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FAQ

FAQs -Airetrak & Airetrak model CD FAQ: HV’s and Ghost FAQs- TC1000

FAQs -Airetrak & Airetrak model CD 

What is the difference between the Airetrak and the Airetrak model CD?
Why would I use the Airetrak model CD over the programmable Airetrak?
What type of fan will work with the Airetrak?
Will the Airetrak work with a lighted fan?
Can I use the Airetrak to control a light?
Can the Airetrak run a fan as if it were being controlled by a clock?
Will the Airetrak run a fan in a random sequence?
Can I use the Airetrak to control an ERV or HRV?
Can I use the Airetrak as a wall switch?
What happens if I don’t program or reprogram the Airetrak?
Where do I locate the serial number of my Airetrak?
What does the override button do?
What is the life of the battery?
Will the programmable Airetrak’s battery run a fan during a power loss?
Can I have multiple control points for an in-line fan and still use the Airetrak?
What is the maximum current draw of the Airetrak?
Can I use more than one Airetrak to control a single fan?
Does the Airetrak CD have a battery?
Can I upgrade my Airetrak CD into a programmable Airetrak?


What is the difference between the Airetrak and the Airetrak model CD?
The Airetrak is a programmable control and the Airetrak CD is a constant duty control. The CD is a fan control that will give you speed adjustability and operates a fan 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  The programmable Airetrak has many added features over the CD such as a wider control spectrum on a time based need.

Why would I use the Airetrak model CD over the programmable Airetrak?
There are certain applications where you may need your bathroom fan to run continuously at a very low rate.  For many tightly built homes with very poor air quality the bath fan may be the only source of air exchange. 

What type of fan will work with the Airetrak?
The Airetrak will work with most high-end residential bath fans such as those made by Panasonic and Fantech.  The Airetrak may work with the low-end fans but the life of the fan may be reduced.

Will the Airetrak work with a lighted fan?
Yes. The Airetrak will work with a lighted fan, but will not control the light. 

Can I use the Airetrak to control a light?
No. The soft-start feature, where the voltage gradually climbs to a specific level over a period of time (that could last as long as 40 seconds), is not ideal for controlling a light; either incandescent of fluorescent.  In addition there are components on the control that do not work well with lights.

Can the Airetrak run a fan as if it were being controlled by a clock?
Yes. When programming the Airetrak for 12 hour on-time, it will take 12 hours for the internal timing sequence to set itself.  You may need assistance with specific programming requirements. Contact customer service for technical support.

Will the Airetrak run a fan in a random sequence?
No. The Airetrak works one of two ways, either a 12 hour or 24 hour basis and at as little as 5% to as much as 100% per hour on either basis.

Can I use the Airetrak to control an ERV or HRV?
Maybe.  It will depend upon the electrical current requirements of the particular unit.  Contact customer service for technical support.

Can I use the Airetrak as a wall switch?
Yes. By setting the time-on selector to the zero position and pressing the Duty Cycle button the Airetrak will only turn the fan on when the override button is pressed (after a 12 hour waiting period).  The 20 minute override feature is still in effect or the button can be depressed again to shut the fan off.

What happens if I don’t program or reprogram the Airetrak?
When not programmed or reprogrammed after installation or a change of the battery, the Airetrak will run on its factory set default settings.  Factory settings will depend on the age of the Airetrak. Airetrak’s with a serial number greater than 24349 have a factory default setting that will run the fan 24 hours a day seven days a week at high speed or at the setting of the dial with 1 being the highest and 14 being the lowest.   Older units will run for 5 minutes per hour on a 24 hour basis.

Where do I locate the serial number of my Airetrak?
The serial number is located on a label on the back of the control.

What does the override button do?
The override button allows the homeowner to bypass the programmed settings and bring the fan up to full speed.  When the button is pushed, the soft-start feature of the Airetrak will bring the fan up to speed gradually in about 35 to 40 seconds.  The fan will run at full speed for either 20 minutes or until the button is pushed a second time and then revert back to its programmed settings.

