even though installing these solar attic fans takes under 20 minutes (provided you have all the necessary tools), it’s important to enlist a professional technician to assist you with the installation.
Because the fans are positioned on rooftops and necessitate cutting openings in your roof, having a professional on-site is essential to prevent harming any crucial components of the house. To successfully install solar fans, the following steps need to be adhered to:
- The initial step you should take is to confirm that your attic is adequately ventilated. The solar attic fans remove the hot air, but the vents are essential for optimal airflow and effective ventilation. The majority of attics possess these vents referred to as soffits. Therefore, before installing your fans, check the vents and ensure they are functioning properly.
- You must also determine the best location for your attic fan installation. Usually, the sun’s rays are aimed primarily from the south, so indicate the spot for installation on your building’s southern façade.
- Determine the quantity of solar fans required based on the dimensions and incline of your roof. This is the point at which expert assistance is needed. If you’re uncertain about how many solar fans to set up, skilled technicians will come to your home to handle the entire process from start to finish.
- Professionals will need to step in and make the necessary cuts to the roof to properly install the solar fan in your attic. The whole procedure requires under 20 minutes, and with expert assistance, you’ll be worry-free and quickly reaping the advantages of your new solar attic fan!
Aftercare
Your solar attic fan will remain in your house for an extended period. Therefore, it’s crucial for a manufacturer to fully support the quality of their products post-installation. Keep in mind that not every manufacturer provides warranties and those that do usually offer warranties lasting 10-15 years.
