Solar Roof Vents vs. Whirlybirds Comparison & Solar Whirlybird Reviews

When it comes to ventilating your roof space, homeowners are often faced with the decision between solar roof vents and whirlybirds. Both systems offer different methods of enhancing airflow, but which one is truly more effective? In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each system to help you make an informed choice. We’ll also answer key questions like “Do whirlybirds work?” and review how solar whirlybirds perform in real-life scenarios.

Why Correct Ventilation is Important

Why is it so important to pick the right system? Correct ventilation is important for the following reasons:

1. If your house changes temperatures drastically with heat or cold air trapped inside of your roof cavity, mould can start to grow. This is extremely dangerous for everyone in your home because it can cause lung problems or breathing issues. Additionally, mould will ruin the integrity of your roof’s structure.
2. You will end up spending more money using your cooling systems in order to offset the temperature problems, resulting in increased electricity bills.
3. Proper ventilation improves comfort. You may not even realise how much of a difference there will be with the right ventilation until you install the correct ventilation system. The correct ventilation system will remove heat trapped in your roof cavity to optimise the temperature in your home.

How Do Whirlybirds Work?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s first address the common question: Do whirlybirds work? The answer is YES, but the effectiveness can vary based on a number of factors. Whirlybirds are roof-mounted ventilation devices that work by rotating with the wind. The spinning action creates an updraft, pulling warm, stale air out of your roof cavity.

While whirlybirds do work, are environmentally friendly and budget friendly, their efficiency is heavily dependent on wind speed. On calm days with little wind, whirlybirds may offer minimal ventilation. That said, they can help reduce heat build-up and improve air circulation to some extent, especially in areas with consistent wind.

Solar Roof Vents: How They Work

Unlike whirlybirds, solar roof vents are powered by solar energy. They use a fan driven by solar panels to extract hot air from your roof space. Because they’re not dependent on wind, solar roof vents offer consistent performance, making them an ideal choice for homes in areas with little airflow.

Solar roof vents can remove hot air more efficiently and consistently throughout the day, even on calm, windless days. They are also designed to be more energy-efficient, providing optimal performance without adding to your electricity bill.

Solar Roof Vents vs. Whirlybirds: Performance Comparison

Maintenance

Both systems are reasonably easy to maintain, therefore it will be more beneficial to look at the results that each of the systems would provide for your space.

Aesthetics and Home Value

A whirlybird will stick out on your rooftop while a solar roof vent has a much flatter design, so it won’t stick out and affect your home’s rooftop aesthetics. If the look of your house is important to you then a solar vent is likely the best option for you. It’s important to note that a lot of people are also going solar as it also adds to your home’s value.

Airflow

Some people may be concerned with the amount of airflow a whirlybird can provide. Installing a whirlybird doesn’t guarantee that your home will have regulated temperatures, while a solar vent does. The solar operation of the roof vents means that it will keep working consistently to regulate temperatures.

A typical 250mm diameter wind vent product (whirlybird) is quite inefficient and will typically move 85-100m³ of air per hour. Having 1-4 wind vents will still impact your home, but to achieve good ventilation results you need at least three air changes per hour (five is even better). Based on that calculation, most homes would need 6-8 wind vents, while a single Solar Star system will exceed that level of ventilation even on a cloudy day.

Key Benefits of Solar Roof Vents

When deciding between solar roof vents and whirlybirds, it’s important to consider the following advantages of solar-powered systems:

• Consistent Performance: Solar roof vents work reliably throughout the day, regardless of wind conditions.
• Energy Efficiency: Since they rely on solar energy, they don’t add to your electricity bill.
• Quiet Operation: Unlike whirlybirds, which can create noise during operation, solar roof vents are silent.
• Greater Airflow: Solar vents typically offer more powerful ventilation, helping to keep your roof space cooler during hot days.

Final Verdict: Solar Roof Vent or Whirlybird?

There’s no denying that both ventilation systems can do the job however, you want to make sure that you’re getting value for money. As already stated, with a whirlybird you would have to rely on the wind to work the system – cost free, but inconsistent.

On the other hand, a solar roof vent can consistently work even with only a bit of sunlight, which is guaranteed no matter the weather conditions. You wouldn’t have to worry about getting hot during high temperatures or cold during winter as a solar roof vent will regulate the temperature in your home on any day.

Our recommendation? Choose a quality solar roof ventilation system for cost effectiveness in the long term, such as the Solatube’s Solar Star roof ventilation system. It has a high-performing, solar power design that is easy to install. Quickly install with no wiring, assembly or mess. Say goodbye to uncomfortable summers and freezing cold winters with a unit that takes less than an hour to install!

The Solar Star RM1200 is equivalent to 10+ wind vents / whirlybirds and the Solar StarRM1600 is equivalent to 15+ wind vents/whirlybirds. Suppress heat build up and battle moisture, the Solar Star is the ideal roof ventilation solution that keeps you cool! In terms of value for money, the cost of installing three quality wind vents approximately equates to the installation of one Solar Star.

Here is a demonstration of the Solar Star compared to a common whirlybird.

Our Solar Star comes with a 5 year warranty on solar panel and motor and 10 year warranty on all other parts and outperforms ordinary wind vents!

For more information on solar roof vents and skylights, call us on 131619 or contact your nearest Solatube’s dealer today for a free quote! Have the best living space possible with the right ventilation system.