What is the life of the battery?
The battery should hold the program for 72 hours after a power failure.  Beyond the 72 hours, when power is restored, the battery will recover its charge but the operational program will revert to default settings and should be reinstalled. Factory settings will depend on the age of the Airetrak. Airetrak’s with a serial number greater than 24349 have a factory default setting that will run the fan 24 hours a day seven days a week at high speed or at the setting of the dial with 1 being the highest and 14 being the lowest.   Older units will run for 5 minutes per hour on a 24 hour basis.

Will the programmable Airetrak’s battery run a fan during a power loss?
No. The purpose of the battery is to hold the program in memory.

Can I have multiple control points for an in-line fan and still use the Airetrak?
Yes, but this is a custom application.  Contact customer service for technical support.

What is the maximum current draw of the Airetrak?
The maximum allowable surge is 1.8 amps.  The Airetrak is fused at 2.0 amps.  This fuse can not be replaced by the homeowner.

Can I use more than one Airetrak to control a single fan?
No. Using more than one Airetrak for a single fan will shorten the life of both controls.

Does the Airetrak CD have a battery?
No. The Airetrak CD’s 24 hour 7 day a week function which is pre-programmed into the microprocessor.

Can I upgrade my Airetrak CD into a programmable Airetrak?
No.  If you want a programmable control, you will need to purchase a programmable Airetrak


FAQ: HV’s and Ghost

How will a whole house cooler save me money?
Do the Tamarack whole house coolers require any maintenance?
How does the Tamarack whole house cooler look from inside my home?
What comes with the unit?
What is the warranty?
Can I use whole house coolers in commercial buildings?
Do I need an attic fan?
Will the whole house cooler work when my attic fan is running?
When do I run the whole house cooler?
Can I use a timer or thermostat to control the operation of the Tamarack whole house cooler?
Why plastic blades and not metal?
Are your whole house coolers easy install?
How long does it take to install?the
Where do I install the whole house cooler?
Can I duct my whole house cooler to outside?
Should I install the whole house cooler on the roof or on the gable ends?
I don’t have an attic, what do I do?
Do you have installation guides?
Do I need an electrician?
Do I need a dedicated circuit?
What is the difference between the HV1000, HV1600 and the Ghost?
How quiet are the Tamarack whole house coolers?
How do the HV1600 and Ghost compare for noise?
What is the cfm of the Tamarack whole house coolers?
Can I install the HV from inside my living space rather than from inside the attic?
For the HVs, how much clearance is needed above the whole house cooler?
Can I get the HV1600 without the remote?
Do I need a special switch for hi/low speed?
Can I get a second remote for my HV1600?
Does the remote control have a timer?
Can the HV1000 Remote Kit be added after the HV1000 is wired to a switch?
Can the HV be installed vertically, in a wall?
What is the difference between the HV1600 –GR and the HV1600–GDR?
What is the difference between the HV1000 and theHV1000 –DB?
Does the Ghost mount on the roof?
Can the Ghost be vertically mounted?
What is the rough opening for the Ghost?

How will a whole house cooler save me money?
Our whole house coolers will save you money in several ways.  The obvious savings will be reflected in your electric bill.  Use of an HV or Ghost will reduce the need for you to run your air conditioner.  Other savings come in the form of preventative maintenance of your home.  Properly ventilating your home and attic can save you from having to perform costly renovations in your attic, to the roof and to the structure itself. The doors are insulated to minimize conductive heat loss or gain when the fans are not operating.  Both doors are fully gasketed, like a refrigerator, to ensure a tight seal.

Do the Tamarack whole house coolers require any maintenance?
No.  The fan motors are sealed and permanently lubricated. Proper care and cleaning with extend the life of your unit.

How does the Tamarack whole house cooler look from inside my home?
You can’t see the whole house cooler from the living space. You will see a low profile, slotted grille, similar to an air conditioning grille.

What comes with the unit?
The HV1000 comes with an on/off switch, weather stripping to seal where the HV meets the frame, an interior grille and all necessary mounting hardware.  HV1600 and Ghost come with a handheld remote control, weather stripping to seal where the HV meets the frame, an interior grille and all necessary mounting hardware.

What is the warranty?
The warranty on all of our whole house coolers is three years, parts and labor.

