Field Controls VentCool 1.8 Installation Manual page 5

By running this fan through the night, homeowners can extract the maximum possible amount of heat from their
home's structure and contents. This essentially "pre-cools" the home ahead of the rise in temperature the next
day, which reduces or can even eliminate the need for air conditioning. This VentCool Whole House Fan has been
designed specifi cally for quiet and effi cient operation. As such, we strongly recommend homeowners run this fan
through the night to reduce their energy expense.
With the above theory of operation in mind, adhere to the following guidelines when choosing a location for this
fan:
• Locate this fan in a central location, away from windows that will be opened during its operation. Installing this
fan centrally promotes an even replacement of air throughout the home, and the longer the path of air travels
from an open window to the fan, the greater the cooling effect.
• The damper provided with this fan can only be installed in a horizontal orientation, thereby requiring the unit
to be installed in the ceiling.
• Locate this fan at the highest point possible. This exploits natural convection and helps the fan exhaust the
hottest indoor air from the home.
• Typically, the ideal location for this fan in a two-story home is in the open area at the top of the stairs.
• Avoid locating this fan in a narrow space or over hard fl ooring as sound refl ecting off of hard surfaces can
amplify its percieved noise.
• Even though this fan is extremely quiet, we specifi cally recommend against installing it in a bedroom as
humans' perception of noise is far greater when the surrounding environment is quiet (such as within a
bedroom at night).
• Within the attic, locating the fan near an electrical outlet or power supply can minimize the need for additional
electrical work.
INSTALLATION: FRAMING
The fi rst step in installing this fan is to build a simple "box"
between the framing in the ceiling and to create an
opening into the attic. This fan's backdraft damper has been
designed to fi t within a 22½" x 26½" ceiling opening. Most
modern homes have been constructed with either 24" or 16"
on-center (O.C.) spaced joists or studs. This step varies slightly
depending on whether the home's framing is either 24" or
16" O.C.
For 24" O.C. Framing:
Using appropriately sized lumber (e.g. 2"x4", 2"x"6, etc.),
install two 22½" long cross pieces between the existing
framing, creating a box with interior dimensions of 22½" x 26½".
Figure 1 at right shows the framing and cross pieces as they
should be installed.
For 16" O.C. Framing:
Using appropriately sized lumber (e.g. 2"x4", 2"x6", etc.),
install four 14½" long and one 22½" long cross pieces
between the existing framing, as shown below in Figure 2A.
Next, use lumber to construct a second frame with interior
dimensions of 22½" x 22½". As shown below in Figure 2B,
mount this new frame on top of the frame created within
the joists.
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FIGURE 1
P/N 78010007000 05/17 Rev B