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Resource Guide Index
Ventilation Fans - Quiet and More Energy Efficient
Ventilation and Bath Fans
What to consider when buying a bath fan or home ventilation system.
2010 Home Improvement Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Products!
Broan Nutone Fan New Design
Broan Smart Sense Fan System Overview
Smart Sense Fan Run Time ASHRAE62 Chart
Whole House Ventilation Requirements
New! Nutone Hange Bar
New! Nutone Broan QTFL Fan Series Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions About Ventilation Fans
What is a Sone, and how is it measured?
What does CFM mean?
What is continuous ventilation?
Can I mount NuTone fans above my tub and shower?
Can my ceiling fan be surrounded by insulation?
Will NuTone fans work in wall-mount applications?
Will a ceiling fan or wall-mount utility fan serve as a range hood?
What does "static pressure" mean?
How long should a bath fan run after a shower is used?
What should I do if I can't wait for moisture to clear, but I don't want a fan to run all day long?
Where should the exhaust fan be located?
Where is the exhaust outlet on the ventilation fan?
Why do the windows and mirrors fog even when the fan is running?
Why is water dripping from the grille of the fan?
Can I install a heater over the bathtub or in a shower?
Can I use an inline or multi-port fan in one large bathroom?
Does a duct-free bath fan expel air?
Can I use a smaller diameter duct than what the fan is designed for?
Can larger diameter ducting be used with my bath fan?
What type of duct is recommended, rigid or flexible?
Can I exhaust my fan into my attic instead of out the roof or wall?
What type of exhaust fan is best for a sauna or hot tub area?
Can I use a fan in a steam shower?
Can I vent more than one bath fan out of a roof or wall cap?
Kitchen and Bath
Spring Cleaning Tips for your Kitchen and Bath
Kitchen Center - Free Up Space On Your Kitchen Counter Top
Kitchen Center Adding More Style, More Space To Your Kitchen
How to Install Your Kitchen Center Power Base Video
Home or Business Intercom Systems
Cyrex-New Hands Free Intercom System
NEW Comelit HFX-700M Hands Free Video Intercom System
New Nutone NM Series Music Audio Intercom System
NEW NM100 & NM200 Music Audio Intercom System
Nutone NM Intercom System Installation Video
Central Vacuums
How to identify your central vacuum hose model number?
Hose Compatibility for a CT700.
Resource Guide
Ventilation and Bath Fans are much better than they used to be!
No one likes a cheap bathroom fan. Their annoying rattle is an effective incentive not to use them.
But there are lots of very good ceiling-mounted fans on the market these days. Some of them are close to inaudible.
Broan-Nutone’s QTXE fans, for example, and the Whisper series from Panasonic are rated at about 0.3 sones. This means they produce only about one-third as much noise as a quiet refrigerator in a quiet room. (By contrast, some run-of-the-mill ceiling fans are rated at 4 sones or more.)
In-line exhaust fans are another option. They can handle more than one duct so a single blower can be used to ventilate adjoining bathrooms or multiple vents in a very large bath. Fantech are one of manufacturers.
Fan capacity is measured by how many cubic feet of air they can move each minute. For bathrooms of 100 square feet or less – and that will cover most bathrooms in older houses – a fan should move 1 cubic foot of air per minute for each square foot of floor area. So an 8-ft. by 10-ft. bathroom needs a fan rated at 80 cubic feet per minute.
Duct the fan to the outside and seal the line
Retrofitting a bathroom with an exhaust fan can be a pain in the neck.
You’ll have to cut a hole in the ceiling for the fan, install a vent through the roof or a gable-end sidewall and connect the two with a duct.
Taking shortcuts, like running the duct to a soffit vent or the attic and calling it good enough, may be tempting but ultimately aren’t worth it.
Some points to keep in mind:
Locate the fan close to the shower.
Keep the run of duct as short and straight as possible.
Seal the ducts so moisture can’t escape, and seal the fan housing to the ceiling with a bead of caulk.
If you don’t have any access to the ceiling from above the job will be all that much harder. You’ll be forced to tear out part of the ceiling to run the duct. Or use a through-the-wall fan. They’re not quite as efficient as a ceiling unit, but they’re a much better option than ignoring the moisture problem.
Pair the fan with a good switch
Bathroom fans are wonderfully effective if you run them long enough during (and after) taking a hot shower. But often people don’t run long enough to be effective – count on at least 20 minutes.