USE AND CONSTRUCTION
Can I use whole house coolers in commercial buildings?
It depends upon the details of the application.  They would not be efficient in cooling a warehouse but may be perfect for an office building that has an attic.

Do I need an attic fan?
No. A powered attic fan is not required.  The whole house coolers are designed to pull cool, fresh air into your home and at the same time push the hot, stale air out through the existing attic ventilation.

Will the whole house cooler work when my attic fan is running?
Yes. It would most likely enhance the performance of both fans but is not a requirement.

When do I run the whole house cooler?
The whole house coolers are meant to be run when the outside air temperature is cooler than the inside air temperature by at least 5° or at times when you want to have a rapid air change for a short period of time.

Can I use a timer or thermostat to control the operation of the Tamarack whole house cooler?
Yes & No.  Unless a source of make-up air is provided, Tamarack does not recommend operating a whole house cooler with any type of control that will turn the fan on automatically. A source of make-up air is needed to prevent backdrafting of other appliances.  A crank type timer, which is semi-automatic, can be used without any concerns.  Another option is an electro-mechanical timer or a relay based semi-intelligent home automation system that can control a fresh air supply such as an electronic damping system that will open on “fan-on”.

Why plastic blades and not metal?
Tamarack uses plastic fan blades in order to get the most efficient and quiet fans possible. There are other benefits as well. The fan is lighter which makes it easier to install and saves on shipping costs. We have done extensive research into the fan motors, fan blades and blade styles.  We are confident that the fan blade is well suited to our products.

BASIC INSTALLATION
Are your whole house coolers easy install?
Yes. They are great do-it-yourself projects.  No power tools or special equipment are required. 

How long does it take to install?
Under normal circumstances, it should take about 2 hours to install the system. Times will vary depending on the location of the unit and the wiring set up of your home.

Where do I install the whole house cooler?
The whole house coolers are most efficient if they are installed at the top of a stairwell in multi-floor homes or in a central hallway in ranch style homes. The fan should be placed on the framing between the space to be cooled and the attic.  In most cases that means the attic floor.  Locate the system as close to the center of the home as possible for an even draw throughout the home.

Can I duct my whole house cooler to the outside?
No.  The HV’s and the Ghost are designed for a free flow of air into your attic.  Adding ducting would seriously reduce the air moving ability of the fan.

Should I install the whole house cooler on the roof or on the gable ends?
No.  Our whole house coolers are not designed to be installed on a roof or gable end.  The systems must be protected from the elements and must be installed inside the home.

I don’t have an attic, what do I do?
The only product that Tamarack manufactures that will move air from inside directly to the outside is the TC1000.

Do you have installation guides?
Yes. The installation guide is available on our web-site and is provided with each product.

Do I need an electrician?
There are electrical connections that have to be made.  Some states require use of a licensed electrician. Tamarack recommends that the wiring of the whole house cooler be done by a licensed electrician

Do I need a dedicated circuit?
In most cases, you do not need a dedicated circuit.  Please consult with your electrician.

What is the difference between the HV1000, HV1600 and the Ghost?
There are several differences between the models of the Tamarack whole house coolers; most noticeably the CFM. Please refer to the product specification sheets for further information.

How quiet are the Tamarack whole house coolers?
The HV1000 is about as quiet as a toaster over. The HV1600 model and the Ghost are noticeably louder than the HV1000.  Sound levels can be given in both decibels (dBA) and Sones.
HV1000; 59 dBA, 3 Sones
HV1600; 59 dBA & 3 Sones on low and 70 dBA & 5.5 Sones on high
Ghost; 70 dBA & 5.5 Sones on low and 78 dBA & 6.5 Sones on high

How do the HV1600 and Ghost compare for noise?
The HV1600 is 59 dBA & 3 Sones on low and 70 dBA & 5.5 Sones on high. The Ghost is 70 dBA & 5.5 Sones on low and 78 dBA & 6.5 Sones on high.  Although similar ratings, due to the concentration of air velocity and higher rpm, the HV1600 has a high pitch while the Ghost has a low more base type sound.

