This article will take approximately 4 minutes to read. By the end of this article, you will learn how to improve the comfort of your home, save money, protect your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home safer.
All year long, your roof absorbs heat from the sun. If you know how to use that energy can do much more for your home than heat up your shingles.
With the right tools, homeowners can create cost savings and a comfier home. One of the best tools to implement is a solar attic fan. Solar attic fans revamp your attic’s temperature control and ventilation processes, saving energy and costs down the road.
You may think your attic’s insulation is enough to keep the heat out of your home, but the insulation only slows the process down rather than stopping it completely. According to HGTV, your attic’s temperature could rise up to 150°F if not properly ventilated. That heat works its way into your home where it forces the air conditioner to work harder, and as a result, your energy bills will go through the roof (no pun intended). Here’s where the solar attic fan comes into play.
So a solar attic fan helps make a home energy efficient, healthier, and stronger. That sounds great on paper — but how does it actually work?
At Attics And More, we know homeowners want the hard facts. So we’re here to give it to you.
Based on our installation experience and customer data, Remington Solar Attic fans provide the best bang for your buck. Use our promo code SOLAR10 to save on your order. Limited lifetime guarantee. Qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit.
The Building Science Corporation explains the importance of year-round ventilation. In cool climates, ventilation allows the moisture from the living space to escape through the attic. In warm climates, ventilation is necessary to push out the hot air that becomes trapped in the attic. It is imperative for homeowners in the Delaware Valley to reap the benefits of ventilation throughout the year, especially with the common occurrence of experiencing all four seasons in the course of a week.
Ventilation allows a home to breathe and improves the quality of life of your loved ones inside the home. Along with controlling heating and cooling costs, proper ventilation also ensures homeowners get the maximum amount of life out of their roofing materials.
The importance of attic ventilation has been studied since the 1930s, and research architect William B. Rose quickly discovered that an attic with proper ventilation has little to no ‘trouble’ compared to an attic that is not ventilated. Ventilation is one of the three components that contribute to an energy efficient attic.
Why your attic needs ventilation
What happens to an attic that is not properly ventilated? William B. Rose lists potential problems in his research ranging from failure of roofing, buckling of roofing, rotting of wood materials, and moisture accumulation in insulation.
A poorly ventilated attic could also allow for the growth of mildew and rot. Mildew and rot not only impact the air quality in the attic but could also decrease the air quality of the home’s living spaces.
The benefit of having a well-ventilated attic is further proven by research from the University of Florida where it was found that “conditions in a ventilated attic are stable through seasonal changes and promotes cost-effective, energy efficient climate control of unconditioned spaces in hot, humid regions.”
How to properly ventilate your attic
Fortunately, there is a simple solution. A solar attic fan works to lower the temperature of your home, keeps your attic dry and ventilated, and helps to maintain the structure of your roof. The main function of a solar attic fan, explained by Energy Star, is to cool down a hot attic by pushing hot air from the attic outside and drawing in cooler air from outside. By providing steady and constant airflow into the attic, a solar attic fan causes warm and moist air to be vented out.
One of our solar attic fan installations on a home in southern New Jersey.
Why you should choose a solar attic fan
Solar attic fans improve the comfort of your home
By moving hot, stuffy air out of the attic and improving ventilation, solar attic fans work to decrease the attic’s temperature. Regulating the temperature of the attic helps the lower level rooms and occupants in your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
Solar attic fans help you save money
After installation, solar attic fans are free to operate since they use the power of the sun for efficient operation. Homeowners in New Jersey are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit through December 31, 2019, for solar attic fan installation. A solar attic fan also eliminates the need for your air conditioner to overcompensate for heat entering the home — leading to lower energy bills.
Solar attic fans protect your home
Solar attic fans prevent moisture-related damage from damaging the roof. Having a solar attic fan expels moist, warm air from the attic year-round and prevents the growth of mold and mildew, and significantly reduces the chance of rotting roofing materials.
Solar attic fans help you save energy
Solar fans reduce your carbon footprint as well as your consumption of fossil fuel. Energy Star acknowledges that installing an attic fan helps to save energy by preventing your air conditioner from working overtime — as previously mentioned, this saves you money on your energy bills, but it also makes a big difference in your energy use.
Solar attic fans are safe
It is important to note that a conventional electric fan has the potential to pull carbon monoxide and dangerous fumes from the basement or ground-level gas appliances through your home. Solar attic fans move air gently, keep your attic pressure at a safe level, and provide effective airflow without endangering your loved ones.
Feeling intrigued?
We offer a free in-home attic inspection and assessment.