Buying a timer switch is a good way to ensure the fan is really effective and simple timers aren’t expensive.
Invest a little more and you can get a type of switch that turns the fan on automatically when humidity hits a certain level. Or buy a switch that can be programmed to run at certain times of the day. This last category of switch is one way of making your bathroom fan a makeshift whole-house ventilation system.
Now that’s starting to sound up to date.
Resources: Scott Gibson, former editor of Fine Woodworking magazine, and a former editor at Today’s Homeowner and Fine Homebuilding magazines.
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2010 Home Improvement Tax Credits For Energy Efficient Products!
January 26, 2010
Congress has extended energy efficiency tax credits for most homeowners through the end of 2010, so if you’ve been looking to upgrade your kitchen, bathroom,or windows and doors, you can probably still get a tax credit in the coming year. Some less common of the tax credits for home improvements will be around all the way until 2016. From EnergyStar.gov
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. …
Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit
Energy Tax Credits Extended Through 12/31/2010
So how much is the tax credit, and how do you get it?
Tax Credit: 30% of cost of the home improvement, up to $1,500
Expires: December 31, 2010
Provions: Must be on an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals don’t qualify. (Remember this is a “home improvement” tax credit!)
So what does this mean? For any qualified upgrade, the tax credit is 30% of the covered cost up to a $1500 total credit. For instance, if you pay $4000 for a central air conditioning system (excluding installation costs), your credit would be $1200.
The house must be your principal residence and the credits don’t apply to new construction. Other, upgrade-specific restrictions apply, so see the government site for details.
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What you should consider when buying a bath fan or home ventilation system.
Steamy mirrors, damp walls and fogged windows. They’re more than annoying. They could indicate developing problems like mold and mildew, ruined insulation, and wood rot. Spot ventilation solutions from Broan clear the air quickly and efficiently, removing potential problems before they invite themselves into your home.
What’s in stays in today’s airtight homes. Today’s homes are built airtight for efficiency. But that means moisture and airborne pollutants stay where they are unless they are vented away. Eliminating excess moisture keeps your home dry and comfortable and can help avoid mold and mildew. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) “outgas” from construction materials such as plywood, carpet, fabric, paint, adhesive, insulation and other common items. Allergens, dust, cooking vapor and what the kids bring home from school are more reasons why good ventilation is critical.
Which product is best suited to my application? Take a moment to consider what you’re looking for in a spot ventilation product. Do you want quiet operation, a powerful blower, decorative designs or something that’s virtually invisible? Could you use more light, or ventilation in a walk-in closet? Broan has what you need.
Sones measure the “sound level” of your fan.
A sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable hearing level for an average listener. The lower the sone value, the more comfortable the environment. Sones are not decibels or volume, but rather how sound is “sensed.” One sone is half as loud as two sones, and is equivalent to a quiet refrigerator.
What “HVI certified” means to you. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) is an independent organization that certifies the airflow and sound performance claimed by manufacturers of ventilation products. Broan certifies every product through HVI to ensure the product you purchase will perform as claimed. For more information visit www.hvi.org.
Energy Star: Conserve energy and energy expenditures.
If you’re concerned about saving money and energy, choose Broan bath fans that feature the Energy Star logo. These products use high efficiency motors and lighting that can reduce energy consumption by as much as 65%—all without sacrificing performance. Learn more about Energy Star at www.energystar.gov.
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Ventilation Fans Top Brands: Nutone Broan Panasonic AirVent Fantech
Broan Nutone Fan New Design [Learn More]
High performance lighting technology using less energy!
Broan Smart Sense Fan System Overview [Learn More]
The following guide explains how Broan SmartSense meets the requirements set
forth in ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007. This standard is the baseline ventilation
requirements for the LEED program, National Green Building Standards, many
State and Local building codes and other healthy building program requirements.
Smart Sense Fan Run Time ASHRAE62 Chart [Learn More]
Whole House Ventilation Requirements [Learn More]
Nutone New Hange Bar Tool - What took three hands now takes two.
Easier Installation Tool
See Brochure
* Fast. Preassembled hanger bars save time and money.
* Accurate. Bottom locator tabs position the housing perfectly every time.
* Easy. Captive fasteners are ready to drive into place.
Just what you’d expect from the leader in residential ventilation.
