Friday, August 3, 2012

Solar-Powered Attic Fans


When we had our roof upgraded earlier this year, we also upgraded our solar water heater, which had been in service for more than 30 years. We also had two solar-powered attic fans installed, the purpose of which was to make the inside of the house cooler for us human inhabitants.


The scientific principle is simple: Heat rises. Consequently, the attic becomes hot. By pumping out the hot air, cooler air enters the attic, effectively cooling off the interior of the house. We had two installed – one over the the living room attic, and one over the second-story bedroom attic.
Because the solar cells draw their energy from the sunlight, the fans require no electrical connection. Plus the fans are quiet. Once in a while, when everything else is silent in the house, I can hear the humming whir of the fans, but it's like white noise. You soon forget it's there.
I recommend them. They’re good investments.

2 comments:

Staci Severns said...

Yes, they really are good investments. I actually think homeowners should be into ‘solarizing’ their homes. We are all aware of the extremities of the climate. This is an environmentally and financially-friendly device to reduce heat and moisture in the attic.

Craig Miyamoto said...

They helped us get through the humid Hawaii summer without any excess heat and moisture building up in the house, Staci. It's a winner!

~ Craig