To find out if a solar attic fan is right for your home, contact Michele DuCoin at 856-809-2744 or send an email directly to Michele by clicking here. We like saving homeowners in the Delaware Valley a pretty penny without sales gimmicks or pressure.
https://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ybfan.jpg4211030adminhttps://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/attics-and-more-2021.pngadmin2022-11-13 02:00:302023-02-13 00:06:38How Solar Attic Fans Work (And Why You Need One)
If you’re looking to ensure that your attic stays well ventilated, a solar attic fan is an excellent solution. Not only do they adequately remove hot air from the attic space and allow it to fill up with cool air, but they also run without the use of electricity, saving you money on your utility bill. It’s an efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly option.
Based on our installation experience and customer data, Remington Solar Attic fans provide the best bang for your buck. Use our promo code SOLAR10 to save on your order. Limited lifetime guarantee. Qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit.
It’s clear to see why a solar attic fan would be a good investment. But before you can upgrade your attic’s ventilation system, you need to decide which solar attic fan is the one for you. No two solar attic fans are the same, and your choice will need to consider the layout of your home amongst other considerations.
Our solar attic fans reviews will help you figure out which will be best for you. We’ll discuss what makes each one unique and the factors to consider when choosing a solar attic fan
Attics and More is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Based on our experience and testing, Remington Solar Attic Fans are the absolute best solar attic fans for keeping your attic cool.
These roof-mounted solar fans come equipped with a thermostat and humidistat for precise temperature regulation. Based on this data, it can increase or decrease the fan speed automatically.
Remington Fans also have an adapter to switch back and forth from solar to electric power easily. The censor is automatic, so your fan will switch back to running on solar power as soon as it detects sunlight.
Another thing that we love about this solar attic fan? The beautiful, modern aesthetic design. The overall finish on the materials makes it look modern and adds curb appeal. It’s definitely a conversation starter and is a significant upgrade from other products on the market.
The tilted solar panel is for ideal sun exposure, and the fan runs very quietly. The CFM is nothing to scoff at either, as it could easily keep a 2200 square foot room cool.
The drawbacks of this model would be that it only fits on shingled roofs, and it doesn’t have an electric adapter.
The Broan-NuTone 345SOWW Surface Mount Attic Solar Fan is a good choice if you’re looking for something affordable. The plastic materials keep the cost low, so you can get the ventilation system you need at the price you want. Because of the price point and quality of the materials, this solar attic fan also has a shorter warranty than some other options available.
Unfortunately, this model has a pretty low CFM compared to other products that we’ve tested, so it won’t be as efficient. It also doesn’t come with a thermostat, humidistat, or any hybrid electric capabilities.
For a small space, however, it should be an adequate solution in a pinch. Another thing that we didn’t love about this particular product is it leaves a lot to be desired aesthetically. The plastic materials are kind of an eye-sore and it looks cheaper than other fans on the market.
Yellowblue Solar Fans are a strong competitor, and compete closely with Solaro as one of the best technically-sound solar attic fans. Designed by aerodynamic engineering experts and made from only the best materials, these solar fans are sure to improve the ventilation quality of any space.
Yellowblue fans are available in several types. They have the standard gable-mounted, roof-mounted, and portable models, of course. But there’s also a model designed for roofs in snowy areas with “S” tiles, as well as a model where the fan and solar panel come separately. Their tilted model sits atop a 360-degree rotating platform to optimize exposure to sunlight.
Like Solaro, the only drawback to Yellowblue products is that consumers need to contact an independent authorized dealer to purchase. This can be a pain for those that live in remote areas. Fortunately, we are a licensed distributor of Yellowblue products and can help you navigate the process of choosing a product and locating a local installer.
If you’re interested, contact us for a quote for materials and installation.
QuietCool Solar Attic Fans are gaining a reputation in the industry for offering large panels at an affordable price.
The first thing we noticed out of the box was that this fan features a 40-watt solar panel. In addition, it comes with a preset thermostat, an ultra-energy efficient DC motor, a heavy-duty steel housing, and an included AC/DC inverter. What impressed us the most though is the size of the panel. It’s an absolute beast! But in the case of solar powered attic fans, size of panel doesn’t always matter. It’s all about the CFMs. And this fan just doesn’t provide as much coverage as other products that we tested.
Another big selling point for us is the AC/DC inverter. This allows the fan to run 24/7. When there is sunlight outside, the fan will run only on solar power being powered by the large solar panel on the fan. When there is no sunlight, such as at night, the fan will switch to AC power and continue to run throughout the night. This is great for continuous air flow, providing a number of cooling benefits.
iLIVING HYBRID Ready Smart Thermostat Solar Roof Attic Exhaust Fan is a good secondary option to consider. This smart solar Attic fan is your best choice for cooling off your home if you need a thermostat.