• Hanger bar systemis fast exible and easy for all types of construction.
• Captive fasteners keepnails in place—no handling needed.
• Instantly set the correct mounting height and level the housing between joists with integral
bottom locator tabs.
• Innitely adjust the fan housing between joists from a span of 16" to 24" with hangerbars.
• No additional framing is needed. The fan easily mounts on all types of construction:
standard joist, I-joist, and truss construction.
Mount to either the bottom or side of the joist.
• Two sets of mountingholes facilitate ush installation with either the
bottom or top of the drywall.
NuTone Ventilation Fan/Lights—Ultra Silent™ Series-QT-FL
See Brochure
NuTone Ultra Silent™ Series Fan Lights. The Ultra Silent™ line represents the ultimate in bath fan solutions for today’s homes.
Select an Ultra Silent™ fan/light to bring elegance to any bath or powder room. Whether by sight or by sound, you’ll barely
notice the Ultra Silent™ line. Except, of course, when you need the right amount of ventilation and light at the touch of a switch.
New styling and improved lighting make NuTone’s industry leading Ultra Silent™ fan lights even better.
• Light output has been significantly increased, while using 14 fewer watts.
• Lighting design enhancements provide a brighter, broader flood-light effect.
• Improved light diffusion hides hotspots/bulbs.
• Convenient GU24 bulbs are readily available.
• A restyled, low-profile grille on QTXEN models blends with any decor.
• Design and lighting improvements were made without increasing sound levels.
QTXEN, QTREN and QTRN Fan/Light Features
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Frequently Ask Questions About Ventilation Fans
Q: What is a Sone, and how is it measured?
A Sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable hearing level for an average listener. The lower the sone value, the more comfortable the listening environment. Sones are not decibels or volume, but rather how sound is "sensed." One sone is the equivalent of a quiet refrigerator.
Q: What does CFM mean?
CFM is the acronym for Cubic Feet per Minute - the measure of air volume moved by the fan blower. Choose a fan with a CFM rating appropriate for your room size to ensure adequate ventilation.
Q: What is continuous ventilation?
Continuous ventilation provides today's airtight homes with a relatively constant and controlled lower level of ventilation. NuTone's extremely quiet and efficient QT Series is ideally suited for these applications.
Q: Can I mount NuTone fans above my tub and shower?
Most NuTone fans are rated for use over a shower or bathtub with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
Q: Can my ceiling fan be surrounded by insulation?
Yes. NuTone bath fans are designed to provide adequate cooling for motors and lighting, as well as products with integral heaters.
Q: Will NuTone fans work in wall-mount applications?
Some NuTone bath and utility fans may be wall mounted. See the spec matrix for specific models. Improper installation may affect fan life, safety and your warranty.
Q: Will a ceiling fan or wall-mount utility fan serve as a range hood?
No. Range hoods are specifically designed to handle grease and high temperature environments. Ventilation provided by NuTone fans is only a supplement for odor and moisture removal in the kitchen.
Q: What does "static pressure" mean?
Static pressure is the measurement of airflow resistance as it is pushed through ductwork which reduces the effectiveness of the fan. Learn more on the Home Ventilation Institute website www.hvi.org.
Q: How long should a bath fan run after a shower is used?
The Home Ventilation Institute recommends that a fan should be left on for 20 minutes more to clear humidity adequately and to ensure moisture and condensation in the fan body or ducting is minimized.
Q: What should I do if I can't wait for moisture to clear, but I don't want a fan to run all day long?
NuTone has sensing fans that detect the humidity rise caused by a shower and turn on automatically - when moisture has cleared it turns off. Some wall controls also give you the option of humidity sensing, or timer control. Just set it and forget it.
Q: Where should the exhaust fan be located?
Exhaust fans should be located in or near the shower or tub, and in an enclosed water closet. Keep exhaust points opposite the supply air source to ensure that the fresh air is drawn through the room. Bathroom doors should not be sealed too tightly at the bottom in order to allow "makeup air" to enter the room when the door is closed.
Q: Where is the exhaust outlet on the ventilation fan?
The exhaust outlet is the point where air is discharged through the body of the fan housing into the ductwork. During installation, orient your fan with the exhaust outlet pointing toward the exit vent on your roof or wall to minimize turns in ductwork that impede airflow.
Q: Why do the windows and mirrors fog even when the fan is running?
