Solar Attic Fan Installation

A solar attic fan is one of the latest discoveries in the HVAC industry (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning). These fans accumulate solar energy and are installed on the roof of an apartment or a house. They compete with electrical units in terms of efficiency.

They are handy to install, consume optimum utility costs, and are eco-friendly. If your air conditioner is consuming extra electricity due to the heat consumption on the roof, a solar attic fan installation can be considered.

Like other solar energy consuming utilities, these fans operate in the presence of sunshine. While installing it, consulting with an expert always helps since it depends upon a lot of factors such as function, efficiency, size of the attic, and cost. These fans save on electricity and are easy to install. If you follow the guidelines for proper attic ventilation requirements, it will minimize your utility bills.

These fans can be of 2 types, gable mounted and roof mounted. In case of gable type vents, gable mounted fans can be installed inside the attic. After installation, you can easily adjust the solar panel to maximize the efficiency of the fan. If you have any areas with restrictions in front of your home, these fans are the perfect choice. Roof mounted fans can be installed in sheds, attics, garages, and workshops, and provide a ventilation capacity of up to 1800 feet.

It is extremely imperative that you follow the instructions in the manual you get. Before installation, check if any trees are blocking the sunlight needed for the functioning of the fan. As far as possible, try to center the fan on the roof since hot air will build up at the attic center.

• For the best performance, identify a position on the south side of the roof, and install the fan there. If that is not possible, choose an alternate spot for optimum efficiency. Identify the position for the solar powered attic vent between 2 roof beams or rafters.

• Push a nail through the desired location or roofing shingles. Divide the length of the flashing by half. For instance, if it's 20", then it would come to 10". Cut a twine length equal to half of the flashing length or diameter and install roof supports or brackets and roof fall protection or arrest system.
• Draw up an outline of the vent flashing with a compass to incise shingles at the marked outline with a cutting tool such as a knife.

• Take off the shingles by pulling nails inside the circular area. Make cuts similar to 9 O' clock positions up to 5" to give maximum space for flashing footprints under the shingles. In case of southern exposure, a 12 o' clock position would give best results.

• Draw or mark vent holes on the sheathing with the help of a compass, and carve a hole in the ceiling with a saw or such similar equipment.
• Administer a tri-polymer ceiling cement so as to encompass the hole.

• Adjust the vent above the hole and tighten the fan flashing to the ceiling or roof.
• Administer a sealant to encompass the flashing. Caulking or sealing is applied to protect the screw heads coming in direct contact with the weather.
• Adjust the solar panel to a position where it will absorb maximum sunlight.

The cost approximately goes up to $500, which includes the flashing kit and the fan. If you know carpentry work, you can do it yourself. In this case, the kit and the fan will cost approximately $400. It is always advisable to consult an expert before going in for any particular model of these fans.