Broan-NuTone has launched a new energy efficient Solar-powered Attic Ventilator(SPAV) for attic ventilation. According to the company, air trapped in an attic can reach a sweltering 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more, increasing the load on the home’s air conditioner and leading to higher energy bills The new Broan Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator (SPAV) is designed for attic ventilation, offering energy efficiency.
The company said the new SPAV powered by the sun, begins working in the morning at first light, removing moisture from the cool overnight air and ventilating the attic before the heat of the day can build up. A standard powered attic ventilator (PAV) must wait until its thermostat detects a high temperature and signals the ventilator to begin working.
According to the company, by that time, the moisture has already seeped into the insulation and the ventilator must work harder to cool the air and run all day when energy costs are higher.
The SPAV requires no electricity or fuel, emits no pollution and costs nothing to maintain, the company added. The Broan SPAV qualifies for a federal tax rebate of up to 30% of the total cost of the product and installation.
Broan-NuTone said that its SPAVs are easy to install and will retrofit into attic ventilation roof openings in short time. The ventilators are capable of being remote-mounted and gable-mounted, allowing the solar panel to receive optimal sunlight while placing the ventilator in a convenient location. For flat or steep roofs, the SPAV can be curb-mounted to create a solid platform and better manage water runoff.
Karen Formico, marketing manager of specialty products at Broan-NuTone, said: ”Too often, attic ventilation is overlooked as a place for energy savings. Proper attic ventilation can actually help keep a house cooler in the summer and can eliminate uneven temperatures, preventing ice dams and moisture build-up in the winter.
”If winter ventilation is not desired, the unit also comes with the option to add a Cold Weather Thermostat that will disengage the fan when temperatures fall below 50 degrees.”
Mr Formico added that homeowners should keep in mind that within five years, a traditional PAV could cost double the initial investment after factoring in utility costs. Therefore with the Broan SPAV, in the first five years, the average homeowner could save hundreds on energy bills.