solar powered attic fan

2009-07-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Solar Attic Fans are easily installed and a great product for proper attic ventilation. Natural Light brand solar attic fans are top rated by builders and are the highest quality built in the USA! The DC motor is powered by the included solar panel with the attic fan motor moving hot air and moisture out of the attic space everyday. Solar panel is adjustable from flat up to 45 degree angle or can be detached and mounted remotely for best sun exposure. Solar Attic Fans mount on 3/12 to 12/12 pitch roofs. (this unit not for flat roofs or side wall mounting). Moves up to 850 cubic feet per minute. Use one attic ventilation fan for every 1200 square feet of attic space.

Product Features

25-year warranty on attic fan housing
25-year warranty on solar panel
25-year warranty on solar attic fan motor
No wiring necessary
Adjustable 10-watt Solar panel - Assembled and Ready to install

Technical Details

Commercial quality - built to last.
Powder coated heavy guage steel housing and shroud.
Solar powered - Requires no wiring or electricity from house mains.
DC fan motor is built to last for many years.
Installation kit and instructions included for easy install!

What You Should Know About Attic Insulation

2009-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

By Linden J. Walhard

One surefire way to reduce your heating cooling expenses in
your home is by adding insulation in the attic. Heat and cool
air often leaks from the home through the attic, therefore
properly insulating can efficiently conserve energy for you.

When correctly installed, attic insulation can reduce your
energy bill by about 20% or more each month. As well, there are
lots of different materials that are frequently used for
insulating attics. Most often, you don’t even have to hire a
professional to do this. You can do most attic improvements
yourself.

When considering the type of insulation that you’ll want to use
in your attic, think about the R-value. The R-value of is the
insulation’s ability to resist against heat flow. The higher the
R-value, the more successful it will be to insulate your home.
The materials can vary in thickness, which means that some
insulation averages an value of R-3 while others are as high as
R-8 per inch. It’s important to remember that over time, most
insulation will lose some of its capacity to insulate and will
lessen in R-value.

There are tons of reasons to think about replacing or improving
your attics insulation. If you have little or no insulation, or
you have it but it’s old, then replacing it has much benefit.
Also, you’ll want to consider insulation if you have large
energy bills or if your walls or attic have been open to the
elements during remodeling.

There are many types of material that can be good options for
using in attic spaces for insulating. Cellulose insulation is
made of ground up wood or paper. It’s often used in attics and
commonly has additives that prevent mold as well as resistance
to fire.

Another type of insulation material is fiberglass. This is made
of molten glass strands. It is also resistant to fire. Wood
shavings are not used much any more for insulating in attics.
This is because it can be much too heavy for the inside of
attics, plus can promote fungal growth.

Before you begin adding or replacing insulation to your attic
you consider the fact of whether or not you have moisture
problems in your home. Adding the insulation can hasten this
problem. If moisture gets trapped in the insulation material it
can easily cause mildew and dangerous molds to grow and spread.
This is beyond the fact that it can also cause staining and
rotting of the ceiling as water and moisture collect in the
attic. You should seal any and all air leaks before you put in
your insulation in your home. This will also help lower your
energy bill simply by keeping the cold air from entering.

Always use much caution when working with insulation material.
Be sure to protect your hands and eyes by wearing protective
gear that will cover your nose as well. You’ll be thankful when
you do.

About the Author: Linden Walhard regularly pens publications on
latest developments in drywall equipment and air tools. Working
on his detailed writings such as
http://www.insidewoodworking.com/drywall/index.html ,the
columnist established his deep knowledge on subjects dealing
with drywall tools.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=126300&ca=Home+Management

Why You Should Have A Solar Attic Fan Installed

2009-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Author: April Kerr

Why You Should Have A Solar Attic Fan Installed

For those of you who are lucky to have an attic it's generally advised that you buy an attic fan. There are different types available however buying one which is solar power offers a number of advantages. Not only is it great for those who want to reduce their impact on the environment but it also means you don't have the hassle of installing loads of cables. Having an electrical engineer in your home can be very expensive so buying solar power can save you a lot of money on installation and running costs.