Equipped with a powerful 20W adjustable polycrystalline solar panel, this fan is IP68 water proof. Built with a brushless motor, it provides up to 2000 sq. ft. of capacity cooling. The only big cons that we found with this fan is that it can be a little noisy. There also are some reported issues with the shutters not closing properly, but we did not experience any problems with that.
The US Sunlight solar fan is another popular option among homeowners and contractors. This fan has big brand recognition as many large retailers including Home Depot, Lowes, and Costco all carry it. So, getting the product shouldn’t be a hassle at all.
This roof-mounted model features a tilted solar panel to maximize sun exposure. We found that a single fan can ventilate a fairly large attic up to 2600 cubic feet. This is a huge plus.
However, there are some drawbacks. US Sunlight solar fans only work for shingled roofs, so if your roof is slate, flat, or tile, this one isn’t for you. It also doesn’t have the hybrid electric capabilities of some of its competitors. But if you have a shingled roof, it’s a great option for the price.
The Roof-Mounted Solar Attic Fan from Kennedy Skylights is another solar fan with plenty of customization options. The solar panel is available in 16, 32, 35, 48, or 65-Watt versions, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs.
This solar fan is compatible with various roof types, and it even has an aluminum screen to keep rodents from damaging the device. If you want, you can add on features like a thermal snap switch or remote solar panel. Plus, Kennedy Skylights protects your purchase with a lifetime warranty.
These customization options and the generous warranty make this one of the best solar attic fans around.
Air Vent, Inc. also has some respectable solar attic fans available on their website. They have both roof-mounted and gable-mounted fans, and the roof-mounted ones have an option for the panel and the fan to come separately.
Depending on the size of your attic, you may decide whether the 10-Watt or the 25-Watt is appropriate for you. Either way, the product has a 20-year limited warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
These solar fans can only work with shingled roofs and do not have hybrid electric capabilities.
Now that you’ve seen how the top 10 best solar attic fans compare, it’s time to consider which one is the right match for your home. The layout and construction of your home will determine what kind of solar attic fan would be ideal. In this section, we’ll discuss the three different kinds of solar attic fans.
Gable-Mounted
If your house has a gable vent, a gable-mounted solar attic fan could be the right choice for you. It allows for easy installation. You just have to attach the unit to your gable and plug it in! It is much more convenient than installing a roof-mounted solar attic fan.
Unfortunately, because of the placement, gable-mounted designs are not as efficient as roof-mounted fans, so there is a trade-off. It’s crucial to get the placement just right to maximize the unit’s exposure to the sun. The gable mounting makes this a bit tricky, but it’s by no means impossible.
If your home is suited to it, a gable-mounted solar attic fan might be just what you need to improve your attic’s ventilation.
Roof-Mounted
Roof-mounted solar attic fans are efficient and powerful, but they also require a much more complex installation process. For it to work correctly, you’ll need to create a vent hole in the roof, install the fan, and seal the opening. This procedure can take quite a bit of time.
Due to the complexity, most roof-mounted fan users hire a professional for the installation. It makes the costs associated with a roof-mounted solar attic fan a bit more expensive than the other varieties, but the fan makes up for this with its efficiency.
Despite the hassle, roof-mounted models are among the best solar attic fans, as they tend to work much better than other varieties.
Roof-mounted solar attic fans get the most exposure to sunlight, making them the most efficient models. The long-term savings associated with this may also offset the upfront installation cost.
Portable
Portable solar fans are an excellent option for those looking for versatility. The fan and the solar panel come as two separate pieces connected with wires. They don’t require any strenuous installation process to set up, and you can put them almost anywhere!
While these work great for ventilating attics, this versatility and ease of installation make them perfect for smaller spaces like sheds and RVs. You can also take them with you on the go to keep you cool when camping.
These features are great, but the caveat is that portable solar fans aren’t as powerful as their gable-mounted or roof-mounted counterparts. They still work well, but they compromise ventilation quality for versatility.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides the fan type, you’ll also want to consider other factors that affect the performance of the solar attic fan.
Make sure that the fan you purchase is powerful enough to ventilate your attic. To do this, check out the fan’s venting capacity and compare it with the size of the space. The venting capacity is the cubic feet per minute (or CFM) of air moved by the fan. The fan’s CFM will need to be 70% or more of your attic’s size in cubic feet.
