I wouldn’t, as insulation is the best solution for this problem, but many install the attic fan as a band aid solution. Maybe it’s more profitable for the contractors?So if my home had poor insulation then I should look into attic ventilation?
I had ours removed and just installed a ridge vent, it wasn't working anyway.I wouldn’t, as insulation is the best solution for this problem, but many install the attic fan as a band aid solution. Maybe it’s more profitable for the contractors?
Well, insulation and proper ventilation is key. The OP doesnt state if his HVAC system and duct work are in the attic.I wouldn’t, as insulation is the best solution for this problem, but many install the attic fan as a band aid solution. Maybe it’s more profitable for the contractors?
This.A ridge vent/soffit vent system is a better alternative. It uses natural convection to rid the attic of excessive heat with no energy use or maintenance.
Right, I have soffit vents around the exterior of the house. I don't think this would be a problem.
Main objective is to help cool the house and decrease load on the A/C during the hot season.
Agendas aside, when I look at the numbers they tell the truth. Solar fans get about 300-500 CFM (maybe). Hard wired get 1200(+) CFM. I could also do gable mount fans. The price of solar is much higher, I don't know if I could offset the higher price with power saving. I mean how much power do fans actually use? Then I started thinking....
Lets put our math hats on...
Read online 1.65A per fan...
1.65A x 120V = 198W, lets just say 200W per fan.
So if I got 3 fans = 600W
My power company charges ~$0.15 per 1KWH (1 hour use of 1000 watts).
So if 1000W = $0.15, then 600W = $0.15 X 0.6KWH = $.09
I am probably looking at less than $0.09/day to run them. I am sure they would run less than 1 hour a day even during the hottest season.
$0.09 x 270 days = $24.30 rough yearly operating cost. Not 365 days because I am also accounting for winter.
How many years to offset the higher price of solar fans?
Solar fans were quoted to be several thousand dollars...
I also could just leave the static ventilation.
I am old school. Show me the data kind of guy. Similar to most BITOG members. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Agree and same with my experience. I had just a basic fan I picked up at Home Depot and set at 105F (I think, its been a couple years since we moved from that house) it ran from mid-morning to an hour or so before sunset all summer long.I would suggest if you really think your attic fan only needs to run an hour then you dont need one.
I used to have a mid output electric attic fan in a northern climate. I think set to come on around 110 degrees, (grabbing at straws with that number) and it would run from about 3Pm to 9ish pm in the summertime.
Actually I did mine for the same reason. The second floor had (lack of better word) cantilever ceiling meaning most of the way up sheetrock was screwed into the roof joists and limited room for more than 1950s thick insulation of a few inches. Only a small area up top where the ceiling was flat I was able to add 12 inches.Agree and same with my experience. I had just a basic fan I picked up at Home Depot and set at 105F (I think, its been a couple years since we moved from that house) it ran from mid-morning to an hour or so before sunset all summer long.
It did pump out some serious hot air, I could be up in the attic on a warm sunny day and sure it was warm, but plenty tolerable. Without the fan running, it was 1-2 minutes at most and I'd be dying and drenched in sweat.
On the positive side, it did very noticeably decrease our 2nd floor bedroom temperatures, which was the reason I put it up there to begin with. That house wasnt insulated very well, and I knew we werent going to be staying in this house for too long so I didnt want to invest a bunch of money and time in insulating it, but a fan was cheap and easy. And it did definitely help.
I do like those but unfortunately our area gets high winds and those are not a good option.
I am sure they would run less than 1 hour a day even during the hottest season.
I think your estimate of runtime is low. Most attic fans I’ve seen and used over the years turn on at 80*F and don’t shut off until like 76* or 72*. No matter if heat comes up through insulation or into attic from sunshine/ambient temps, the proper way to deal with it is to move that attic air out and reduce the temps. You’re trying to reduce as much temp transfer into the house as possible!Main objective is to help cool the house and decrease load on the A/C during the hot season.
Agendas aside, when I look at the numbers they tell the truth. Solar fans get about 300-500 CFM (maybe). Hard wired get 1200(+) CFM. I could also do gable mount fans. The price of solar is much higher, I don't know if I could offset the higher price with power saving. I mean how much power do fans actually use? Then I started thinking....
Lets put our math hats on...
Read online 1.65A per fan...
1.65A x 120V = 198W, lets just say 200W per fan.
So if I got 3 fans = 600W
My power company charges ~$0.15 per 1KWH (1 hour use of 1000 watts).
So if 1000W = $0.15, then 600W = $0.15 X 0.6KWH = $.09
I am probably looking at less than $0.09/day to run them. I am sure they would run less than 1 hour a day even during the hottest season.
$0.09 x 270 days = $24.30 rough yearly operating cost. Not 365 days because I am also accounting for winter.
How many years to offset the higher price of solar fans?
Solar fans were quoted to be several thousand dollars...
I also could just leave the static ventilation.
I am old school. Show me the data kind of guy. Similar to most BITOG members. Would love to hear your thoughts.
I think your estimate of runtime is low. Most attic fans I’ve seen and used over the years turn on at 80*F and don’t shut off until like 76* or 72*.