When you think of solar energy, you likely picture shiny panels affixed to a roof. However, other forms of roof-top solar are just as viable, such as attic fans. These are small ventilation devices that run solely on solar energy. They’re primarily used to cool an attic during the sweltering summer months and protect the attic from condensation during the winter.
Although solar-powered attic fans aren’t as well-known as panels, they operate much more efficiently than standard attic fans, making them a viable alternative while being environmentally friendly. Here’s what you need to know about solar-powered attic fans and how they keep your home comfortable:
What is a Solar-Powered Attic Fan?
Your attic is probably the hottest part of your home since heat rises and direct sunlight often hits your roof. As a result, the attic gathers excess moisture and heat, making it more challenging to cool the house. It then puts a strain on your air conditioning costs, forcing it to work harder to keep your home at comfortable temperatures, causing your electricity bills to skyrocket.
Fortunately, installing a fan in your attic can get rid of the excess moisture while keeping the heat to a minimum, pushing it out of the house. It also prevents warm, wet air from being trapped in your home, which can otherwise lead to the growth of mold and mildew. By investing in a solar-powered attic fan, you’ll provide your home with more ventilation, keeping it cool and breezy even during summer.
What are the Benefits of a Solar-Powered Attic Fan?
Solar-powered attic fans do an excellent job of keeping your home comfortable and ventilating the entire area. A well-working fan can lower your attic’s temperature by up to 40ºF, providing welcome relief during the hottest months. Here are some of the benefits of solar-powered attic fans:
It Helps You Reduce Your Energy Consumption
There is even more emphasis on reducing our carbon footprint today due to the urgent concerns about climate change. A great way to do this is to lower your energy consumption, which a solar-powered attic fan can help you achieve. It reduces the strain on your HVAC system without consuming electricity since it’s fueled solely by the sun, keeping your home cool and helping you reduce your overall energy consumption.
It Protects Your Roof
The leading cause of roof damage is prolonged exposure to the elements without routine maintenance. Additionally, excessive exposure to direct sunlight, typically occurring during the summer, can harm your shingles. Alternatively, cold temperatures can lead to condensation collecting in your attic, resulting in water and mold damage.
The good news? An attic fan can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. A cool attic during the summer prevents the heat from reaching overwhelming temperatures while ensuring proper ventilation in your home. It can also stop ice from accumulating and damaging your attic in the winter.
It Cools Your Home Without Being Noisy
Regular attic fans are notorious for being incredibly loud, causing homeowners to choose between feeling hot in silence and being cozy and comfortable surrounded by noise. Luckily, solar-powered fans are almost silent, which means they’ll cool your home without knocking on your eardrums.
It Helps You Save Money
Lastly, solar-powered fans can help you save money by reducing your energy consumption, which means lower electricity bills. Additionally, solar-powered fans add a layer of protection to your roof, requiring less maintenance. It also eases the strain on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, thereby extending its lifespan. You may even be eligible for a tax credit for installing a renewable energy system in your home, bringing you more money than your traditional energy system ever would.
Conclusion
Solar-powered attic fans are easy to install and provide a world of convenience to your household. By investing in solar fans, you’ll enjoy a colder, more ventilated home and increased savings on your energy bills.
EnLight.Energy can help you transform your property into a Zero Energy Home, helping you improve your comfort, lifestyle, and savings in the process. We work closely with our clients to adopt solutions that drastically reduce their electric, gas, or oil bill or eliminate them. Contact us today for a free energy inspection!