You’ll also want to make sure the fan has a high wattage, as this indicates that it can produce more electricity. If your desired solar fan doesn’t have a high enough venting capacity or wattage, you might need multiple fans to ventilate your attic.
Also, if you’re particularly interested in any special features, such as a humidistat or thermostat, make sure that these come with the model you are purchasing before you buy it.
What is the Best Solar Attic Fan?
Although there are plenty of good options to choose from, the Solaro Aire and the Yellowblue Solar Fan are two of the best solar attic fans. Both are USA-made, and Solaro products come with a 25-year warranty, while Yellowblue fans come with a limited lifetime warranty. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
Ready to improve your attic’s ventilation by installing one of these brilliant fans? Get a free attic inspection and solar attic fan quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar attic fan?
A solar attic fan is an active ventilation system that is typically installed on the roof of an attic. These types of fans use solar panels to collect energy from the sun to propel fan blades, which provide constant air flow to an attic space.
Solar attic fans also help extract excessive heat and moisture in an attic. This helps protect your roof and insulation systems, while providing added comfort to the home.
Are solar fans worth it?
Solar fans are worth the cost of materials and installation because they can provide year-long benefits across multiple climates.
Most people think of the primary benefits being with cooling and energy savings from the summer months. These benefits can be heightened in more hot and humid climates. But there are also a number of other benefits that solar fans provide in cooler environments and during the winter.
Constant airflow and ventilation can help remove excessive heat build-up and moisture, which can damage insulation and structural elements of your home, such as your roof. Read our post on Do Attic Fans Really Work for more information.
Do solar attic fans work well?
Yes, solar attic fans generally work well.
Conventional scientific knowledge states that warm air rises, and cold air sinks. For this reason, attics store most of the heat inside a home. On hot summer days, these spaces can reach a staggering 160 degrees, even if the temperature outside is only 95oF to 97oF.
When an attic is not insulated well, homeowners may experience high energy costs, mold growth, and cold winters. One of the most effective devices to address these problems is a solar attic fan.
Attic fans have been around for a long time. These devices can mitigate the effects of heat transfer from ceilings into attic duct systems.
A Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) assessment confirms that photovoltaic attic fans can reduce peak summer air temperatures by over 20oF. However, their effect is not as pronounced in well-insulated attics.
And, because of their solar component, they drastically reduce energy bills and environmental impact. You also won’t ever have to worry about losing your power source.
We highly recommend solar attic fans for homeowners with insulation challenges.
Do solar attic fans save money?
There’s a lot of debate on whether or not solar attic fans can save homeowners money on cooling costs.
As evident by the FSEC study, high-quality solar attic fans can provide significant cooling benefits to an attic. This cooling benefit becomes more noticeable based on geography and time of year. For example, warmer States like Florida, California, and Texas can recognize longer periods of cooling benefits simply based on climate conditions. Other more moderate climate States see similar cooling benefits during hot summer months.
Correlating the cooling benefits from a solar attic fan with direct energy savings is a little challenging. This is because of the many different variables that impact energy consumption, including how well insulated the attic is. Other variables include air sealing, home occupancy levels, utility costs, and other energy consumption dependencies.
With all that being said, in theory, a solar attic fan should be able to provide some energy savings, especially when combined with proper air sealing and insulation. Solar attic fans help remove excess heat in an attic. This helps prevent heat from sitting in an attic and ultimately radiating into the cooler, conditioned living environments. The less heat that transfers into your living space, the more comfortable you will be. This decreases your dependency on using other powered HVAC systems, thereby reducing your monthly utility bills.
Beyond energy savings, which will be somewhat minimal, solar attic fans can provide other cost savings over time. By properly ventilating your attic, you reduce potentially damaging heat and moisture build-up. If your attic is not properly sealed, a good ventilation system is critical to prevent costly mold growth and damage to structural roofing components. These types of problems can result in remediation and repairs that cost thousands of dollars. So, actively combatting them with a ventilation product that’s 100% powered by the sun is a great way to stay ahead of the game.
Do solar attic fans work on cloudy days?
Yes. Ordinary daylight is all that’s required. As long as the product is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured by hedges or under a roof overhang, it will gather sunlight and transform it into DC power.
How to size a solar attic fan?
To determine what size solar attic fan(s) you need for your attic, you first need to know the size of your attic in square feet.
To determine the size of your attic, multiply the width by the length of the attic floor in feet. For a single story house, this is usually the same as the square footage of the house itself.
