Using a Solar Attic Fan to Save Electricity
Most building professionals agree that a well ventilated attic helps to save money on air conditioning. Your attic probably has a ridge vent to allow heat to escape at the top, plus soffit vents at the edge of the roof that allow outside air to enter from below. In many cases natural ventilation is adequate, but for most homes in hotter climates a powered fan is used to increase the air flow and better cool the attic area. This can even help extend the life of your roof tiles.
If you already have powered ventilation then replacing it with a solar attic fan can save you money on your electricity while continuing to cool your attic.
If you don’t have powered ventilation then it’s worth considering a solar powered unit to avoid the power costs and still benefit from the cooling effects.
Beware however that powered ventilation in an attic can, under certain conditions, depressurize your house to some extent. So it’s important to be certain that your attic space is well sealed from the house below. Either ask your builder or inspect it yourself for openings. Most openings will be around where light fixtures are mounted below, and where the interior dividing walls are. Small openings can be caulked. Larger openings should be closed off with rigid foam insulation and caulk.
Can lights are notorious for leaking air into the attic and for adding heat to your home. If the lights are IC (insulation contact) rated you can insulate around them. Best is to build a small box from rigid foam insulation and caulk allowing at least 3 inches around the fixture in every direction. But the bulb should still be replaced with a compact fluorescent to avoid excess heat build up and to save you more energy.
Electricity service is a reseller of Texas electricity and generally concerned when it comes to excess electricity usage by providing access to cheap electricity in Texas. The Texas energy company maintains a save electricity blog which provides tips and suggestions about how to save money on your electricity bill.
Tags: electric bill, electricity, save electricity, solar attic fan