CEILING EXHAUST FANS FAQS
Answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions about Greenheck ceiling exhaust fans.
Q:
Q:Do you have two-speed (whole house/continuous ventilation) fans?
A:
A:Yes. Our "whole house ventilation" option is our two speed offering. When this option is selected, the fan will run continuously at the user defined low speed (set by speed controller) and ramp up to the certified airflow rate on demand. Several switch options allow the fan to run at high speed including wall switch, motion detector, humidity sensor, etc. as wired by the electrician.
Q:
Q:Do SP/CSP fans comply with ASHRAE 90.1 requirements for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) or 70% efficient fan?
A:
A:The requirements of this standard apply to fan motors 1/12 HP or greater and less than 1 HP. Our bath fans, along with the industry, rate fan motors in terms of watts (746 watts = 1 mechanical HP). SP/CSP fan models under 400 CFM are exempt from this requirement due to their horsepower equivalent being less than 1/12 HP. Our larger volume SP/CSP fans are available with optional Greenheck Vari-Green® electronically commutated motors to comply with the EC requirement when needed.
Q:
Q:Can I change my fan to have a lighted grille?
A:
A:Yes. Many SP models allow you to change the grille from a non-lighted to lighted using a conversion kit. Contact your Greenheck representative for the specific details.
Q:
Q:What is a sone?
A:
A:A sone is a linear unit of measurement for sound. The industry uses sones to rate fans based on sound volume produced with emphasis placed on quiet sound levels. To understand loudness of one sone, a standard comparison used is the sound heard from a quiet refrigerator when standing five feet away.
Q:
Q:What is an HVI certification?
A:
A:The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is an independent organization that certifies the performance of products in our industry, such as the SP fan.
Q:
Q:What is AMCA?
A:
A:The Air Movement and Control Association, International, Inc., or AMCA, is an independent, not-for-profit association that certifies the performance of HVAC products including fans such as models SP and CSP.
Q:
Q:What is the suggested time to run a bath fan after showering?
A:
A:HVI recommends a fan run for at least 20 minutes after use to ensure humidity is removed from the bathroom. This of course assumes the fan meets application requirements and is the proper size for the bathroom space.
Q:
Q:Can I mount an SP fan on a wall?
A:
A:The SP-L series allows for wall mounting. Its low profile design enables it to fit in 2” x 4” studded walls as well as ceilings.
Q:
Q:What is CFM?
A:
A:CFM is an acronym for cubic feet per minute and is a unit of measurement used to describe the volume of air that moves in one minute. This measurement is used to determine the proper size fan for an application.
Q:
Q:What is the recommended CFM rating for my bathroom?
A:
A:HVI recommends fans have a capability of moving one cfm per square foot in rooms that are 100 square feet or less. Bathrooms greater than 100 square feet determine CFM by the number and type of fixture in the room. For example, a toilet, shower and bathtub all require 50 cfm each; and a jetted tub requires 100 cfm.
Q:
Q:Are your fans rated for continuous operation?
A:
A:Yes. All Greenheck models SP/CSP with the exception of model SP-C50 are rated for continuous use.
Q:
Q:Do your fans meet California Title 24 requirements?
A:
A:Yes. Several model SP fans can be selected with certifications and accessories to meet California Title 24 requirements.
Q:
Q:Can SP fans be installed above a shower or bathtub?
A:
A:Yes. All SP model fans are UL Listed for use above a shower or bathtub when installed on a GFCI protected circuit.
Q:
Q:What is static pressure?
A:
A:Static pressure is the measurement of resistance to airflow in a system. The amount of static pressure in a system affects a fan’s effectiveness and must be calculated when determining CFM requirements.
Q:
Q:Can I install insulation around SP/CSP fans?
A:
A:Yes. All SP/CSP models are rated for direct contact with insulation.
Q:
Q:Can I get integrated sensors for SP fans?
A:
A:Yes. Greenheck offers several integral sensor options that include motion, humidity and a combination motion and humidity sensors.
Q:
Q:How does my grille-mounted motion sensor function?
A:
A:The integral motion sensor energizes (turns on) the fan whenever motion is detected. The fan continues to run after all motion has ceased. The length of time is determined using an adjustable time delay with settings of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, or 30 minutes.
Q:
Q:How does my integrated humidity sensor function?
A:
A:The integral humidity sensor energizes (turns on) the fan whenever the room’s humidity level rises above the relative humidity set point determined by a user. The fan continues to run after humidity levels fall below the set point and times out after 15 minutes.