Next, multiply the square feet of attic space by 0.7 to get the minimum number of cubic feet of air per minute that the fan should be rated to move. Example: 1,000 sq. ft. attic x 0.7 = 700 CFM minimum fan rating
Add an additional 20% (CFM x 1.20) if you have a steep roof, and 15% (CFM x 1.15) for a dark roof. Attic fans come in all different shapes and sizes. Be sure to check the CFM rating of the product that you are interested in prior to installation to determine how many you need.
What is CFM?
CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, determines the amount of air that a fan can move while operating at the highest speed. The larger the attic, the higher the CFM must be in order to efficiently cool that space. CFM for attic fans is a critical measurement for sizing and installation.
Is there a tax credit for solar attic fans?
Solar powered attic fans are eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax. Additional incentives may be available through certain State, municipalities, and utility companies.
Where should I place my solar attic fan?
Ideally, you want to put your solar attic fan on a south or west facing slope.
Aim to put your fans on a central or “middle” portion of your roof. Keep in mind that you want to draw cooler outside air from a soffit (or gable) and flow that through your attic. Make sure to keep your fans approximately 5 feet away from ridge vents (or other open vents).
How to tell if your solar attic fan is working?
Most quality solar powered attic fans are whisper quiet in operation. This is an attractive feature for homeowners, but can also open up the question on whether or not it’s even working.
The best way to tell if your attic fan is working is to go up into the attic and inspect it yourself during the day. Your attic should feel cool and comfortable (close to the outside temperature) when you enter it.
You should also be able to see the fan blades rotating. As always, please use proper safety precautions when entering your attic. If you need assistance, it’s best to request an attic inspection to check your fan to make sure it’s running properly.
How long can I expect a solar powered attic fan to last?
The lifespan of a solar attic fan will depend on the product and manufacturer.
The best solar fans typically come with a 25 year, or limited lifetime warranty. These are a number of cheaper solar fans on the market that last on average for 3-5 years.
Replacing a cheap solar fan every few years however becomes cost prohibitive. We would recommend buying and installing a fan with a better warranty for savings and peace of mind.
https://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/best-solar-attic-fans.jpg12002400adminhttps://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/attics-and-more-2021.pngadmin2022-04-01 16:38:582023-02-15 14:00:249 Best Solar Powered Attic Fans
Some states have a year-long summer. Others are cold for 12 months.
In New Jersey and the Delaware Valley, homeowners experience all four seasons. Under these circumstances, there are specific actions homeowners can take to get the most out of their home.
One of these actions is improving the attic — specifically, the attic’s energy efficiency.
Keeping the attic energy efficient helps keep the home healthy during all four seasons.
Here are 4 of the best ways to improve your attic energy efficiency.
1. Improve Your Attic’s Access Point
The attic access point — you probably see it every day without thinking twice about it.
Your scuttle hole and/or attic door could be wasting your home’s energy.
If the attic access point is not optimized for energy efficiency, air will be leaking between your living area and your attic. Your conditioned air can escape through the attic access point, wasting energy and money on conditioning the lower levels of your home. It doesn’t matter what season it is either — whether you are trying to keep your home toasty in the winter of cool in the summer, your attic access point can contribute to energy loss.
The solution?
We recommend two things:
Weatherstripping
Attic access cover
Attic accesses often have gaps between the door and the ceiling/attic floor. When these gaps are present, weatherstripping is a simple do-it-yourself solution.
For homeowners looking to get the most out of their time and effort, installing an attic access cover could be the perfect remedy.
Attic access covers are a simple installation made for attic scuttle holes and latches. They insulate the attic access and prevent the air from escaping in the same way that weatherstripping does. Other benefits of attic access insulation covers include:
Prevents bugs from entering the living area
Saves money on monthly energy bills
The material is durable and built to last
Weatherstripping and attic access covers are both excellent options. However, for the strongest means of insulation and energy saving, attic access covers provide the best results.
2. Improve Your Attic’s Sealing
After you tackle your attic access, the next step to improving attic energy efficiency is to improve the attic itself.
The first part of that is sealing.
The main goal of improving sealing is to prevent air leakage from the attic.
As mentioned in part 1, air can leak out of gaps and cracks in the attic access. However, the concept of air leakage can be a problem elsewhere.
Polyurethane foam seals gaps in wooden frame construction conserving energy.
Air can leak in gaps in windows, walls, and the floor especially. Take a look around and examine if you have gaps around the following:
Wire holes
Can lights
Ducts or vents
Cracks in the floorboards
Spaces where walls/floors/ceilings meet
If you find spaces near these elements, materials such as sealant, caulk, and/or weatherstrips can often be good solutions. All three will help limit the amount of air leakage in the attic.
