Solar Attic Fans
Do solar fans work?
Solar attic fans are one of the newest innovations in the world of cooling and ventilation. There are a lot of varying opinions about how effective solar attic fans are at cooling a home. As with many new technologies introduced to the market, there is an initial period of skepticism. Keep reading to find out the real story behind solar attic fans and whether or not they are effective at cooling your home and creating comfortable living environments.
Many individuals believe that this type of fan is ineffective at cooling the areas of your home which need it most. Many people agree that solar attic fans are only effective in cooling the attic, which is pointless considering you’re barely ever up there. The argument is that most of the cool air produced by these units will never reach the areas of a home where most people spend their time. Again, this is just one side of the argument regarding the effectiveness of solar attic fans. There are many individuals who believe that solar attic fans are very effective at cooling homes.
Solar fans are made with silicon. When heated, the silicon material produces electricity and powers the fan. Like the whole-house fan, the hot air trapped in the house will be forced outside while the cool air will be pushed downwards into your attic. Keep in mind, when using this form of fan it may not be as efficient on cloudy days when the sun isn’t shining.
Before purchasing one of these units, make sure that the CFM (cubic feet per minute) is strong enough to reach other areas of your home. If the CFM is inadequate, the cool air produced by the fan may be limited to the attic, and may never reach the other rooms in your home.
If you want a cost-effective way of cooling the air in your home, you may want to consider investing in a solar attic fan. These fans will end up saving you money in the long run, but it is probably a good idea to have an alternate primary cooling system in your home.