What is the cfm of the Tamarack whole house coolers?
The HV1000 is listed at 1000 cfm and is a single speed unit.
The HV1600 is listed at 1600 cfm on high speed and 900 cfm on low speed.
The Ghost is listed at 2800 cfm on high speed and 1600 cfm on low speed. 

HV Specific
Can I install the HV from inside my living space rather than from inside the attic?
Yes. The HV will fit into the attic through the opening you make in the ceiling.  Care must be taken for the wiring.  Leave enough wire available for moving the unit from the living area into the attic and take care that the extra wire will not interfere with the operation of the doors.  Consult your local building or electrical code for this type of installation.

For the HVs, how much clearance is needed above the whole house cooler?
For the HV1000 and HV1600-GR you will need 11 inches of clearance for the doors to open.  For the HV1000-DB and the HV1600-GDR that number increases to 12 inches.  In addition, you should allow another 12 inches for efficient operation of the fan.

Can I get the HV1600 without the remote?
No. The HV1600’s are standard with a remote control.  However, we also provide instructions for adding wall switches.

Do I need a special switch for hi/low speed?
No.  The switch is a simple On/Off switch that can be purchased at a local store.  The switch is also known as a Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) switch.

Can I get a second remote for my HV1600?
Yes, but you should order the second remote at the same time you order the HV1600. 

Does the remote control have a timer?
No.  Neither hand held remote has a timer.  The HV remote will control On & Off and the HV1600 & Ghost remotes control On & Off as well as the Hi-Low speed function.

Can the HV1000 Remote kit be added after the HV1000 is wired to a switch?
Yes. A Remote Kit can be added during the initial installation or as a retrofit to the HV1000’s already installed. 

Can the HV be installed vertically, in a wall?
Yes.  HV's are often installed in knee walls and are often used to cool cathedral or vaulted spaces.  Tamarack's standard HV is shipped with a grille designed to be used in attic/ceiling installation.  All you need to do is let us know that you will be installing your HV vertically and we will swap the standard grille for a grille suited for a vertical installation.

What is the difference between the HV1600 –GR and the HV1600–GDR?
The only difference between the models is the insulation value of the doors.  The GR is the standard model with R-22 insulation and the GDR is the optional R-38.

What is the difference between the HV1000 and theHV1000 –DB?
The only difference between the models is the insulation value of the doors.  The HV1000 is the standard model with R-22 insulation and the DB is the optional R-38.

GHOST SPECIFIC
• Does the Ghost mount on the roof?
No. Although the Ghost resembles a piece of commercial equipment, it is designed to mount in the attic, out of the elements.
• Can the Ghost be vertically mounted?
No. The Ghost structure is not designed for a vertical mount.  If there is room available, the Ghost can be mounted on an angled plenum that will keep the Ghost horizontal but the opening into the living space will be vertical.
• What is the rough opening for the Ghost?
14-1/2 inches by 26-1/2 inches


FAQs- TC1000

What is the difference between the TC–T and the TC-H?
What comes with the TC?
Will I need to purchase anything else?
Will the TC work with my pool or spa?
Are there chemicals that I can use that won’t damage the TC?
Will my TC prevent water from condensing on interior surfaces?
Can I use the TC to vent heat from my greenhouse?
Can I use the TC to exhaust cooking heat and odors?
Will the TC cool my sunroom or living space?
Can the TC be used to ventilate my smoking room?
Will I need more than one TC?
How many TC’s can be linked together?
What colors are available?
What is the housing size?
What is the rough opening?
What is the internal thermostat?
Do I need a thimble?
How do I determine the size thimble I need?
What size thimbles are available?
What is the flange?
What determines the flange thickness?
What TC-T flange sizes are available?
What TC-T flange sizes are standard?
What is the flange size of the TC-H?
Do I need a grille?
What size is the grille?
What types of controls can be used?
What control is provided with the TC?
What color is the wall mounted thermostat?
What color is the SPST wall switch and cover?
Why do I need a 3-wire power supply?
Can the TC be mounted on a vertical wall?
Can the TC be mounted on a flat roof?
What is a curbing?
Can I mount the TC on a “standing seam” metal roof?
What if I have an insulated roof system?