For those with duct-work in their attic, air sealing can be critical.
When your air is leaking from ducts, all of the air that would be funneled directly into your living room may not be leaking up from your attic access, but directly from the ducts themselves. Thanks to something know as the “stack effect” (rising heat in the house), air leakages from ducts happen constantly, even when your air is not running. The joints that hold the ducts together leak air, the space in between the ducts and walls leak air, and you end up paying for it (literally — in utility bills).
When it comes to sealing duct-work, a materials such as spray foam, duct mastic, or duct tape can be a homeowners best friend.
Homeowners should also consider the importance of insulating the ducts as well. This concept should actually be applied to the entirety of the attic.
3. Improve Your Attic Insulation
Thanks to infrared technology, we are able to further see where homes need insulation.
When our technicians go into homes, the attic is one of the usual suspects for under-insulation.
In the Delaware Valley, where recommended R-Value (resistance to heat) ranges from R38 to R60, having the right amount of insulation is a necessity if you want good whole-home health. R-Values vary by material, but to get a better sense of what kind of R-Values you may already have, check out this chart. For the most accurate measurements, it’s always best to have a healthy home professional inspect your attic and determine what R-Value will work best for your home.
Next, identify what kind of insulation and what amount of insulation you will need for optimal insulation.
Some of the most popular attic insulation materials include:
Fiberglass (comes as batt)
Cellulose (comes blown)
Mineral wool (comes batt or blown)
Your walls, joists, and attic floors may all need better insulation. You may be able to judge this with the naked eye, but we recommend having an expert take a look. Experienced technicians will be able to give you more insight into R-Values, identify every spot that needs insulation, and offer actionable advice on the best way to handle any under-insulation.
MLI reflects radiant heat from the sun that permeates through the roof to keep R-Value consistent, and the temperature in the living area contained.
While most MLI installations take place in the attic, we can apply our reflective insulation products anywhere in your home to better insulate your home. Attics, crawl spaces, garage doors, below your floors—we even have wraps for old hot water heaters. MLI can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency levels and enjoy increased savings and comfort.
4. Improve Your Attic Ventilation
Ventilation, often thought of as “airflow”, tends to be overlooked.
Unlike other parts of the country like the southern and western states where it is hot year-round and attics can reach deathly high temperatures, the northeast only experiences high-heat for about two months. Likewise, the importance of airflow in the attic can easily escape the minds of homeowners.
Plus, most people aren’t really hanging out in their attic. So why does your attic need ventilation?
The truth is, ventilation is needed during every month of the year.
If you don’t have a healthy stream of air in your attic in the summer, you could be looking at moisture damage and mold.
And if you don’t have that healthy airflow in the winter, you could be looking at different yet similar issues. The potential for mold growth will be there, and excess moisture could cause warped joists, unsafe ice damming on the roof, and rotting wood.
Solar attic fans — as the name implies — run solely on the power of the sun. That means less electricity is needed and more energy efficiency is earned.
They regulate your attic by expelling hot air and circulating fresh outside air to maintain healthy, consistent air quality.
To learn more about the benefits of installing a solar attic fan, click here.
Take Action — Improve Your Attic
If you want to improve your attic, we recommend seeking out the advice of an expert. Our technicians offer free attic inspections and can give you personalized advice based on the condition of your house and the climates that your house will be going through. To get an expert’s perspective, contact us today for a free inspection.
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Every summer, homeowners face the same dilemma of keeping their homes cool without breaking the bank on their energy bills, with the average energy bill totaling about $137 a month.
Many homeowners don’t know that their attics can be a big culprit in wasting energy.
Key Takeaways
Cooling an attic properly can help reduce energy bills by reducing the heat that radiates into the lower living spaces.
One way to cool an attic is through air sealing, which involves finding and closing air leakage points to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
Insulating the attic can also help cool it by creating barriers between the roof, the attic, and between the attic floor, and the rest of the home. Insulation reduces heat transfer and prevents cool air from escaping.
Another way to cool an attic is through ventilation, which allows hot air to escape and cool air to enter. A solar attic fan can be a good solution as it runs on energy from the sun and provides efficient and cost-effective ventilation.
Before taking any action to cool an attic, it’s recommended to inspect the attic for any potential issues, such as cracks in the foundation, and to follow local building codes and safety precautions.
Based on our installation experience and customer data, Remington Solar Attic fans provide the best bang for your buck. Use our promo code SOLAR10 to save on your order. Limited lifetime guarantee. Qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit.
