Solar Vs Electric Attic Vents

Probably the biggest advantage of a solar attic fan is the energy savings over time.

Solar vs electric attic vents.

Solar powered attic vent fans usually don t move as many cubic feet of air per minute cfm as hardwired fans. Electric attic fans vs. 13 pros and cons of solar powered attic ventilation fans. Jul 23 2019 jul 29 2019 by brandon miller.

They re also cheaper to install than electric fans because you can do it yourself. Compare that to a 250 watt electric fan which will typically use 60 kilowatt hours per month when running 8 hours per day and 180 kilowatt hours per month running continuously. Master flow erv6 roof mount power attic vent at home depot. Solar powered attic fans.

Once installed a solar fan costs nothing to run. But they re much easier to install since no wiring is needed. Solar attic fans exhaust hot air for free using the sun s rays. That s where your seasonal decorations can go the old toys that the kids no longer use and anything else that receives only occasional attention.

To determine the number of cubic feet per minute needed for a power vent fan multiply the number of square feet in your attic by 0 7. You should not mix active and passive ventilation systems. The best solar attic fans are more expensive than electric units. Electric attic fans are more powerful and cheaper than solar attic fans but they consume a lot of power.

Ad the infrared rays from the sun are powerful. Last don t forget the green benefits associated with solar fans. Most of the time this is not productive as a ridge vent will compete with a solar fan or a roof turbine will detract from a ridge vent. No costly power bills to incur there.

Air movement in the attic helps prevent moisture buildup on rafters and on the bottom of roofing materials. They are a responsible use of energy that will keep your conscience clear. Pros of solar attic fans. The solar attic fans all moved less than 1 000 cubic feet of air per minute cfm and they did nothing to lower the temperature inside my own attic.

Also an active roof vent should not be within 10 20 feet of a passive vent if you decide to add or change your attic ventilation. Electric fans can cost you online 50 100 while solar units prices are in the range 200 300. Cons of solar attic fans.