Do I Need A Solar Attic Fan

Because solar attic fans operate with a lower power output they are unable to move as much air as some of the other options that are available.

Do i need a solar attic fan.

That means you will need to double up your investment in this area. Intense sunlight can create heat faster than one or two small fans can cool an area. If your attic space is over 1 800 square feet you will need enough solar fans to move 8 000 cfm. This fan moves 1 000 or more cubic feet of air per minute creating low pressure in your attic.

The amount of solar attic fans a home needs will ultimately depend on many factors. The point of having an attic fan is to lessen the load on your ac system saving you money. To reduce that expense some homeowners buy an electric or solar attic ventilator. In addition to soffit gable and or ridge vents you may want to add a power vent fan to your attic to increase air circulation.

Ideally there should also be plenty of soffit intake space their calculations recommend 336 net square inches of open soffit ventilation to supply 700 cfm. If a cloud blocks the sunlight the fans slow or stop. Ok i would definitely not recommend an attic fan. All you need to know about attic ventilation.

Vaulted ceilings obstructions and the amount of existing ventilation from soffit vents ridge vents and gable vents should all be considered. According to the home ventilating institute hvi powered attic ventilators need to move a minimum of 700 cubic feet per minute cfm for 1 000 sq. Solar powered attic vent fans usually don t move as many cubic feet of air per minute cfm as hardwired fans. This will make determining the quantity type and placement of solar fans much easier and more effective.

Electric attic fans however often increase energy consumption and cancel out any savings unless the attic is not insulated at all. But they re much easier to install since no wiring is needed. As the sun gets lower in the sky when attic temperatures are at their greatest the fans slow down. You need the fans to be operating at.

You will probably need two solar attic fans to get the results you want. Many are solar powered and require no other wiring so they don t cause any additional charges on your electricity bill at all. Ft of attic space for example 20 x 50 to be effective. You need that amount of air if not more to get any sort of cooling benefit from the fans.

This backdraft can bring dangerous and toxic fumes into your home like carbon monoxide an odorless and deadly gas. Attic fans can create a negative pressure condition in your home causing vented appliances to backdraft.