Last Updated on August 31, 2024 by Solar Whiz
As we’ve discussed before, whirlybirds are the typical go-to option for home and business ventilation. The main selling points for these units are that they’re free to run and cheap to install.
Because traditional whirlybirds use wind power and rising heat to spin the turbines and extract the heat, they don’t cost anything to operate. Due to low manufacturing and installation costs, units tend to have a low absolute price.
However, there are numerous flaws to the design of whirlybirds that make them inefficient and not cost-effective. This is why we strongly recommend that you look into whirlybirds alternatives like Solar Whiz. This will help you to achieve the results that you need for a healthy and comfortable home.
Depending on Wind to Operate a Ventilation System is Unreliable
Relying on the presence of a breeze to extract heat from your building means that you won’t be able to ventilate on still days. Australia frequently has extremely hot and still summer days. And while a whirlybird may still spin due to heat convection, it will have virtually no impact. The unit is not powerful enough to remove the heat building up inside. This results in higher electricity bills and carbon emissions as you are forced to crank up the air conditioner. Air conditioners are really bad for the environment and are expected to have an increasingly significant impact on climate change in the coming years. We’ve discussed this further in a previous post about tips to stay cool without air conditioning.
This is why it is so important to invest in whirlybird alternatives. Solar-powered whirlybirds make use of the free energy provided by the sun, even in overcast conditions. That means that you get a far more powerful ventilation system that doesn’t need ideal conditions in order to operate properly.
Australia is one of the sunniest continents on the planet and is perfectly placed to use and promote solar technology. In fact, 1 out of 4 Australians use some form of solar power in their home. And Aussie technology is used all over the world. Solar Whiz is a prime example of industry-leading, Aussie-made technology that really works.
Whirlybirds Aren’t Really That Cheap
The number of whirlybirds you need to get the results you want increases dramatically the larger your house is. Many people recommend one whirlybird per 50m2 of roof space. Compare this to just one of Solar Whiz units equalling 23 whirlybirds. Solar-powered whirlybird alternatives are far more cost-efficient when you consider your investment from this angle.
Additionally, the unpredictable nature of operating a whirlybird means that you might not ever earn a return on your investment. If the conditions are hardly ever ideal and your installation is not perfect, you won’t get anything back from your spent money.
Evidently, it is far more cost-effective to pay more upfront for a more reliable and powerful roof ventilation system like Solar Whiz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do whirlybirds work well in areas with low wind speeds?
Whirlybirds rely on wind power to rotate and extract hot air, so they may not be as effective in areas with low wind speeds. In such cases, other ventilation solutions may be needed.
Can whirlybirds create noise or rattling sounds?
Whirlybirds can create noise or rattling sounds if they are not properly installed or if they are exposed to high wind speeds. This can be annoying for homeowners and may require additional insulation or soundproofing measures.
Do whirlybirds work well in colder climates?
Whirlybirds may not be as effective in colder climates where there is less natural convection and the hot air may not rise as quickly. In such cases, other ventilation solutions such as ridge vents or powered fans may be more effective.
Can whirlybirds create drafts or uneven ventilation in the roof space?
In some cases, whirlybirds may create drafts or uneven ventilation in the roof space if they are not properly balanced with other ventilation solutions. This can lead to hot spots or cold spots in the roof space, which can affect energy efficiency and overall comfort levels.
Do whirlybirds require regular maintenance or replacement?
While whirlybirds can be a cost-effective ventilation solution, they do require regular maintenance and may need to be replaced over time. The bearings and other moving parts may wear out over time, and the vent itself can become damaged or corroded. Homeowners should factor in the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs when considering whirlybirds as a ventilation solution.
