Should You Invest in a Solar-Powered Attic Fan?

[Olde Hornet]

MSN

What Are the Benefits of Solar Attic Fans?​

Its main benefit is a cooler attic in the summer. This brings related benefits, such as:

• A more comfortable environment in the house;
• Reduced energy costs for cooling;
• Protection for the roof, which can be damaged by excessive heat.

An important disclaimer: All these benefits are possible only if the attic is sealed off from the rest of the house. If there are gaps, the circulation can pull cool air from the house to the attic and blow it out the roof vents, which can actually increase cooling costs.

The additional air circulation has another benefit: It promotes the evaporation of attic moisture in cooler weather. That controls mold that grows in the insulation and on the framing.

Most attics don't need this, because natural convection between the soffit and roof vents usually provides adequate circulation. But poorly ventilated attics already experiencing moisture problems can benefit from the active ventilation a fan provides.