MICHIANA Blog

Understanding Solar Attic Fans

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Attics are generally the hottest places in any home due to a combination of factors: the hot sun bearing down on the roof, hot air naturally rising, and insulation issues. Thankfully, some solutions can minimize how much heat accumulates, including solar attic fans. If you're unfamiliar with these devices, here's what you need to know.

What Are Attic Fans?

Roofs are not airtight. Each one is designed with passive ventilation. These carefully designed vents allow air to circulate through and out of the attic. However, as the name suggests, they depend on the natural wind patterns and the fundamental laws of thermodynamics to move the air. 

Attic fans are motorized. They can pull the interior air up and out of the attic much more forcefully and effectively. They work similarly to the exhaust fan on your kitchen range hood. By excising heat—and moisture—from the attic, this ventilation reduces the risk of mold growth and wood rot. As a result, the attic becomes a more comfortable and healthy place to be. 

Attic heat becomes less likely to melt snow directly above it in the winter, reducing the chances of property-damaging ice dams. It will also be easier to keep the rest of your home cool and maintain your indoor air quality in the warmer months.

Why Should You Invest in Solar Attic Fans?

As useful as attic fans may be, traditional setups require contractors to install new wiring or make structural modifications to set up the electrical system. Solar-powered attic fans don't need any of that. They are immediately operational as long as they are mounted to the right area of the roof. Installation is usually complete within an hour. Then, once they're up, the solar panel on them can start collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity to power the fan. 

If you're eager to have a solar attic fan installed on your home, contact Koala Insulation of Michiana. With two locations—one in Mishawaka, IN, and another in Michiana, MI—they offer products that will boost the comfort and safety of your attic spaces, as well as dedicated customer service. Learn more about their offerings on their website. If you're in Indiana, call (574) 544-6433; if you're in Michigan, dial (269) 266-3689 to set up an appointment. 

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