Solar Attic Fan Installation – potential tax credit
Solar attic fan installation is a great way to keep your attic cool in the summer. When your attic is properly insulated a solar attic fan moves hot air out and cool air in from the outside to make your home more comfortable. Solar attic fan installation has many benefits including a potential 30% tax credit until 2016.
According to Poplar Network article “5 Green Building Tax Incentives for 2015” written by Rob Freeman:
“30% of Cost, with No Upper Limit: Applies to geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines and solar energy systems for both existing homes and new construction. Principle residences and second homes qualify, but rentals do not. The cost of labor to install the systems does qualify. This credit is almost analogous to the Business ITC described above, except it’s for residential property owners. The credit is set to expire on December 31st, 2016.”
This is great news for anyone wanting to invest in a home improvement project that will add to the comfort and potential resell value of your home. Today, more than ever, families are looking under the house to make sure the crawl space is healthy and energy efficient as well as in the attic.
Other home improvements can qualify for a 10% tax credit on the materials only up to $500. Rob goes on to say:
“10% of Cost, Up to $500: Applies to energy efficiency improvements in the building envelope of existing homes and for the purchase of high-efficiency heating, cooling and water-heating equipment. Includes insulation, energy efficient exterior windows, doors, and certain roofs. Note that the cost of labor associated with the install does not qualify, with the exception of HVAC, water heaters and biomass fuel systems.”
Before Solar Attic Fan Installation
The Department of Energy does caution people looking to install any attic fan to properly air seal and insulate the attic first. They emphasize air sealing the attic floor and making sure you have adequate insulation installed for your climate zone. In East Tennessee, R38 is the minimum R-value recommended in an attic. One of the most overlooked features of a properly insulated attic we find is the lack of baffles to ensure the soffits are allowing proper air flow into the attic. When you install a solar attic fan, it needs to grab make-up air from the soffits. If those are clogged then it will try to pull the air from your home. Inadequate make-up air in the attic may eventually burn up solar attic fans.
Solar Attic Fan Helps Creates Proper Ventilation
The purpose of proper attic ventilation is to reduce temperatures inside the attic and other enclosed spaces throughout the year. In the summer, a solar attic fan, with a potential 30% tax credit, helps make the living areas more comfortable. This can reduce AC usage, which also saves you energy and money. This counterbalance helps reduce heat that can cause the premature deterioration of shingles, roof boards, sheathing, siding, insulation and stored valuables. In the winter, proper ventilation helps to prevent moist air from condensing on the under side of the roof, beams and rafters. Condensation can cause mildew, rotting of wood and excessive rusting of fasteners and other metal component of the roof structure.
Solar Attic Fan Advantages
- Converts passive ventilation to active.
- Extends the life of your roof and AC.
- Moisture preventing mold & mildew.
- Reduces HVAC costs & cooling cycles.
- Increases air exchanges (per hour).
- Resistant to extreme weather.
- Possible limited lifetime warranty available.
- Possible Federal Tax Credit available.
What Next? Get hold if you Need Insulation Hekp
Do you need help with crawl space dehumidifiers or encapsulation in your home and you live in Georgia, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky? If so, please contact us to schedule your assessment. Also, let us know in the comments below if you’d like to suggest a future blog post.
Perhaps you’d like to tackle your own crawl space repair. Visit our DIY Store.
Contact us if you need help fixing your crawl space or yard drainage by clicking here.
Learn about Crawl Space Ninja Franchise opportunities.
Ready to find out more?
Drop us a line today for a quote!