One of the problems faced with attics is moisture and your solar attic fan can be set up to work automatically as it's able to store power gained from the sun. Because it's solar powered you don't have to do much to install it and they are very simple units so the chance of them breaking down is minimised.

You don't have to live in the middle of a desert to experience hot temperatures. Most places in the world will suffer at least a few days or weeks or raging heat. Most people living in hot climates will already have some air con units installed in their homes but for the rest of us who live in a temperate climate, this is not something we normally have the luxury of. Even if you do have air con units or cold air fans, the cost of powering these can be astronomical. Energy costs are becoming more and more expensive and less affordable so it's important that we look for alternatives such as solar power.

If you have ever had to go into your attic whilst there is a heat wave you will feel like you've just walked into an oven. It's so hot you may even feel as if you're going to pass out. Luckily an attic fan will transfer the hot air in your attic outside bringing the temperature of your attic back down to a much more tolerable temperature.

Attic fans along with gable ventilators work on the same principal of having a solar panel positioned on the roof. The panels takes the energy from the sun's rays and this energy is then stored into battery so that the ventilation can work even at night or when it's very cloudy. Although installation is quite easy if you are used to DIY, having the solar panel placed on the roof is the part which you may find a bit more difficult. For those of you who are used to carrying out DIY tasks in the house you should find this easy, otherwise you can just get a tradesperson in to do the job for you.

About the Author:

April Kerr often writes articles for home remodelling site which also has articles relating to solar panels and solar powered attic fans.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Why You Should Have A Solar Attic Fan Installed

4 Benefits You Will Get from Your Very Own Solar Powered Attic Fan

2009-02-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

Author: Michael Read

As solar power is continues to gain popularity, manufacturers are now offering solar powered attic fans to consumers to help ventilate attics and keep attics cooler. The solar powered fans that are used for attics generally have a smaller solar panel to help power a DC motor when the sun is shining. By using solar powered attic fans, you will enjoy a plethora of benefits, including the four I will discuss in this article.

1. Save money

There is no arguing the fact that electric rates are always on the rise, which makes solar powered fans so popular. By storing more solar energy because the roof is always in direct contact with the sun, you will make use of much more energy without paying a penny. Also, by continuously keeping your attic cool because of the low cost of solar powered fans, you no longer have to worry about dealing with mildew and mold.

2. Maximize exposure of sun to the solar panel

Because of the way that many solar powered attic fans are designed, there is a mounting bracket that houses the solar panel. This helps optimize the angle of the panel to put it to use much more than an electric fan. The mounting bracket will also allow for remote mounting of the solar panel, which allows for optimal panel placement.

3. Minimize the ambient temperature of the solar panel

With a powder coating that rests over the entire assembly in neutral gray color, this helps minimize the power output losses as temperatures increase. In doing so, it will help cool the attic and ensure that the solar powered fan does not act like a heat sink. Also, the mounting bracket allows for an envelope of cooler air to continuously circulate around the entire solar panel. By doing this, it provides the maximum electricity output from the panel to help run the fan motor.

4. Adaptable for all environments

Although solar power is just becoming popular, technology has grown to allow solar powered attic fans to be adaptable for all locations, roof types and environments. Obviously, if you live in an environment that sees more sun you will be able to create more solar energy. However, the powder coat over solar powered fans allows these fans to withstand any environment.

Solar powered attic fans are perfect for every attic to help eliminate the heat while decreasing the electric bill at the same time. Because of the high efficiency, environment friendly capability, and lower electric bills, solar powered fans are suitable for everyone in any environment around the world.

