The QuietCool Original Classic Line is a series of whole house fan systems designed to provide energy-efficient cooling and ventilation for homes. These systems work by pulling cool air from outside, through the home, into the attic, and then expelling it through attic vents, creating a cooling effect that can significantly reduce air conditioning-related energy costs.
Function Description:
QuietCool whole house fans are designed to operate when the outdoor air is cooler than the indoor air, typically in the late afternoon, evening, and overnight hours. By opening a few windows, the system draws in fresh, cool outdoor air, creating a breeze that cools the living space and forces hot, stale indoor air into the attic. From the attic, this hot air is then pushed out through the home's existing attic vents. This process facilitates 15-22 complete air exchanges per hour, which not only cools the home but also helps to purge hot air from the attic, contributing to a cooler house during the hotter parts of the next day. The system is also effective for year-round ventilation, improving indoor air quality by exhausting stale, polluted air and bringing in fresh air.
Important Technical Specifications:
The QuietCool Original Classic Line includes several models with varying rough opening sizes for installation:
- QC CL-1500: Rough Opening 14-1/4" x 14-1/4"
- QC CL-2250: Rough Opening 14-1/4" x 18-1/4"
- QC CL-3100: Rough Opening 14-1/4" x 22-1/4"
- QC CL-4700: Rough Opening 14-1/4" x 30-1/4"
- QC CL-6400: Rough Opening 14-1/4" x 36-1/4"
All models feature a standard PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) motor, a patented design, and are proudly made in the USA. A key advantage of the QuietCool system is its low sound level, averaging around 45 dB, which is comparable to quiet conversation, significantly quieter than standard whole house fans that can operate around 75 dB (equivalent to a loud vacuum cleaner).
Venting Requirements:
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for the efficient operation of QuietCool systems. The general rule is 1 square foot of net free venting per 750 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of fan capacity. The manual provides examples of various vent types and their average venting square footage:
- Gable vent: 12" x 19.5" (1.20 sq. ft.)
- Dormer Vent: 14" x 8" (0.70 sq. ft.)
- Eave Vent, Ridge Vent, Soffit Vent: Various sizes and corresponding venting square footage.
Usage Features:
- Energy Savings: Can save up to 90% off A/C related energy costs.
- Quiet Operation: Patented design and attic suspension with an acoustical duct contribute to significantly lower noise levels compared to traditional whole house fans.
- Cooling and Ventilation: Provides a cooling breeze and helps to remove hot, stale air from both the living space and the attic.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Facilitates regular air exchanges, bringing in fresh outdoor air and exhausting indoor pollutants.
- Multi-Speed Operation: Some models (CL-2250, CL-3100, CL-4700, CL-6400) offer two speeds, allowing users to run the fan on a lower speed for continuous cooling throughout the night after initial cooling has occurred. Single-speed models (CL-1500) operate on one speed.
- Timer Control: The system can be integrated with an 8-hour timer for automated operation, allowing users to set the fan to turn off when they anticipate being comfortable for sleeping.
- Wireless System Compatibility: QuietCool fans can work with a wireless system using the power cord, though they will only operate on high speed in this configuration.
Installation:
The installation process is designed to be straightforward:
- Location Selection: Determine desired fan locations from below, then mark the exact spots in the attic using a cardboard template.
- Rough Opening: Cut the appropriate rough opening in the ceiling based on the fan model.
- Fan Assembly Placement: Bring the main fan assembly (motor housing, damper box, and duct) into the attic and position it near the ceiling cut-out.
- Motor Head Hanging: Hang the motor head from the rafters using metal strapping and wood screws, ensuring the power box is at the top and the duct has a gentle 90-degree bend to reduce noise.
- Damper Box and Grille Installation: Pull the damper box through the ceiling hole, fasten it to the drywall or joist, and then install the ceiling grille.
- Duct Support: Secure the duct to the framing using nylon straps and long wood screws to stabilize the assembly.
- Insulation Replacement: Replace any removed insulation.
Wiring:
Wiring diagrams are provided for different models and configurations:
- Single Speed Wiring (QC CL-1500): Requires two 2-wire Romex cables and an 8-hour timer.
- Two Speed Wiring (QC CL-2250/3100/4700): Requires one 2-wire Romex, one 3-wire Romex, an 8-hour timer, and a HIGH-LOW-OFF switch.
- Two Speed Wiring (QC CL-6400 - Double Motor Head): Requires three 2-wire Romex cables, an 8-hour timer, and a Double Stack Single Pole Switch.
- Important Note: Wiring should be performed by an experienced electrician and adhere to local building codes and standards. The fans can be used with the included power cord and plug outlet, but will only operate on high speed in this configuration.
Maintenance Features:
- Fan Blade Check: It is important to ensure the fan blade spins freely for proper system operation.
- Warranty: The QuietCool Original Classic Line comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Motor Fan Assembly: 10-year coverage for repair or replacement if it fails to operate.
- Other Components: 1-year coverage for grills, housings, controls, and accessories against defective material or workmanship.
- Warranty Exclusions: The warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damage, service call costs, labor charges for un-installation, product failure due to faulty installation, abuse, misuse, unauthorized alteration, lack of maintenance, transportation damage, or shipping/postage for warranty claims.
- Product Registration: Users are encouraged to register their product online at www.QuietCoolSystems.com/support/registration and retain proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Safety Instructions:
- Read and retain all safety and operation instructions.
- Heed all warnings and follow all installation and operating instructions.
- Do not use the system near water. In humid climates, cover the damper box with insulation to prevent condensation.
- Keep the system away from heat sources.
- Only qualified service personnel should service the system; users should not attempt repairs.
- Avoid Back Drafts: Exercise caution to prevent back drafting of combustion appliances, especially if they use room air for combustion. Ensure enough windows are open when operating the fan to prevent back drafting of gas appliances.