If windows and mirrors are very cold, condensation can still form on these surfaces. And if your bathroom is sealed tightly, replacement air may not be entering the room fast enough to displace the moist air. Be sure to undercut your door sufficiently to draw fresh air into the room. Fan placement can also be a factor. Your fan should be located far from the replacement air source to ensure the moist air is drawn out first. Finally, too many twists and turns in the ducting will significantly reduce the ability of the blower to remove moist air. Make sure your ductwork is as short and straight as it can be, with gradual turns rather than tight corners where necessary.
Q: Why is water dripping from the grille of the fan?
Dripping water is either condensation (usually due to cold ductwork or improper duct installation), or a problem with the seal on a wall or roof vent. Insulated ductwork can help solve condensation problems, and running the fan longer will ensure moisture is completely removed from the duct. Ductwork should slope down toward a wall vent to direct condensation out of the exterior vent opening rather than back into the fan housing.
Q: Can I install a heater over the bathtub or in a shower?
No. Heaters are not UL Listed (Underwriter's Laboratory) for installation over a bathtub or in a shower.
Q: Can I use an inline or multi-port fan in one large bathroom?
Yes, this works the best for large rooms because you can install the ports over the areas where the ventilation is needed the most (source control). The size of the multi-port would be determined by the size of the room.
Q: Does a duct-free bath fan expel air?
No. A duct-free fan is not a ventilating device. It does not remove air from the room.
Q: Can I use a smaller diameter duct than what the fan is designed for?
This is not recommended. It will cause the fan to run harder, greatly reducing the CFM performance of the fan and create excess noise.
Q: Can larger diameter ducting be used with my bath fan?
Yes, larger diameters will result in improved performance.
Q: What type of duct is recommended, rigid or flexible?
It is recommended, where possible, to use rigid duct. It has less resistance to air flow and allows the fan to operate much more efficiently. If flexible duct is used, be sure the duct is as straight as possible.
Q: Can I exhaust my fan into my attic instead of out the roof or wall?
Never exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces or garages. The humidity may damage the structure and insulation.
Q: What type of exhaust fan is best for a sauna or hot tub area?
High CFM-rated devices are normally recommended for this type of application.
Q: Can I use a fan in a steam shower?
No. Since these are normally sealed chambers, a vacuum will be created.
Q: Can I vent more than one bath fan out of a roof or wall cap?
No. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended ventilation requirements.
Spring Cleaning Tips That Will Save You Time
Kitchen and Bathroom
Spring is coming and that means spring cleaning is coming, too. Whenever I think of spring cleaning, I am really frustrated. I wish to hire the cleaning service to clean the whole house for me and I can sit down and a cup of coffee. But, I have to admit that it costs quite a lot of money to hire such professional service. By the way, it is the duty for a housewife. Instead of being frustrated, I should better make up my mind and learn to be focused on the dirty areas.
The first important step is stain removal. Kitchen and bathroom are the high traffic areas and stains are most easily accumulated in these two rooms. Therefore, you should focus your stain removal works on these two rooms.
Kitchen rangehoods and hobs should be cleaned first. Grease is easily accumulated on the rangehoods. To prevent the accumulation of grease, you can cover the grease collector with plastic wrap. By changing the plastic wrap regularly, you cleaning work will be eased.
People are used to turn off the rangehood when they have to clean it. In fact, turning the rangehood on during your cleaning makes the cleaning more effective and efficient. The spinning action of the fan facilitates the cleaning action of the rangehood cleaner by softening and removing the grease. What you need to do is a little bit of wipe clean.
The high humidity in bathroom causes spots and mold on the floor and wall as well as stains on toilet bowl and bathtub. Instead of manual brushing alone, you need specially formulated cleaners.
Living room and bedroom are places that construct the house atmosphere. You should focus on the cleaning of windows, carpet, floors, sofa, curtain and other furniture. Some of the upholstery requires dry cleaning and you may need to schedule a time for that in around a week’s time.
Cleaning is not just removing the visible dirt from your house. You should also take the chance to organize everything in your house in a systemic way. Also, be ready to throw away unnecessary items. These unnecessary items may have stayed in your house for years. That means, they have taken up your precious space for many years as well. Clearing of such items helps you to get a larger space to fit your furniture.
Spring is the first season for every year. It is also a great time to change the feeling or atmosphere of your house for a new beginning. You can paint your wall with a different color to establish a new atmosphere. Or, you can apply your creativity to decorate your house with different pictures and drawings.
