You may be familiar with solar fans ventilating a house. These devices save power consumption and crucial electricity bill in the home. But do you know attic ventilation is equally important?
With all the attention in your house, the chances are that you overlook the attic space. But it would help if you understood that an attic is responsible for keeping the overall temperature of the house under control.
For the same reason, solar attic fans on the roof dispel hot air. At the same time, cold air enters the attic, thereby decreasing the temperature. Hence, for several practical reasons, solar-powered attic fans should be a part of every household.
This article discusses solar attic fans, their calculations, and other relevant info conducive to good ventilation.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Solar attic fans play a crucial role in maintaining a well-controlled temperature in homes. They expel hot air during summer and reduce attic humidity during winter.
- The number of solar attic fans needed depends on factors such as attic size, roof pitch, fan capacity (measured in CFM), and power consumption (in watts).
- For houses with various attic sizes and roof slopes, the recommended number of solar attic fans can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 4 fans. Consulting a solar contractor or using online calculators can help determine the exact requirements for proper ventilation.
What Is A Solar Attic Fan?
Before delving deep into the calculations of a solar attic fan, it is crucial to understand its working. In simple words, a solar fan is an electrical device that works like a roof exhaust.
You can mount the solar fan on a steep roof or a flat roof. Since these fans are solar-powered, they need a solar panel. The solar panels existent on the roof provide energy to the solar fan.
The working of a solar attic fan depends on the principle of gravity. Hot air that floats on the top surface expels out through these attic fans. Consequently, a cool attic increases the likelihood of a well-maintained house.
Significance Of Solar Attic Fans
The global attic fan market is estimated to grow. With technological advancement and practical benefits, the market will increase further.
So, why are solar-powered attic fans increasing in demand? The following reasons are the most significant ones.
Replaces Hot Air During Summer
In the summer season, the hot air in the attic exceeds temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Such high-temperature air can transfer heat through the ducts and ceiling. This air circulation gives rise to a cumulative increase in the home temperature.
In such cases, solar attic fans are significant to replace this hot air with cold air from the surrounding. This ventilation model helps in maintaining the temperature, which is the basic function of attic fans. Moreover, there is no heat accumulation during summers.
Reduces Attic Humidity During Winter
In winters, the outside ice can cause unwanted issues to the attic space like moisture, dampness, water damage, etc. Solar-powered attic fans come to the rescue during such times.
When they operate, the humid air in the attic space expels out. Consequently, the dry air enters the roof attic that causes a decrease in humidity.
Thus, solar attic fans prevent corrosion of the ducts and maintain humidity levels during colder climates. In addition, the roof structure doesn’t deteriorate.
Solar Attic Fans Calculations
Depending on different factors, the number of solar attic fans for separate households can change. Hence, the answer to how many fans do I need will vary.
However, these technical terms and calculations will choose easier for you. Consider the following parameters:
- Vaulted ceilings
- Amount of existing venting
- Pitch
- Attic shape
- Form of the attic
Capacity Of The Attic Fan
The capacity of a solar attic fan is the amount of air that the fan displaces every minute. This amount is calculated in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
This capacity is vital to compare different fan models. Solar fans with high CFM have a greater capacity to move or displace air.
Fan Power Consumption
Many solar attic fans require less power to operate. Regardless, this point is important to calculate the number of attic fans for optimum working conditions.
The power consumption is calculated in watts. The attic space plays a paramount role in determining the number of fans required.
Size Of Attic Space
The size of your roof attic is vital for further calculations. Generally, you should measure the size in square feet. Consequently, your attic area plays a vital role in installing the right fans with minimum power consumption.
For determining the area, multiply the width and length of your home.
Roof Pitch
The pitch or slope of your attic is another parameter to calculate the number of attic fans for your household. Typically, the steepness is measured in fractions of 12, i.e., value/12.
Here are the general examples of different types of roof pitch sizes.
- Flat roof: 2/12
- Mid slope: 4/12
- Steep roof: 12/12
In simple words, the above values depict a steep roof angle. For instance, 4/12 implies your roof rises 4 feet over the span of 12 feet.
A solar contractor can consider other details apart from CFM, square footage, solar attic fan power capacity.
- Intake air vents
- Sun intensity
- Minimum system requirement
General References
Below, you will find the number of 16W fans required for houses having variable attic sizes:
- 800 – 1200 sq. feet (1 Fan)
- 1600 – 2000 sq. feet (2 Fans)
- 2400 sq. feet (3 Fans)
Note that the steep slope value for these solar attic fans is low, i.e., 1/12 to 4/12.
Many solar attic fans are required for roofs with medium slope, i.e., 5/12 to 9/12, depending on their power capacity and CFM.
- 1200 – 1600 sq. feet (2 Fans)
- 2000 sq. feet (3 Fans)
- 2400 sq. feet (4 Fans)
You will need more solar attic fans for sufficient attic ventilation for high-slope houses.
Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Attic Fans
Solar attic fans play a crucial role in maintaining a home’s temperature by expelling hot air during the summer and reducing humidity in the winter. Proper ventilation provided by these fans can significantly improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Solar Energy Specialist
The number of solar attic fans required for optimal ventilation depends on various factors such as the size of the attic, roof pitch, and the fan’s capacity measured in CFM. Consulting a professional or using an online calculator can help determine the exact needs for your specific attic space.
Renewable Energy Consultant
Installing solar attic fans not only helps in maintaining a balanced attic temperature but also reduces the strain on your HVAC system, leading to lower electricity bills. This makes solar attic fans a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Sustainable Energy Expert
Endnotes
From maintaining ventilation to saving electricity, a solar attic fan can be an excellent purchase. The exact number of fans required for a household depends on several variables.
A solar contractor can calculate the square footage, draw, CFM, ridge space, etc., to provide the exact number. Also, the watt intake of the solar attic fan model can significantly impact fan size and quantity of fans. You can even use online attic fan calculators to estimate the number of fans to install.
The parameters in this article are sufficient to determine the number of solar fans for proper ventilation.
About the Author
Solar Panels Network USA stands at the forefront of solar energy solutions, driven by a team of seasoned solar engineers and energy consultants. With over decades of experience in delivering high-quality solar installations and maintenance, we are committed to promoting sustainable energy through customer-centric, tailored solutions. Our articles reflect this commitment, crafted collaboratively by experts to provide accurate, up-to-date insights into solar technology, ensuring our readers are well-informed and empowered in their solar energy decisions.