As summer sets in, with A/C expenses ranging from around $0.06 to $0.88 per hour, bills can become quite expensive. However, attic fans improve ventilation and airflow and reduce the usage of HVAC systems. But are solar attic fans worth it in the long run? Let’s find out!
Are Solar Attic Fans Worth It?
Yes, they are so worth it. They utilize free solar power, reducing energy costs. Additionally, these fans regulate attic temperature, improving your AC unit’s efficiency and lowering electric bills.
The Florida Solar Energy Centre found solar attic fans to be of great benefit on hot summer days in North America. The study revealed that these fans could reduce AC usage by up to 6% and decrease indoor temperatures by as much as 6° C (approximately 10° F). These improvements resulted in energy savings of around 460 kWh during the summer test period.
If you do not know what a solar attic fan is, then let me explain. These solar-powered fans pull heated air out of the attic and replace it with cool air. They reduce the workload on the HVAC system.
Pros of Solar Attic Fans
1. Eco Friendly: They utilize solar energy providing a sustainable and renewable energy source over other forms of power.
2. Silent: Noise is not an issue with these fans. These fans are very silent when compared to the noise produced by the powered fans.
3. Easy to Install: They are not only durable but also incredibly easy to install. Self-installation is possible without any hassle, but, we recommend to let the technician do the job.
4. Safe: There is no risk of carbon monoxide with these fans. The powerful force of attic fans draws carbon monoxide from combustion devices into the attic due to the creation of negative pressure zones.
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5. Damage-Preventing: Solar attic fan draws heat and moisture from the attic. It also prevents ice dams, helping to eliminate mold, reducing damaging moisture, and preserving the durability of roof structures and materials.
6. Efficient Heat Management: They have remarkable ability to effectively decrease temperatures. This is another determinant of whether solar attic fans are worth it.
7. Different Mounting Options: There are three different mounting options: curb-mounted, gable-mounted, and roof-mounted. You can determine the ideal model based on the type of roof, whether it is flat or pitched. Additionally, consider the specific pitch of the roof and the square footage of your attic.
Just learning about the pros won’t give you a clear idea about the worthiness of solar attic fans, you also need to consider their cons.
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Cons of Solar Attic Fans
1. Higher Initial Cost: Solar attic fans come with a higher initial capital cost for homeowners compared to traditional models. In most markets, a single fan typically costs around $600, and installation expenses can range from about $150 to $300.
2. Long Payback Period: Recouping installation costs can be time-consuming. Opting for an Energy Star-rated solar attic fan may qualify you for tax credits of up to 30% of the initial expense.
3. Lower Power Output: Solar attic fans move less air than some other options. For homes larger than 1,600 square feet, three fans might be needed to maximize air movement and utility savings.
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4. Sunlight Dependency: Without proper exposure to the sun, these fans won’t operate efficiently. Using a large battery can mitigate this issue, but adds to the installation cost. Before opting for solar attic fans, assess the amount of daily sunlight and factors like cloud cover and obstructions that may affect their performance.
5. Roof Structure Changes Required: Installing solar attic fans necessitates cutting holes in the roof. Overlooking the need for multiple holes to accommodate the entire system may make it unsuitable for certain properties. The installation’s weight could strain the existing supports at the top of the house.
6. Air Movement Limitations: Some solar attic fans might only circulate hot and humid air instead of properly exhausting it, potentially limiting the expected benefits and improvements in attic ventilation.
What is Solar Attic Fan Price?
The price of a solar attic fan usually varies between $200-$500 with an additional fee of about $150-$250 for installation by a technician. However, if you need more than 1 fan, it will increase the budget.
Note: Price range is subject to change based on location, brand, subsidies, incentives, tax credits or related factors.
Cross-Reference: Solar Attic Fan Price
Does a Solar Attic Fan Save Money?
Yes, this will reduce the load on your air conditioning system hence saving you money. An Ontario Energy Board study indicated that during peak periods these fans are capable of conserving up to 200kw/h energy per annum.
Other than this, these solar attic fans may qualify for a Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Improvements that save energy may be eligible for a credit of up to 26% of the cost of installation and purchase. Even though the IRS does not consider solar attic fans to improve energy efficiency, they can still meet the requirements for a tax credit.
In conclusion, solar attic fans are worth it as they offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to ventilate our house. However, they are ideal for houses with confined attics rather than modern-built houses with spacious and ventilated attics. Whatever it is, you will save money with solar products in the long run. For more such blogs, explore the solar section of our website.
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