Thursday, October 15, 2009

5 Reasons To Use A Solar Attic Fan At Home

By Tim McDonald

Are you currently using an electric attic fan or some sort of electric ventilation system at home? Then have you ever thought of installing a solar attic fan? When most people think of solar products, they immediately think "expensive!", but when we investigated getting a solar powered attic fan and compared it to conventional ventilation systems, it was obvious which way we were going to go.

Here are 5 reasons why a solar powered attic fan is such a good investment:

1 - Easy Cheap Installation:

The sun is the power source for a solar attic fan, so no complex connection to the home's power supply is necessary. Instead of having to waste time and money getting in an expert electrician to install the fan, all you need to do is follow the instructions over a couple of hours.

2 - Power is Freely available:

Since a solar powered attic fan's power source is the sun, it operates on free energy. The only cost you will incur is that of the fan itself. Otherwise it is free to operate.

What's more is your solar fan will attract both state and Federal renewable energy subsidies, which will make it even more affordable to operate.

3 - Non-Stop Operation:

You do not need to control when the fan works to reduce power consumption. This is because it uses the sun's free energy all day long. This helps in keeping the air in your home temperate and fresh, and you do not have to wait until it is scorching hot for the fan to start working.

4 - Prolongs Roof Life:

A solar powered attic fan is capable of working even in winter when the sun is weak. This helps keep warm air out of the attic and prevents costly damage from ice damming in your gutters and eaves.

Furthermore, warm moisture from showering and cooking tends to rise and get trapped in the attic. This leads to mold and mildew that can saturate your insulation and cause fungal decay and destruction of your roof frame and decking. With a solar attic fan, the attic stays well-ventilated, preventing any mildew from growing.

5 - Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:

If you already have an attic fan, chances are it is connected to your home's power supply. This power is produced by burning coal, gas, and other fossil fuels, which all churn out large volumes of air pollution.

Whereas a solar attic fan operates on the sun's clean, free energy. This helps decrease the need to burn fossil fuels and aids in fighting global warming.

Last thoughts:

So many people rant on and on about global warming, but hardly any of them actually do something about it. Now that you understand how affordable, clean and simple it is to use a solar attic fan at home, you can play a part in living a greener life.

A DIY installed solar attic fan starts at around $400 (excl. tax and incentives), which is a small price to pay for free ventilation and lower electricity bills.

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