Attics are often very hot places. So much warm air is radiated up from your lower floors and down through the roof that, without adequate ventilation, it can really tax your air conditioning system and your electricity bills. Especially in the southern states, attic fans have long been used to encourage constant airflow through the attic and the home as a whole.

Yet even these fans, with their electric motors and forgettable location, can be a burden on energy bills. Recently, solar powered fans have risen as a viable, worry-free solution to noisy fans and overheated attics. They are very easy to install, free to run, and take much of the burden off your air conditioner.

Benefit number one: solar fans have a built-in solar panel that draws power directly to the motor when the sun is shining and require no extra power. This is convenient considering solar radiation is what makes your house and attic heat up in the first place — talk about fighting fire with fire!

Number two, they are easy to install. Because they are solar powered you need not attempt any crazy attic wiring scheme. All you need is a properly sized hole in which to slip the fan. Many new homes are installing solar attic fans from the get-go, but don’t be phased if you live in an older home. You can buy fans to fit and you may be in need of an attic fan the most.

It is important to remember that solar powered attic fans are not cheap. They can cost at least $400 and more depending on style/features and whether you install the fan yourself. As with any solar product, it is an investment that eventually will pay for itself. Solar powered fans are manufactured weatherproof so no flashing is required for installation.

Contact a certified, solar contractor for a free consultation on your solar powered fan installation.

Posted on May 23rd in Solar Products by Dan.