View Full Version : Solar attic fans? Who has one?
blownz281
05-28-2015, 03:27 PM
Coastal NC gets really hot and we have no shade on the house. So we are in full sun from sun up to sun down.
So AC runs a lot. The Attic gets up in the 100's and figure having a fan would be great to move hot air out. Maybe this would help with AC running so much as well?
a.hulva@coxinet.net
05-29-2015, 09:58 AM
Coastal NC gets really hot and we have no shade on the house. So we are in full sun from sun up to sun down.
So AC runs a lot. The Attic gets up in the 100's and figure having a fan would be great to move hot air out. Maybe this would help with AC running so much as well?
In Reply to your Post Solar attic fans? Who has one?:Your attic probably gets hotter than 100. You can get a wind powered fan (which is the least expensive) or an electric powered model which is better. Both are available at Lowes or Home Depot. I think the solar units are more expensive and less efficient. All have to be installed on the roof which is a chore as you have to cut a hole in the roof which means disturbing the shingles. If not done right could cause leaks. A handyman or a roofer can do it if you can't do it yourself. You may need two units depending on the size of your house. I have the wind powered units on my house. Good luck,
Al
blownz281
05-29-2015, 05:29 PM
Had a feeling you would reply haha. Right now it's 82. 100 in the garage with door closed,but we drove for almost two hrs. So the heat off the engine doesn't help. So yes the attic gets over 100. Yes I do worry about the roof leaking. As a kid we had sky lights installed by are roofing company. They had tiny leaks with bad storms. But acouple tries and fixed. Others we know same issue. So yes I worry about me or anyone cutting into the roof.
Find yourself a good roofer. If you put the fans too close, they are going to compete with each other. You'll need at least 2 and usually the wind type is fine. Post pics with measurements of your house, it might help.
Snarkie
06-09-2015, 05:34 PM
Most new houses use ridge vent (Cobra), which doesn't work worth a damn. If you have gables, install a fan on one end and hook it up to a thermostat. You can get them at Homey Depot.
If you don't have gables, then you'll need to install them on the roof, preferably on each end. I would also add a simple vent at the bottom as well. You can also install turbines, which turn with the wind or rising air through the vent itself. Cutting a hole in the roof is nothing, as long as you flash it properly and re-shingle properly around it. Pretty cut and dry. I've put a lot of them in over the years, as I used to be a licensed GC.
How's the workout schedule coming along, BTW?
Worm_Farmer
06-12-2015, 07:17 PM
Solar will cost more, but save on electric over time. I DO NOT have solar but I do have an electric fan that turns on at 120f and it comes on OFTEN. Its also loud and sucks down power. Now the solar fans, I want to say was like $400 installed. That fan was rated at 1400 sq ft. That would be bigger than my house. It is also rated much quieter, which would be great compared to what I have now. I WILL be getting one, when ever its time to replace the roof. :)
Snarkie
06-12-2015, 07:44 PM
The roof is the main problem. I am designing a product which I hope to patent, that will eliminate the roof from the equation. It should reduce attic temps by 50 degrees in the summertime. in winter, simply remove it from the equation.
Worm_Farmer
06-15-2015, 03:53 PM
Spray foam insulation it pretty awesome. That is your best defense.
I have also considered building a roof out of the plastic composite lumber. They build docks and walk ways out of the stuff. Its not suppose to root and bugs will not eat it. I also believe it would be much stronger then using that junk OSB wood.
I also looked into have a big steel building put over my house, so it would be like a house in a house. I had an issue because The structured would have been to close to my property line.
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