About the Author:

Michael Read has been passionate about solar power for the home and how it can be utilized to save money and the environment. Check out http://www.go-sunpowered.com for helpful tips and information on solar power.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 4 Benefits You Will Get from Your Very Own Solar Powered Attic Fan

Photovoltaic (pv) Electric Systems

2008-12-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Author: Cooler Planet

Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Systems

Photovoltaic systems use solar cells to capture the sun rays and convert that energy into electricity. Such systems allow homeowners to generate electricity in a clean, reliable, and quiet way that can offset the cost of future electricity costs and decrease their dependence on the energy grid.

Photovoltaic cells are generally made from modified silicon, or other semi conductive materials, that absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are long lasting (the first PV system ever installed in the USA - in 1954 - is still operating today). Most manufacturers warranty their products power output for a minimum of 20 years. But most solar professionals agree that a system should last at least 25 - 30 years.

Types of Solar Cells

There are three basic types of PV modules: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. All modules work well though monocrystalline cells often yield the greatest efficiencies. Thin-film technology typically costs less and its efficiency is ever improving as demand for solar panels grow. A growing variety of manufacturers and models are available in the marketplace today. A solar pro can walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each system so that you find a design that performs optimally over its multi-decade long lifespan for your application.

How solar electric systems work

Photovoltaic panels are often mounted on a roof and wired into a building via an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy generated through the solar panels into alternating current (AC), the most common type of current used to power buildings in the USA.

Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs - from flat to 60-degrees - can accommodate photovoltaic cells.

Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs - from flat to 60-degrees - can accommodate photovoltaic cells.

Solar Panels vs Building Integrated Photovoltaic Products (BIPV)

Solar panels are flat panels of photovoltaic arrays mounted on a roof or a pole to capture the sun's rays. They are the traditional arrays used to catch energy from the sun. Because of their standalone design, solar panels are well suited for home retrofits or remodels.

Solar photovoltaic cells, however, are increasingly incorporated into building components such as windows, walls, or roof tiles. The effect provides a seamless integration into a building's design since the BIPV components essentially disappear into the skin of your home. BIPV products work particularly well for new home construction or a significant remodel. And because BIPV panels are made for both photovoltaic and thermal collection systems, designers often place both technologies side-by-side to further maximize efficiencies.

About the Author:

Find more solar panel and solar power information at Cooler Planet.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Photovoltaic (pv) Electric Systems

Tips to Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Costs

2008-11-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

Author: David Nelmes

Here are a few tips that will help reduce the load on your heating and cooling systems so that they do not have to work so hard, resulting in further reductions of your heating and cooling costs.

INSULATING AND SEALING

In the summer, the attic is the first layer of defense between your homes living space and the sun. In the winter, the attic is the final layer between your heated air and the frigid air outdoors. The most economical thing you can do is to add additional layers of insulation to your attic or have more insulation blown in.

In the winter, if you have older windows, seal the windows with plastic, either from weatherization kits that are readily available or by simply cutting plastic sheets and securing them with duct tape. Also add weather stripping to doors and replace screens with storm windows or cover the screens with plastic.

ATTIC VENTILATION

During the summer, your attic crawl space can easily exceed 130 degrees. Proper venting, such as installing a 'ridge vent' can be helpful in allowing the heat at the attic's highest level to more easily escape.

If you had chosen to add more insulation to your attic space, check to make sure none of your eaves are blocked and that your attic still has airflow from each eave to the ridge vent.

Another great ventilation aid is to install a solar powered exhaust vent that only turns on at high temperature and uses only the power of the sun to provide this extra ventilation. Since there is no wiring necessary, any basic carpenter or handyman can install this form of vent.

EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Your bathroom fans, stove top fans and clothes drier are all items that exhaust your heated or cooled air outside, requiring air to be drawn in from the outside, resulting in hot humid air or cold frigid air being sucked into your home when you least desire it.

