It’s important that you have plenty of ventilation in your attic to remove hot air in the summer and prevent condensation and moisture problems in the winter. In addition to soffit, gable, and/or ridge vents, you may want to add a power vent fan to your attic to increase air circulation.

Solar powered attic vent fans usually don’t move as many cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) as hardwired fans; but they’re much easier to install, since no wiring is needed. To determine the number of cubic feet per minute needed for a power vent fan, multiply the number of square feet in your attic by 0.7.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Marcus asks: I want to put in an attic exhaust fan, but I’m not comfortable with running electricity to it. Do you think the solar powered fans are any good?

Danny Lipford: Solar powered exhaust fans have come a long way since they were first introduced a few years ago, and attic ventilation is so important because it can really get hot in any attic space. Now the solar powered exhaust fans are great because all you have to do is cut a hole, put them in place, and you don’t even have to worry about calling the electrician to power any electric motor.

But, the key thing is making sure you size it properly. First thing you need to do is measure the square footage of your attic times point seven will tell you how many cubic feet you need per minute you will need to properly ventilate your attic. Now you might be able to achieve that with one solar powered exhaust fan, but it may take more than that.

Also very important, make sure you have proper intake air. So check out your soffit areas around your overhang to make sure there is plenty of air coming into the attic.


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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