Heat often collects in the attic from the roof and radiates into the lower living spaces. This forces homeowners to crank up the AC, raising energy bills. So, what can you do?
Luckily, there are several ways homeowners can cool their attics and make their homes more energy-efficient. You can finally cool your attic the right way through air sealing, insulation, or ventilation.
Table of Contents
Air Seal
One of the easiest and best ways to help cool down a hot attic is with proper air sealing. This is particularly effective when used in tandem with insulation and other strategies.
What is Air Sealing?
Air sealing is finding and closing air leakage points in and around your home. This is usually your attic walls, floors, entrances, and spots in between ventilation units. These pockets of air leakage can be big or small, accounting for over 40% of all energy lost in your home.
By properly air sealing your attic, you’ll prevent cool air generated by your AC units from escaping to your attic. It’ll also prevent heat and warm air in the attic from radiating down into the lower levels.
It also prevents the formation of ice dams on your roofs in the winter. This is relevant in the summer because ice dams can cause moisture buildup, damaging your attic insulation. If your insulation is weak or insufficient, your attic will allow more heat to transfer into your home in the hot summer months.
How to Air Seal Your Attic
Before You Start
If you can, obtain or create a sketch of your attic. This will help you pinpoint areas of air leakage. Pay close attention to areas like dropped soffits over kitchen cabinets, slanted ceilings over stairways, areas where the walls and ceilings meet, and other dropped-ceiling areas.
Wiring holes, gaps near plumbing and pipes, and recessed lights are also common areas for attic air leakage. Write down these spots and ensure you have the right equipment to seal them.
Alternatively, we recommend getting a professional attic inspection completed by a licensed contractor. This will provide you with detailed insights, including thermal images of your attic. Use an attic inspector’s experience and professional equipment to pinpoint the exact spots where unwanted heat transfer is taking place.
Air Sealing the Attic
Start by filling in the big holes. You can do this by wrapping insulation in plastic bags and plugging areas like open stud cavities, ensuring it fits tightly.
For dropped soffits, remove the insulation and add a piece of reflective foil or rigid foam board a few inches longer than the opening. Seal it in place using caulk or other adhesives.
For pipes that have small air pockets, use caulk or foam to fill the space around them. Make sure you seal the attic hatch with new wood stops and adhesive foam weather strips.
Add Insulation
Insulation is usually the most common method of cooling your attic and preventing the heat from transferring downstairs. It prevents heat from radiating downwards while keeping cool air from escaping to the attic.
What is Attic Insulation?
Attic insulation creates barriers between the roof and your attic and the attic floor to the rest of the home. It comes in various materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and even reflective surfaces similar to foil.
How Insulation Cools Your Attic
Insulation keeps the sun’s heat from radiating into the lower floors, meaning your home will be noticeably cooler. This means your AC won’t have to work quite as hard to maintain a cool internal temperature.
Insulation also prevents cool air from downstairs from escaping into the stuffy attic since it reduces the movement of air. The EPA estimates that you can save over 15% on your annual energy bills by adding insulation to your attics and other areas.
How to Apply Attic Insulation
Before You Start
Always check your local building code’s recommended R-values or your insulation’s ability to reduce conductive heat flow. It’s also recommended that you seal any air holes prior to installing insulation.
Take note of areas in your attic with plumbing, ductwork, and wiring. For your own safety, make sure there aren’t any cracks in your attic’s foundation.
If you’re applying rolled-up batts or reflective insulation, make all the necessary measurements, so your insulation fits properly. Purchase safety goggles and masks since materials like fiberglass can be dangerous to your lungs and eyes.
Insulating an Attic
If you’re using batt or roll insulation, target areas like your skylights and cut out the necessary amount of insulation. You can secure it between the framings with staples and house wrap.
Make sure not to compress the insulation, or it’ll become less effective. Whether it’s the stud walls or the joists, make sure you gently fit the insulation without leaving any gaps.
If you’re using blown-in insulation, plug in the machine and feed half a bag of insulation into it. Turn the machine on and fill any areas that need insulation. Be careful not to spray the loose fill in the rafter vents.
Reflective insulation requires you to measure the surface area of the places you’re covering and staple the material to the wood.
Add Ventilation
Ventilation allows your home to breathe. In the attic, it pulls fresh air through it and lets the heat escape regularly. Let’s explore how attic ventilation works to cool down your home.
What is Attic Ventilation?
A balanced ventilation system occurs when the amount of air entering the attic equals the amount leaving it. The cooler air from the intake vents pushes the warm air up and out through the exhaust vents near the ridge.
