NORTHWEST HOUSTON Blog

Do Solar Attic Fans Really Work?

First, let’s start off by answering the basic question, “What do solar attic fans do for my home?” Solar attic fans are used to help regulate the temperature in your attic by safely and efficiently ventilating the space and ultimately leaving your home more comfortable. 

Solar attic fans are gaining in popularity to help homeowners improve their homes efficiency, save on their electricity bill, and live more comfortably. But do they really work? 

How do solar attic fans work?

In attics with no ventilation, heat from the sun transfers from the roof, throughout the attic and down to the living spaces.

Heat also accumulates in the ductworks, which means less cool air blowing inside and your HVAC has to work harder in cooling down your room. An overworked HVAC system means higher energy consumption and a more expensive electricity bill.

Solar attic fans solve these problems by creating more air circulation. They remove the hot air out of the attic and replace it with cooler outdoor air which means less workload for your HVAC to cool the floors beneath your attic, longer lifespan of HVAC and roof, less energy consumption, and increased comfort.

Solar attic fans use photovoltaic cells to convert the sun’s light energy to electricity. That's FREE solar power for you, for life! No more dealing with electricians to install electric fans that ultimately cost you money month over month.  Going solar provides you with both free power and attic heat reducing energy savings. 

Do solar attic fans work in the winter?

Solar attic fans help with cooling houses during summer but they are also useful in the colder months.

During the winter, warm air from inside the house interacts with the cold underside of the roof. Moisture builds up and can cause damage to the insulation and structural materials. Condensation also encourages the growth of mold, mildew and fungus on the internal structures of the attic. This is deterioration as much as a health hazard.

Solar attic fans regulate the air circulation, preventing condensation and  your attic stays dry without the risk of damage to the roof and internal structure.  

Solar attic fans vs. electric attic fans

If you’re looking for a reliable energy efficient alternative to electric attic fans, solar attic fans are just the thing. During extreme summer conditions, solar attic fans can reduce the attic heat by an average of 20°F, which in the Houston summer can make a world of difference.

With solar attic fans, you will only have to pay one time for installation. There are no additional wires to install, it creates less energy consumption and  maintenance costs, which provides you greater comfort.

How to make the most of solar attic fans?

As mentioned before, solar attic fans help with the air circulation in the attic. To ensure that these fans are working to the best of their capabilities  make sure the following conditions are available: 

An airtight seal and insulation between the attic and the entire house

Holes and leaks defeat the purpose of solar attic fans. Through the gaps, attic fans may draw in the cool air produced by the HVAC that’s supposed to be only for the floor below. The HVAC then works harder to supply cool air.

The holes also result in constant exchange of air between the attic and the rooms, causing possible moisture build-up.

A well-insulated attic not only seals the gaps but also prevents moisture and hot air from below. Proper air sealing and insulation keep your home clear from drafts during the winter months and comfortable during the summer. 

Unobstructed soffits and gable vents 

Soffits and gable vents allow air to enter and leave the attic. In addition to passive ventilation, attic fans improve the overall attic ventilation because they actively work on replacing air.

Optimal positioning of the solar attic fans

To get the most of the sun’s light energy, your solar attic fans must be installed in the south or west facing part of the roof. You want your solar attic fan to get as much light energy as possible. 

Ideally, you want the solar attic fan positioned toward the top or peak of the attic to help pull out the rising hot air. Depending on the layout and volume of the attic space, you may need more than one to properly ventilate different sections. There are also setups specifically designed for gables roofs to create an active flow of air.
 

Why Choose Koala Insulation to assist in your Solar Ventilation Fan Purchase?

Number and size of solar attic fans

The amount of ventilation varies from attic to attic. There are different factors which determine the number of solar attic fans you need to install: the current amount of ventilation from the vents, vaulted ceilings, the type of solar attic fans, their capacity, and energy consumption.

Our Koala team will have the tools to advise on the size and number of solar attic fans you need and will walk you through this during the estimation process. 

Professional installers

Leave the job of installing solar attic fans to the Koala Insulation experts to ensure your solar attic fans are secured in the right place.

Solar attic fans work hand in hand with sun exposure, clear and open vents for proper air intake, and a properly insulated attic.

Your home’s insulation and ventilation work together to keep you comfortable and save you money. Click here to book your Free Evaluation with one of our Insulation Consultants today!

Be sure and ask about the Solar Tax Credit that could save you an additional 26% in 2021!