Learn from the pros. Read and watch home improvement articles and videos.

Featured Article

Vent Your Attic with a Solar Attic Fan provided by ServiceMagic.com.

Having a properly vented attic keeps your home cooler, your utility bills lower (since you won't have to run the AC as much), and helps combat the harmful effects of condensation buildup which can lead to rot, mold, and mildew. Traditionally, passive ventilation and electrical attic vent fans have been used to address this issue and keep a flow of fresh air circulating through the attic space. Recently, however, the solar powered attic fan has started to catch on as a near perfect solution for this task.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun
A solar powered attic fan works pretty much like you'd expect it to. The fan itself is installed near the ridge of your home's roof, and is then connected to a set of low powered photovoltaic solar cells that provide the fan with enough electricity to get the fan spinning when the sun is shining. More often than not, these cells are installed directly onto the outside of the fan housing, though if your fan is being installed in a shady area you can opt to place the solar cells in a different area that gets more regular, and direct, sunlight. Once installed, your solar attic fan will kick on whenever the sun is out, drawing fresh air up through your soffit vents and blowing hot, stale and humid air up and out of your attic at the same time.

No Wiring, No Switches, No Worries
One of the big benefits of a solar powered attic fan is ease of installation. Since its energy source is the sun, you won't have to worry about running any wiring, installing downstairs switches, installing thermostats, or making sure the whole thing is up to code as you would with electrically powered vent fans. The only thing you'll have to worry about is where to install it on your roof. Make sure you put it (or the solar cells) in a place where they'll get the most direct sunlight possible, however. Remember, good attic ventilation is important year round, and your fan will only run at optimal efficiency if you make sure your solar cells are getting maximum exposure to sunlight. Installing it in a shady area will drop the power it receives, and subsequently the amount of air it is able to circulate through your attic.

Share
Advertisement

Article Library

Ventilating Your Home

Keeping your home well ventilated cuts your air conditioning bill considerably. Story >

Insulating Your Home

It seems like no one gave much thought to insulating their home before the Story >

Air Conditioner Check-Up

Any time is better than never, but spring is the ideal time to budget Story >

Ventilation is Key to Roof Lifespan

More than ever, homeowners are frustrated by poor-performing roofing products, especially when a new Story >

Whole House Fans

You know you want to make your air conditioning system more energy-efficient, but the Story >

Forced Air Heating Systems

One of the most common central heating systems, forced-air heating systems are present in Story >

Attic Fans Cool Entire Home

During the hot summer months, attic temperatures can reach up to 160 degrees, and Story >

Warm up with a Garage Heater

Garage heaters are an excellent product for combating cold garages and workshops during the Story >

Proper Attic Insulation: An Issue of Heating/Cooling Costs and Air Quality

Insulating systems are designed to control moisture, reduce the movement of heat, and assure Story >

Increase Attic Ventilation with Soffit Vents

Attic ventilation is important to your home for a number of reasons. For Story >

Vent Your Attic with a Solar Attic Fan

Having a properly vented attic keeps your home cooler, your utility bills lower (since Story >

Protecting Your Home with Roof Vents

The relationship between the roof and attic is one that many homeowners don't understand. Story >

Getting the Most from Your Vent Covers

Despite the increasing alternatives, forced air heating and cooling systems are still the most Story >

Hot Water and Steam Radiators: The Heat is On

Hot water and steam radiator systems have been used in many colder climates Story >

Think Green when it Comes to Residential Heating

There's a revolution happening in home heating systems that is directly tied to the Story >


Tip Of the Week

To keep a water pipe from freezing, let the faucet drip water slightly to maintain water flow.

Sign up for FREE Tip of the Week e-mails!

Sign Up!

Advertisement

Home Service Providers

Find local home services providers and contractors to help you with your home improvement needs and projects.

Please select a location:

- OR -

Advertisement