Here’s a good example of how designing more sustainable products can also improve the overall performance of a home system. Broan’s solar-powered attic ventilator not only saves money on electrical installation costs, it’s also extremely low in vibration, in part because it operates on DC power. Homeowners hate a roof that “sings.” The unit’s concept is simple enough: Add a photovoltaic panel to the top of an attic fan. But the extra measures taken to make this unit more durable are what set it above the pack. For example, each kit includes stainless steel brackets and screws, with an aluminum fan blade and stainless steel bug screen to protect it. The unit operates continuously, but an optional thermostat shuts it off when attic temperature falls below 50 F. It comes with a five-year limited warranty.
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