What is the difference between the TC–T and the TC-H?
The only difference between the TC–T and TC–H is the fan speed. 

• The TC-T is a two speed unit controlled by an internal thermostat.  The TC–T is 800 cfm on high speed    and 500 cfm on low speed. 
• The TC–H is a single speed, 800 cfm unit and provided with a spdt wall switch.

What comes with the TC?
The TC is supplied with a control. See Options and Controls.

Will I need to purchase anything else?
If you have an insulated roof system you may need a thimble.  If you are going to operate two or more TC’s with the same control you will need an Internal Relay Kit for each TC.  A grille is a popular accessory with the TC-H. See Options and Controls.

USE AND CONSTRUCTION
Will the TC work with my pool or spa?
The performance of the TC could be compromised by salt water spas or certain chemical additives such as chlorine.  As an example; when the cover is taken off a hot tub with 105° temperature water and the room is 75° there will be some condensation.  When the water eventually evaporates, the chemical residue will damage interior components such as copper motor windings.  Chlorine or salt type damage will void the warranty.

Are there chemicals that I can use that won’t damage the TC?
Yes, non-chlorine base, ozone and the like.  Please consult with the pool or spa manufacturer.  We prefer that you use an environmentally safe product.

Will my TC prevent water from condensing on interior surfaces?
The TC will assist.  Most of the causes of water condensation are directly related to temperature differential.  Extremely warm, moist air will condense on colder solid surfaces.  The closer the two are in temperature the less the condensation will occur.

Can I use the TC to vent heat from my greenhouse?
Yes. The effectiveness will be determined by the size and content of the green house.

Can I use the TC to exhaust cooking heat and odors?
NO!  Under no circumstances is the TC to be used as a kitchen range hood.

Will the TC cool my sunroom or living space?
Yes, provided the outside air is cooler than the inside air.

Can the TC be used to ventilate my smoking room?
Yes, realizing there will be a small amount of maintenance and cleaning in a room that is heavily used due to the nature of smoke residue.

Will I need more than one TC?
A quick way to determine the number of units needed would be to use one of the following formulas:
If the room will be south facing use the following formula:
Room Length (in feet) x room Width (in feet) x 6 = cfm; cfm ÷ 800 = # of units
If the room will be south facing and has a tub or spa use the following formula:
Room Length (in feet) x room Width (in feet) x 8 = cfm; cfm ÷ 800 = # of units
For all other applications, use the following formula:
Room Length (in feet) x room Width (in feet) x 4 = cfm; cfm ÷ 800 = # of units

Many other factors need to be considered as well; is there shade outside, is there grass or a driveway outside, is there a stone floor or carpeting, etc?
When sizing the –H as a whole house fan, consider the air movement of 800 cfm as you would the HV1000 with 1000 CFM. A single TC would be adequate for a 1800 square foot home.

How many TC’s can be linked together?
The maximum number is six, but, the actual number is based upon the capacity of the control device or the circuit breaker.  For two or more units being controlled by a single control, all the units will need an internal relay.

SPECIFICATIONS
What colors are available?
The TC’s are available in either white or brown.

What is the housing size?
The inside housing size is 12-1/4? x 27? with a tolerance of +/- 1/8?.

What is the rough opening?
The rough opening is 12-3/4? x 27-3/4?.

What is the internal thermostat?
The internal thermostat controls the change from low speed to high speed for the TC-T.  When the temperature at the TC-T climbs above 90°, the fan will shift from low speed to high and when it falls below 90° it will shift back to low (these temperatures are all approximate). There is no manual control but the 90° setting can be reset.  Contact Customer Service for adjustment instructions.
Note: Depending upon the type of control used to turn the TC on and off, the unit could start on high speed. The internal thermostat is not part of the TC–H.

Do I need a thimble?
If you have an insulated roof system, you may need a thimble.  An insulated roof system is made up of a foam panel sandwiched between two sheets of either aluminum or vinyl.  The thimble will protect the foam from being sucked into the fans.  In most solid roof applications the framing structure acts as the thimble.  In some retro-fit applications where the TC will be installed in a previously insulated wall or roof and a complete frame will not be built, the thimble may be necessary. The thimble can be used with either the TC–T or the TC–H. 

