California Energy Commission Imposes Fine On Whole House Fan Manufacturer

We recently learned that the California Energy Commission (CEC) has entered into a settlement agreement with QC Manufacturing (The manufacture of Quiet Cool Fans) for “stating greater air flow and air flow efficiency data than could be verified by the Commission’s testing laboratory, in violation of sections 1606(a)(3)(E)(l) and 1608.” As part of the settlement agreement QC Manufacturing must pay $205,000 to the California Energy Commission and notify customers who purchased QC whole house fans prior to July l 8, 20 I 6, to address any concerns they might have with the air flow rate and air flow efficiency of their fans.

Since there are no Federal standards other than truth in advertising laws to specifically keep people in our industry honest, we at QA-Deluxe Fans are grateful to the California Energy Commission for ensuring that customer receive what they paid for.

Click here to view the actual settlement agreement.

How a whole-house fan can augment, and in some climates replace your home’s air conditioning system.

Whole House Fans Work Best at Lower Humidity

It’s best to operate a whole-house fan when the outside temperatures are below 72 degrees and the humidity level is less than 75 percent.

Whole house fans were popular in the 1950s, before central air conditioning was common. To operate the fans, you must open windows, as the fans pull in fresh air from outside and pushes out the hot, stale air through the attic vents. Generally, homeowners will turn the whole house fan on at night, when outside temperatures are cooler, and close windows and turn the system off during the day.

Whole house fans use a fraction of the energy compared to traditional air conditioning units. In climates where summers can be hot and humid, some people use them in spring and fall to save on cooling costs. In other climates, a whole-house fan may handle all or most home-cooling needs.

Whole House Fans Differ From Attic Fans

The new ducted style whole house fans are significantly quieter than older models, and cost between $800 and $1,500 depending on how much air it must move. Installation costs range from $600 to $800. Note that a whole-house fan is different than an attic fan.

A handy homeowner may be able to install a whole house fan, as could a handyman service or electrician. Fan installation requires the installer to cut a ceiling hole in a central location. The fan attaches to ceiling joists from the attic. An electrician needs to pull power to the fan and, most often, wire in a wall switch, though some fans come with remote controls or Wi-Fi-enabled controls.

quiet air fan

Tips for Using Quality Whole House Fans

Depending on the severity of your summers, a whole house fan can work as an efficient pre-cooler before you turn on your AC, or even as your sole source of cooling. Whole house fans us a fraction of the power as your AC. A whole house fan brings in cooler night and/or morning air lowering the inside temperatures. Homeowners living in dry climates with wide day/night temperature swings may be able to do without their AC system by simply switching the fan on during cool hours and then turning off the fan and shutting the house during the hottest times of the day.

Whole house fans are not a complete replacement for air conditioning, they cannot cool inside temps lower than outside temps, nor can they dehumidify. If you live in a humid region, you’ll still need to use your AC in the dog days of summer… Whole house fans are also referred to as Attic Fans, Whole House Attic Fans, Quiet Cool, Whole House Exhaust Fans, Whole House Ventilation Fans