NEW Broan® Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator Offers Supreme Quality and Energy Savings

Hartford, Wis., April 16, 2010 – Consider this: air trapped in an attic can reach a sweltering 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more, increasing the load on the home's air conditioner and leading to higher energy bills. The new Broan^® Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator (SPAV) is the premium solution for attic ventilation, offering top-of-the-line performance and maximum energy efficiency.

"Too often, attic ventilation is overlooked as a place for energy savings," says Karen Formico, marketing manager, specialty products, Broan-NuTone^®. "Proper attic ventilation can actually help keep a house cooler in the summer and can eliminate uneven temperatures, preventing ice dams and moisture build-up in the winter. If winter ventilation is not desired, the unit also comes with the option to add a Cold Weather Thermostat that will disengage the fan when temperatures fall below 50 degrees."

Powered by the sun, the Broan SPAV begins working in the morning at first light, removing moisture from the cool overnight air and ventilating the attic before the heat of the day can build up. A standard powered attic ventilator (PAV) must wait until its thermostat detects a high temperature and signals the ventilator to begin working. According to Formico, by that time, the moisture has already seeped into the insulation and the ventilator must work harder to cool the air and run all day when energy costs are higher.

In addition, the Broan SPAV is completely solar powered, requires no electricity or fuel, emits no pollution and costs nothing to maintain. The Broan SPAV qualifies for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total cost of the product and installation. With the federal tax credit and no ongoing energy costs, a Broan SPAV could cost the same as a traditional PAV within one or two years. "Also, homeowners should keep in mind that within five years, a traditional PAV could cost double the initial investment after factoring in utility costs," says Formico. In fact, with the Broan SPAV, in the first five years, the average homeowner could save hundreds on energy bills.

The Broan SPAV uses only the highest quality components and its 20 watt (W) output ensures that a single Broan SPAV can do the work of two lesser performing products. Its high-end, variable speed, whisper-quiet, direct current (DC) motor is highly efficient and emits no harmonic noise. The solar panel is made of high-strength tempered glass that can withstand golf ball-sized hail, and it won't discolor or warp like laminate covers, ensuring continued top-of-the-line performance.

The Broan SPAV's highly sensitive solar panels are able to power the ventilator even in times of low light. Because the Broan SPAV's solar panels are so sensitive, they can lie flat on a roof, while other SPAVs must be conspicuously propped up in order to absorb the sun's rays.

Available in black, brown or weather wood to match most roof colors, the trim is designed to blend in with the roof's shingles for a sleeker profile. The SPAV is easy to install and will retrofit into most existing attic ventilation roof openings in a manner of minutes. In addition to a standard installation, the ventilators are capable of being remote-mounted and gable-mounted, allowing the solar panel to receive optimal sunlight while placing the ventilator in a more convenient location. For flat, steep or uneven surface roofs, the SPAV can be curb-mounted to create a solid platform and better manage water runoff.

"From its premium components and excellent performance capability, to its aesthetically pleasing design and ease of installation, we are pleased to offer a product that is of high quality and saves homeowners money in the long run," says Formico.

Broan is committed to providing high-quality, energy-efficient products to its customers. To learn more about Broan Solar Powered Attic Ventilators and other Broan products, visit www.Broan.com.

Photo Caption:
The new Broan® Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator (SPAV) is the premium solution for attic ventilation, offering top-of-the-line performance and maximum energy efficiency. The unit's highly sensitive solar panels are able to power the ventilator even in times of low light .The Broan SPAV is completely solar powered, requires no electricity or fuel, emits no pollution and costs nothing to maintain. In addition, the Broan SPAV qualifies for a federal tax rebate of up to 30 percent of the total cost of the product and installation