Is there any evidence that solar powered attic fans really work, or is it all hype from the manufacturers?
Question:
Answer:
I have no expierence with the solar powered fans but I have been in homes with regular powered fans that are connected to either a timer or temperature gauge and they work very well here in inland California where temps can get into the 103-115 range.
The fans basically exhaust hot air from the attic which inturn allow hot air in the home to rise and cooler air from outside to be drawn in. Think of it this way; imagine how difficult to it is to cool a home to a comfortable 80 degrees when you have an attic that is 130-140 degrees.
-not exactly sure why you would need a powered fan at all. i don't even think you need the wind powered spinning type. if your soffets are not blocked, and you use attic vents (styrofoam sleeves) on underside of roof to ensure insulation is not blocking air flow , regular roof vents will suffice. the purpose is to stop shingles from cooking(warping) on top of your roof. heat rises- hot air leaves your stationary roof vents and draws more cooler air in through the soffit to cool the roof top.
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