Without proper intake ventilation, the exhaust vents don’t work, and the heat doesn’t have a way to escape. This can cause permanent damage to your roof, which, as we discussed, can damage your attic insulation and affect your home temperature.
How Attic Ventilation Cools Your Home
In the summer, an improperly vented attic can cause many problems. Without proper ventilation, the heat in your attic has nowhere to go. This means your upstairs rooms will be uncomfortably hot until the sun goes down.
As such, poor ventilation causes hotter attics. This means hotter upstairs rooms and more stress on your AC units. By installing proper ventilation and letting the air circulate in and out of your attic, less heat will be trapped.
How to Ventilate Your Attic
Before You Start
First, look for signs of poor ventilation by either looking at your home yourself or calling a contractor. These signs include:
Curling shingles
Roof damage
Excessive attic heat
High summer energy bills
Rust on metal components in the attic
Keep in mind that every attic has different ventilation needs. Calculate the right amount of ventilation for your attic beforehand. There are a few different equations you can use to determine this number.
Ventilating an Attic
Generally speaking, installing attic ventilation isn’t a DIY project. You should call a trusted professional to install the different types of attic ventilation common in most homes.
There are several different types of attic vents that you can use to improve the air circulation in your attic. These include turbine vents that can remove over 300 cubic feet of air a minute.
Active, power vents are smaller vents that can pull hot air out of the attic using electricity or solar power. Passive vents, such as box vents or ridge vents, can use natural winds and convection to move air through your attic.
Lower Your Energy Bills With Cooler Attics
Your attic is a literal hotspot for summer heat, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank trying to pay your energy bills. Leverage the three different strategies in this article to create a much more energy-efficient attic today.
https://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/how-to-cool-attic.png25015000adminhttps://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/attics-and-more-2021.pngadmin2021-02-15 14:31:372023-02-19 00:19:58How to Cool an Attic Properly
Recently I met a man who used to work in the construction business. More specifically, he worked in a niche as a construction “fixer.” His job was to go to newer developments where homeowners had various complaints or problems with their houses, narrow down the issues, itemize them, quote the price to fix the problems, and assist the homeowners by trying to work out solutions with the original developer who built the homes. His story applies to all homes, but I found it ironic that he was experiencing this in newer homes.
While out on a call to a home in winter, he entered the homeowner’s master bedroom. He saw black streaks on the ceiling. He pointed them out to the homeowner and asked if they could take a look in the attic. The homeowner seemed surprised by this and asked him why. My friend said, “Do you know what those streaks of black are on the ceiling?” The homeowner was puzzled and had no idea. My friend said, “That’s mold growing on your ceiling, and I guarantee you that your attic is wet.”
They went up to the attic, icicles were hanging from the attic ceiling, and, sure enough, the attic was also wet. The culprit? There was no ventilation in the attic. It might be hard to believe that icicles can form inside the house, but in many older homes that lack proper insulation and ventilation, the attic can become a magnet for condensation, which will freeze when it gets cold enough and the moisture has nowhere to go. … After a while, this frost builds up to form icicles. Homeowners assume that attic fans are only useful in the summer to move the heat around and keep the attic and home cooler. This could not be further from the truth. While fan ventilation does the trick in summer with the correct type of fan and the fan’s correct placement, it is just as important in winter. In the winter, heat in your home rises – to the attic. With it comes moisture. When attics are not well ventilated, moisture collects in this area of the home. … Adequate attic ventilation allows cool, dry air from outside to come into the attic, while warm, moist air inside the attic can escape.
Attics and More sells solar attic fans that have a lifetime guarantee. They install quickly and are workhorses without tapping into your electrical grid. Some other facts about our fans:
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Our price not only includes the installation of the new solar fan but the removal of another fan if you have an existing one. Our solar fans also qualify for the federal solar tax credit (26% for year ending 12/31/2020), and we provide the paperwork to you. This credit steadily declines each subsequent year, so it really is in your best interest to purchase a fan now. Our fans are not made in China like those sold in the big box stores, and ours come with a lifetime warranty that cannot be matched.
If you have not had the opportunity to see or have one installed over the hot summer months, now is the time to contact us for a complimentary appointment to see our fans at your home up close and personal, AND take advantage of the highest federal solar tax credit. Let our Attic Specialist stop by to recommend the fan that would best suit your attic based on square footage and roof pitch, so give us a call today at 856-474-2400!
https://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/icicles-hanging-from-attic-ceiling.jpg375500adminhttps://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/attics-and-more-2021.pngadmin2020-10-13 21:33:222022-02-13 14:57:32Why Attics Need to “Breathe” Year Round – A True Story
