If you have an attic and you want to use renewable energy as much as
possible, then you should look into purchasing a solar powered 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 there
is no need for wiring. Any electrical work you have done can end up being quite
expensive if you have a licensed 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 effect 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 trickiest 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 powered 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 ventilation 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.