Do not use your clothes drier on extreme temperature days, such as summer days at 90 degrees and greater or on winter days at 20 degrees or lower. In the summer, the heat of the day peaks between 3pm and 6pm, so run your drier earlier in the morning or much later at night. Likewise in the winter, the night temperatures may be frigid and drop into the single digits. Run your clothes drier only during the afternoon and early evening when the air is the warmest of the day.

For your bathroom exhaust fans, replace the simple on/off switch with a timed switching device of no more than 60 minutes. It is necessary to ventilate the bathroom, but it's totally wasteful to find that the exhaust fan ran all day while at work, exhausting your heated air outside. You may as well have just left a window open all day.

FREE HEATING AND COOLING

Depending upon your geographic location and the position your home faces, you can take advantage of windows and curtains to add or block heat, depending upon the time of year. In the winter, allow the sun to enter your southern windows during the day, but in the summer, be sure to keeps those blinds drawn.

For summer cooling, install a whole house exhaust system and run it on nights when the outdoor temperature drops. Simply turn the unit on, open your windows and allow the house to cool off naturally, with just a little help from one central fan.

TEMPERATURE SETTINGS

Heating systems are generally designed to provide your home with the capacity to maintain 70 degrees indoors when it's 0 degrees outdoors. By eliminating drafts and simply wearing long sleeve shirts and socks during the winter, you can easily reduce your homes temperature setting to 65 degrees and be totally comfortable. Any lower than that and you may start feeling uncomfortable.

Cooling systems are generally designed to provide your home with the capacity to maintain 75 degrees indoors when it's 95 degrees outdoors. Since the main discomfort issue in the summer is humidity, you can be comfortable in your home at higher temperatures since the homes humidity levels are reduced when running the air conditioner. By eliminating unnecessary exhaust and door openings and closings, you could increase your homes temperature setting to 78 or 80 degrees and be totally comfortable if you dress lightly and keep drapes drawn that favor the suns side of your home.

For either heating or cooling, you can alter the temperature settings from 5 to 10 degrees for when you are not going to be at home for 8 to 12 hours. Making an alteration of any greater amount only leads to your system overworking to recover and this is inefficient. If you are going to be away for days, you can reduce the heating to 55 degrees or raise the cooling temperature to 90 degrees and this will prevent freezing issues or baking issues.

You can also install a programmable thermostat to better define the periods where you plan to be home or not, plus you can also set winter heating temperatures lower during the night when you are sleeping and have it bump back up a few degrees a half hour before you awake.

( This article is an authorized excerpt from the book 'The Rewards of Making Energy Efficient Choices' , available at http://www.EnergyEfficientChoices.com )

About the Author:
David Nelmes is a published author and home energy inspector in Pennsylvania, specializing in the fields of Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical Wiring and Interiors/Insulation. You can visit his web site at http://www.energyefficientchoices.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tips to Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Costs

Why solar powered attic fans more popular

2008-10-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

One of the more popular uses of solar power in the home is the solar attic fan.As its name implies, a solar attic fan is powered and activated by sunlight. It is installed into the roof of the attic, with its panels facing the sky.

Do you now what the purpose of this solar attic fan is ?, why would we want it to be solar-powered?

The first answer is obvious - to use greener energy and to avoid using energy sources which damage the environment.By using solar power for the fan, we can also save a bit of money on electricity.Solar powered attic fan is the simple fact that it is basically "wireless." You won't have to worry about installing electrical wires and cables into your attic, in order to run your fan.

Actually the main objective is,Since heat rises, all of the heat in a home tends to rise up into the attic. If this heat has no easy outlet, it will simply get stuck up there.This causes the over-heating. When combined with a lack of proper ventilation, this leads to dampness and mildew.Furthermore, when the accumulated attic heat is not allowed to escape, the temperature of the entire home rises.While there are some circumstances under which you want to warm up your home, there are other circumstances under which you would prefer to cool it down. A lack of sufficient ventilation in a hot attic can make matters difficult. Thus, an solar attic fan can play an important role in allowing you to control the temperature of your home.