As heat records are being shattered left and right in North America, 90 per cent of European households steadfastly refuse to use air conditioning. In these markets, cultural attitudes largely rule out their use. Here, solar attic fans stand out as a sustainable, affordable and effective alternative for beating the heat.
Household air conditioner use in Europe is substantially lower than in other developed regions like the United States and Japan. Only about three per cent of homes in Germany have air conditioning. Similar trends exist in France and the United Kingdom. There, less than five per cent of homes have AC. Authorities may also limit its use. Last year, governments in Italy, Spain and Greece required air conditioners in public spaces be set to no lower than 80F (26C).
Some of this cultural opposition comes from recognition of air conditioning’s negative impact on the environment. Other criticisms include reports of feeling ill after being exposed to artificially chilled air, or just simply not liking the sensation.
That’s where solar attic fans, like those in iSolar Solutions’ bestselling FLEX line, come into play. Unlike air conditioners, solar attic fans cool buildings by augmenting their existing ventilation systems. Though most homes are built with passive vents that satisfy local building codes, these non-mechanized vents are often not enough to push out hot air. When there isn’t enough ventilation, solar attic fans automatically switch on to give passive vents a much-needed boost. This in turn keeps the home’s interior cool and habitable.
HOW WELL DO SOLAR ATTIC FANS WORK?
Studies have shown that the extra ventilation provided by solar attic fans can lower indoor temperatures by as much as 10F (5C). Unlike air conditioners, solar attic fans run independently of the local grid. This means they add nothing to a homeowners’ electrical bills while they cool. While the refrigerants and energy consumption of air conditioners have raised environmental concerns, solar attic fans do not produce any emissions while operating. This makes them the perfect cooling solution for regions where local attitudes are decidedly against using air conditioners.
Even for homes with air conditioning, a solar attic fan can drastically reduce the need for its use. They can trim electrical bills over the summer by as much as six per cent. Their mechanically simple design also cuts down on the maintenance costs that come hand in hand with air conditioning units. This is especially important given the ongoing spare parts shortage in the air conditioning sector.
IS INSTALLING ONE COMPLICATED?
A major benefit of solar attic fans is that they lack complicated wiring. This means installation can take as little as 15 minutes. There is no need to hire an electrician. Most general contractors and roofers are more than capable of handling the job.
For added peace of mind, all the fans in iSolar Solutions’ lineup come with a limited 20-year warranty. For the best installation support, iSolar Solutions maintains a network of trusted installation partners who thoroughly understand the science of proper building ventilation.
To learn more about how a solar attic fan keeps your home cool without air conditioning, please contact one of our knowledgeable sales staff at 1-844-684-7723, or by email at info@isolarsolutions.com.
