Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Solar roof vents, are they a good investment?
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Old 01-16-2024, 06:18 PM
BrianL99 BrianL99 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tophcfa View Post
We are getting a new roof next month and the roofing contractor also installs solar roof vents for $650 each. I am undecided if I want to have one installed (our house is small enough so one vent should be adequate). I understand that the vent will help reduce the hot air in the attic when needed most during periods of full sun, but am not sure it would be worth the investment. We have never had one before and have been just fine without one. On the other hand, would the savings on our Air Conditioning related electric bill be reduced enough so the vent would pay for itself over a reasonable period of time? Any feedback from fellow Villagers who have first hand experience with these vents would be greatly appreciated.

Let's see ...

Your house was probably designed with proper ventilation, per the International Building Code.

If your house is over 1000' sq. ft., the flim flam installers usually recommend 2 units. $1300 + tax.

You'll need ARC approval to install them.

Warm/hot air RISES ... it's not like the warm air in your home is falling back into your living space.

If you install Solar powered and the specific product is eligible, you'll get a 30% Tax Credit. Cost is now down to around $1100.

Arguable, you *may* save as much as $5-$6/month on your AC Electric bill. However, there's not a whit of real life evidence to support that conclusion.

You have added 2 "roof openings" to your brand new roof ... two more place for leaks to occur.

.... in 12 - 15 years, you *may* be back to even, if you didn't get any roof leaks.

I'd report whoever recommended them, to Crime Against Seniors.