I went with a thermostat-controlled model too, and honestly, I think it's worth it. Mine kicks on only when the attic hits a certain temp, so it doesn't run unnecessarily. As for noise, same experience here—barely noticeable. Funny story though: first time it turned on, I panicked thinking I'd messed something up because it was TOO quiet... had to climb back up just to confirm it was actually spinning. Glad I'm not the only one who dreaded that second attic trip!
"Funny story though: first time it turned on, I panicked thinking I'd messed something up because it was TOO quiet..."
Haha, been there myself. Those thermostat-controlled models are great for efficiency, but they can definitely mess with your head at first. Curious though—did you notice any significant drop in attic temps after installing yours? I've seen mixed results depending on attic insulation and roof color/material. Dark shingles seem to absorb heat like crazy, and sometimes even a good fan struggles to keep up. Also, did you go with solar purely for convenience, or were you aiming more for energy savings? I've had homeowners surprised at how much of a difference the solar setup actually makes on their bills... others, not so much.
Installed mine last summer, and yeah, the quietness threw me off too at first. Honestly, attic temps dropped a bit but nothing dramatic—probably because my insulation isn't the best. Still, my AC runs less often now, so that's a win for me.
Did you notice any moisture changes after installing yours? I've been thinking about getting one, but someone mentioned it could mess with humidity levels in the attic... wondering if that's actually a thing or just overthinking it.
I noticed a slight difference in moisture levels, but honestly, it was for the better. Before installing mine, I had some condensation issues, especially in colder months. Afterward, things seemed drier and more balanced overall. Maybe it depends on your local climate or attic insulation? Have you checked if your attic ventilation is already adequate? Sometimes adding a solar fan can actually help stabilize humidity rather than mess it up... at least that's been my experience.