A solar powered attic fan may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of green energy. But consider this: every roof needs ventilation, whether it’s on a home in Maine or in Florida. Attics need to breathe because if it gets too hot up there, it’s a strain on the AC. When it’s cold outside, the attic roof can become a mold and mildew farm if there is no fan.
A solar powered attic fan takes care of these important issues and at the same time fits into your clean energy plan for eco friendly living. The federal government is encouraging this by offering a 30% IRS tax credit. Plus, some communities are offering up to $200 in local utility rebates.
Now let’s take a look at what a solar powered attic fan can do for your home. As mentioned before, a solar powered attic fan helps cool your home in warm weather and reduces moisture in the attic in winter. It’s a green product and it will save money by conserving energy because it uses no electricity.
In summer, attic temperatures can get very high, over 100 degrees. The solar powered attic fan pulls in cooler air from the intake vents and pushes out the hot air. That means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
In winter, warm, moist air rises from your living space and combines with cold surface of the underside of your roof. If there is no ventilation, the moist air will condense on the attic roof, causing growth of harmful mold and mildew. The solar powered attic fan circulates the air and prevents condensation so no mold or mildew can grow.
Unlike traditional attic fans that install on the underside of your attic roof, the solar powered version is an attic fan that mounts on the exterior roof. The traditional electrical attic fan turns on when the attic gets a certain temperature. Solar powered attic fans are activated by the sun. You can mount one yourself if you are handy. Pay careful attention to instructions, however, since every roof is different. It’s important to get the solar powered attic fan at the optimal angle to catch the sun’s rays. Estimate Tax Payments Federal Tax Rates