The AirScape 1700 Whole House Fan is a ventilation system designed to cool an entire home by exhausting hot indoor air and drawing in cooler outdoor air. It is available in two main models: the 1700 Lift-Lock with a drop-down door and the 1700 Ventura with gravity air doors. Both models are engineered for quiet and efficient operation, aiming to "pre-cool" homes and reduce or eliminate the need for traditional air conditioning.
Function Description:
The AirScape 1700 WHF operates by creating a pressure differential that pulls cooler outdoor air into the living space and expels warmer indoor air into the attic, from where it escapes through attic vents. This process helps to cool the home's structure and contents, not just the air, providing a more comfortable indoor environment. The fan is designed to run through the night for maximum heat extraction and pre-cooling.
Important Technical Specifications:
Lift-Lock Model (AI14-22):
- Dimensions Fan box: 26 3/4"L x 22 3/8"W x 14 7/16"H
- Min. Attic Clearance: 30" (for install from living space)
- Weight 1700 Fan: 32.5 lbs
- Lift-Lock (AI14-22): 24.15"L x 16.22"W x 16.9"H
- Weight Lift-Lock: 14.5 lbs
- Lift-Lock Insulation: Polyiso = R9.6
- Tested Airflow*: 97 / 1696 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
- Tested Power*: 9 / 73.2 Watts
- Tested Noise**: 36 / 55 dBA (Decibels A)
- Rough Opening: 14.5"W x 22.5"L
- Electrical: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.7 A, 1A uninterrupted power supply (dedicated circuit recommended)
- Installation: 16" or 24" O/C joists
- Controls: Low Voltage, Digital Touch Controller, optional wireless remote
- Speed Settings: 10
- Warranty: 3 years parts, 1 year controls
*Actual performance may vary. **Tested at 45° and 1 meter from the grille.
Ventura Model (AD14-22-LP):
- Dimensions Fan box: 26 3/4"L x 22 3/8"W x 14 7/16"H
- Min. Attic Clearance: 30" (for install from living space)
- Weight 1700 Fan: 32.5 lbs
- AD (AD14-22-LP): 22.25"L x 14.25"W x 5"H
- Weight Air Door: 2.5 lbs
- Grille: G1422 Cube Core
- Tested Airflow*: 2 / 1545 CFM
- Tested Power*: 9 / 80 Watts
- Tested Noise**: 36 / 55 dBA
- Rough Opening: 14.5"W x 22.5"L
- Electrical: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.7 A, 1A uninterrupted power supply (dedicated circuit recommended)
- Installation: 16" or 24" O/C joists
- Controls: Low Voltage, Digital Touch Controller, optional wireless remote
- Speed Settings: 10
- Warranty: 3 years parts, 1 year controls
*Actual performance may vary. **Tested at 45° and 1 meter from the grille.
Usage Features:
- Central Location: The fan should be located centrally in the home, preferably at the highest point, to ensure even air replacement and maximize cooling effect through natural convection. Avoid narrow spaces or hard flooring to minimize perceived noise.
- Attic Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation is critical for proper fan operation. The manual provides a chart with CEC required minimum and AirScape recommended net free vent areas for various models, along with calculations for different vent types (louver, ridge, round soffit).
- Digital Touch Controller (DTC): The fan is operated via a wall-mounted Digital Touch Controller, which features four buttons: FAN UP, FAN DOWN/OFF, TIMER UP, and TIMER DOWN/CANCEL.
- Speed Control: The fan has ten speed settings. Pressing FAN UP increases speed, and FAN DOWN/OFF decreases speed or turns the fan off. Green LEDs indicate the current speed setting.
- Timer Function: The timer can be set in one-hour increments up to a maximum of 12 hours. Blue LEDs indicate the timer setting. The fan turns off automatically when the timer expires.
- Delayed Start (Lift-Lock Only): For Lift-Lock models, there is a 10-second delay before the fan starts to allow the door(s) to open. Ventura models with gravity doors have no delay.
- Interlock System: The fan includes an interlock feature that disables operation when other appliances (like heating or cooling systems) are active, preventing energy waste. This is controlled via contacts on the fan box board.
- Optional Accessories:
- Wireless Remote: An optional accessory for convenient control.
- Acoustical Plenum (ACP1): An accessory for enhanced noise reduction.
- Removable Grille (Ventura only): An optional grille for the Ventura model.
- Web Node: An optional device that allows control of the fan via a mobile phone, tablet, or home automation system through a web page or app.
- Safety Information:
- Never operate the fan without an open window or door to prevent excessive depressurization.
- Only operate when outdoor air is cooler than indoor air.
- Ensure air conditioner and furnace are off before operating the fan.
- Never force open damper doors; use the actuator's yellow clutch release for manual operation.
- Always switch off power at the electrical panel before installation or servicing.
- The fan is not designed for particle-laden or explosive air mixtures and is not for use in kitchens.
Maintenance Features:
- Routine Maintenance: No routine maintenance is required other than ensuring the fan and its damper door(s) remain clear of dust or debris. The area in front of the fan's outlet should be unobstructed, with no object closer than 24 inches.
- Seasonal Check: It is advised to check the operation of the doors and fan at the start of each season. If a removable grille is installed, remove any insulation panels.
- Circuit Breaker: A resettable circuit breaker is located on the fan-mounted electrical box to protect circuit boards from power surges. It can be reset by pushing the button back in.
- Lift-Lock Inspection: For Lift-Lock models, inspect door fasteners and lever fasteners for tightness at the start of the season. If the door seems slower, re-lubricate the glide bearings with bearing grease (not sprays) and operate the door manually using the clutch (with power off) to ensure smooth movement.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the unit not starting, doors not opening/fan not starting, or wireless remote not operating. It suggests checking power, cable connections, circuit breaker, actuator harness, and control signals. Technical support is available if issues persist.