Does Your Middle Tennessee Home Need a Solar Attic Fan? Call Petitt Heating & Cooling Today!
Is your attic unbearably hot and humid during the summer months? If you’ve ever walked into your attic at the height of summer, you know it can feel like stepping into a wall of stale, sweltering air. While your home’s air conditioner works hard to keep the living spaces cool, that trapped attic heat can make your AC system work overtime- leading to higher energy bills, unnecessary strain, and shortened system lifespan.
At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we offer professional solar attic fan installation services to help improve ventilation, protect your home, and ease the load on your HVAC system. Our solar-powered attic fans efficiently pull hot air out while pulling cooler outside air in, keeping your attic (and your entire home) more comfortable and energy-efficient.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Sumner County and the greater Middle Tennessee area, including White House, Hendersonville, Belle Meade, Cross Plains, East Nashville, Goodlettsville, and more.
Contact us today to learn how a solar attic fan can help you save money, protect your HVAC system, and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home year-round!
What Is a Solar Attic Fan and How Does It Work?
A solar attic fan is a ventilation system powered by solar energy, installed in the roof or ceiling of your attic to help control temperature and humidity levels. Unlike traditional electric attic fans, solar attic fans use free energy from the sun, making them an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to cool your attic and reduce energy bills.
During the hot summer months, a solar attic fan pulls hot, stale air out of the attic while drawing in cooler outdoor air. This process helps lower the overall temperature of your attic, which reduces the workload on your air conditioner and improves your home’s energy efficiency.
In the winter, solar attic fans help keep attic insulation dry by reducing excess moisture, preventing mold growth, and improving the effectiveness of your heating system. Since they are solar-powered, they operate without adding to your electricity costs and require minimal maintenance.
At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we install high-quality York® solar attic fans for homeowners throughout Middle Tennessee, helping you achieve a cooler, healthier, and more energy-efficient home year-round.
Why Is My Attic Fan Not Working?
If your attic fan isn’t working properly, it could be due to several common issues. Whether you have a traditional electric model or you’re considering upgrading to solar, understanding the problem is the first step to a more efficient and comfortable home.
Common Attic Fan Problems:
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Power Supply Issues: Traditional electric attic fans rely on your home’s electricity. A tripped breaker, blown fuse, or wiring issue can stop the fan from working. Solar attic fans, on the other hand, operate independently of your home’s electrical system, making them a more reliable and energy-efficient solution.
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Worn-Out Motor: Over time, the motor in a standard attic fan can wear out, leading to complete failure. Solar attic fans use durable, low-maintenance motors designed to last longer.
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Faulty Wiring: Loose or damaged wiring is a common cause of electric attic fan failure. Solar attic fans eliminate many of these risks by using standalone, solar-powered systems with fewer connection points.
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Thermostat or Control Issues: Some attic fans rely on thermostats or humidistats to activate. If these fail, the fan won’t operate correctly. Modern solar attic fans often include built-in, high-efficiency controls for better performance and reliability.
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Blocked or Dirty Components: Dust, debris, or insulation blocking the fan blades or intake can cause poor performance. Regular maintenance is important for all types of fans, but high-quality solar fans are built with sealed motors and durable housings to reduce maintenance needs.
Thinking About Replacing Your Old Attic Fan? Go Solar With Petitt Heating & Cooling!
If your attic fan isn’t working (or you’re tired of dealing with repairs and high energy costs) it might be time to upgrade to a solar attic fan. At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we install high-efficiency York® solar attic fans for homeowners throughout Middle Tennessee, including Sumner County, Belle Meade, East Nashville, and more.
Are solar attic fans worth it in Tennessee?
Yes- solar attic fans are absolutely worth it for homes in Tennessee. With hot, humid summers and mild winters, Middle Tennessee attics can trap excessive heat and moisture, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. A solar attic fan improves ventilation, reduces attic temperatures by up to 40°F, and protects your HVAC system from overuse. Since it runs on free solar energy, you get year-round comfort with no increase to your electric bill.
How much does a solar attic fan cost to install?
The average cost to install a solar attic fan in Tennessee depends on your attic size, roof type, and the specific fan model. At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we install high-quality York® solar attic fans built for efficiency and durability. Contact us- we’ll assess your home and recommend the most effective setup for your space and budget.
Can a solar attic fan lower my energy bill?
Yes! A properly installed solar attic fan can reduce your energy bills- especially in the summer months. By pulling hot air out of your attic and improving airflow, it reduces the burden on your air conditioner. Over time, the savings add up, and the fan pays for itself.
Where should a solar attic fan be installed?
Solar attic fans are typically installed near the peak of your roof, where hot air naturally rises. This placement allows the fan to effectively expel hot, humid air and draw in cooler air through soffit vents. The solar panel should face south or west to capture the most sunlight during the day. Our expert technicians will assess your roof layout to ensure optimal placement.
How many solar attic fans do I need?
For most average-sized homes (up to ~1,200 sq ft of attic space), one solar attic fan is sufficient. Larger homes or those with multi-level or partitioned attics may benefit from two. Too many fans can cause negative pressure, so it’s best to have our team assess your attic and recommend the right number for safe and efficient ventilation.
How long do solar attic fans last?
Most solar attic fans last 10 to 20 years, depending on the brand, installation quality, and local weather conditions. At Petitt Heating & Cooling, we use trusted, long-lasting products that are built to withstand Tennessee’s climate. With minimal maintenance, you can expect reliable performance and energy savings for well over a decade.
Do solar attic fans work in the winter?
Yes, and they’re beneficial in the winter too. Solar attic fans help keep attic insulation dry by reducing humidity, which protects against mold and wood rot. They also help regulate attic temperatures to prevent ice dams and condensation buildup- common winter issues that can damage your roof. Even on cloudy days, solar fans with high-efficiency panels can still operate and improve your home’s overall energy balance.
Do solar attic fans run at night?
No, solar attic fans only run during daylight hours when sunlight hits their solar panels. However, since attic heat builds up primarily during the day, this is when ventilation is most needed. Some hybrid models can be wired to run on electricity at night if desired, but most homes benefit from daytime-only operation to save energy and reduce cooling costs.
Will a solar attic fan work on cloudy days?
Yes, solar attic fans can still operate on cloudy days, although at reduced power. High-efficiency solar panels used in modern fans can generate enough energy from indirect sunlight to keep the fan running and maintain attic ventilation.
Can I install a solar attic fan myself?
While some DIY kits are available, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure correct placement, wiring (if hybrid), and sealing. Improper installation can lead to roof leaks, poor performance, or even code violations. Petitt Heating & Cooling provides expert installation across Middle Tennessee for long-term peace of mind.