How do I determine the size thimble I need?
The thimble depth dimension is determined by subtracting 1/2 inch from the overall roof thickness.  Overall roof thickness is measured from the outside of the exterior sheathing to the inside face of the interior sheetrock.

What size thimbles are available?
The outside dimensions of the thimble are 27? x 12-1/2?
Available thimble depths are: 2-1/2?, 3-1/2?, 4-1/2? and 8-1/2?.  They can be cut down in size as needed.

What is the flange?
The flange is an integral part of the housing that is used to mount the TC into the glazing or onto a solid roof or sidewall.  The length, width and thickness dimensions of the flange will vary, depending on the glazing system or roofing system in your sunroom or roof.

What determines the flange thickness?
In many applications the TC-T is replacing a glass panel.  Individual manufacturers have different glass panel thickness.  As an example, a 1? flange is made up of the 1/8? thick upper housing, the 1/8? thick lower housing and a 3/4? thick spacer.  The 1/4? flange thickness of the TC–H is the bonding of the upper housing directly to the lower housing.

What TC-T flange sizes are available?
Maximum flange size: 37-3/8? x 19-1/4? x 1?
Minimum flange size: 29-5/8? x 15-1/8? x 1/4?
Standard flange thicknesses are 1/4?, 7/8? & 1?
Please contact Customer Service about custom sizes.

What TC-T flange sizes are standard?
37? x 19? x 1?,    29-5/8? x 19? x 1?,    37-3/8? x 19-1/4? x 7/8?
36? x 15-1/8? x 7/8?,   30? x 15-1/8? x 7/8?,   30? x 15-1/8? x 1/4?  
36? x 15-1/2? x 7/8? w/offset,   30? x 15-1/2? x 7/8? w/offset, 
Please contact Customer Service about custom sizes.

What is the flange size of the TC-H?
The standard flange size is 36? x 16-5/8? x 1/4?.  The flange can be altered in the field.

OPTIONS and CONTROLS
Do I need a grille?
No.  However, many customers prefer the look of a return air grille in the interior space to the look of the eggcrate grille which is attached to the lower housing.

What size is the grille?
The grille size is 30? x 14? for horizontal installations or 14? x 30? for vertical installations.

What types of controls can be used?
The standard TC’s can be controlled by any 3-way wall switch, a line voltage thermostat, or electro-mechanical timer. The TC’s that have an internal relay installed can be controlled by a SPST switch, all types of mechanical closure timers, a line voltage thermostat, standard 2-wire humidity controls or a combination of most any type of control.

What control is provided with the TC?
The TC–T is supplied with a wall mounted line voltage thermostat.
The TC–H is supplied with a SPST wall switch and cover plate.

What color is the wall mounted thermostat?
White.

What color is the SPST wall switch and cover?
White.  If you prefer a different color or style, you may substitute a SPST wall switch that you purchase at any home store, hardware store or electrical supplier.

INSTALLATION
Why do I need a 3-wire power supply?
The motorized, insulated damper in a standard TC with or without a relay must be powered both open and closed. The 3-wire supply and the TC with a relay allow for more versatile control options.

Can the TC be mounted on a vertical wall?
Yes.  It would be best if the TC were to be located under an overhang or some type of structure that will prevent a wall of water from cascading down onto the housing.  The TC can be oriented on either a horizontal or vertical plane.  Keep in mind that the TC should not be placed in an unprotected area where extreme weather conditions such as wind driven rain or snow can enter under the weather hood.

Can the TC be mounted on a flat roof?
Yes. If the roof is “flat” and there is the possibility of standing water or puddles of water a curbing should be built up.

What is a curbing?
The curbing is a frame of some 2x material such as a 2x6 that will raise the TC off of the flat roof and out of any standing water that could build up.  The inside dimension of the frame should be a minimum of 12-3/4? x 27-3/4?.

Can I mount the TC on a “standing seam” metal roof?
The customer should contact the roofing manufacturer for instructions.

What if I have an insulated roof system?
If you have an insulated roof system, you may need a thimble. Please see Specifications.

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