A simple rule to remember is a warm color gives you a warm feeling while a cold color gives you a fresh feeling. To play safe, you can always choose white.
Kitchen Centers
Kitchen Center
Less is More…Adding more style, more space to your kitchen.
Freeing up space on your kitchen countertop has never been more stylish.
Introducing the KCPWR2SSW power base by Kitchen Center.
The Quietest Food Processor available in the market today, 600 watt motor 8.7 sones quiet,
5 speed digital controls, eliminates small appliance clutter from your countertop.
This powerful yet stylish processor attracted a lot of attention at the 2009 K/BIS show in
Atlanta, GA since it can be used indoor or outdoor and is also designed for ease of use
with minimal maintenance, providing you with years of trouble free use. Attachments
(not included) such as blenders, mixing bowls, choppers, coffee grinders are also available
in unique, contemporary designs to complement the modern look of your kitchen.
Now you can get rid of the clutter and start giving your kitchen a little attitude!
Kitchen Center Power Base |
Kitchen Center Blender |
Kitchen Center Coffee Grinder |
Kitchen Center Food Processor |
Kitchen Center Mixer |
Kitchen Center Mini-Chopper |
How to Install a Kitchen Center Powerbase
NEW Comelit HFX-700M Hands Free Video Intercom System
Security industry and home electronics professionals are calling the NEW Comelit HFX-700M Hands Free Video Intercom System one of the most innovative new products to hit the market for 2010!
Are you concerned about the security of your home or business? Do you worry about opening your doors for strangers? Do you worry that one day your children will open the door for a stranger without knowing? If you have any of these security concerns than the Comelit HFX-700M Hands Free Video Intercom System is the right product for you!
The Comelit Hands-Free Video Intercom System gives you that additional measure of security for your family or your employees. For residential or commercial applications where access control is a concern, the system safeguards your entrance and allows you to see who is at your front door or gate prior to letting them in. Simply by ringing the doorbell, the system transmits live audio and video directly to the monitor. The HFX-700M allows you to answer the door or initiate a live viewing of your door from any video monitor on the system- even when the door bell is not activated. Te unit includes a 3.6mm wide angle lens on the door bell station that gives you clear video viewing during the day or night. Answering the door has
never been safer! The HFX-700M kit includes everything you need to add the
addition video intercom security measure to your doors. You can also easily add rooms or locations to the system by simply installing extra expansion monitors or audio stations. You have the ability to add up to 4 total stations! The HFX-700M complete system uses a simple 2-Wire installation.
So you can install the entire system with Cat 5e or an 18/2 multi-conductor cable. You can even use the same wire your current door bell is using!
The NEW Comelit HFX-700M Hands Free Video Intercom System is simple to install and is priced in a way that it is affordable for anyone! It is a small price to pay to make your home or business more secure. In this economy it is time to start securing the things that are most important to you! If you need assistance configuring your Video Intercom Hands free System call CableGiant and let our technical advisors assist you. We are here to make sure all your low voltage installations are successful.
New Nutone NM Series Music Audio Intercom Systems
NM100 - 3-4 Wire System
NM200 - 6 Wire System
The NM Series system is a full-function intercom and music distribution system designed for retrofit applications in residential use. The ‘Master’ unit can replace older intercom systems that use three-wire or four-wire connections to the room stations. The system supports up to 15 remote stations when retrofitting a 4-wire system, and 13 remote stations when retrofitting a 3-wire system. The built-in AM/FM radio tuner allows setting eight AM station presets and eight FM station presets. The backlit liquid crystal display shows the operation mode, audio source, radio frequency, volume setting, and time. With the optional NC300 6-disc CD changer installed, the display shows the disc number selected and the track number currently playing.
Remote stations have pushbuttons that control the system operation. Retrofit indoor and outdoor remote stations connect to the ‘Master’ unit using the installation’s existing wiring. All 4-wire remote station models can select ‘talk’ or ‘listen’ to other remote stations, door speakers and the master unit. The 3-wire models can select ‘talk’ to other remote stations, master unit and 'talk/listen' to door speaker.
Each has an intercom volume control.
The NRS103 and NRS104 indoor remote stations and NPS103 and NPS104 outdoor remote stations can select the audio source, scan preset radio stations and set the master music volume.
The optional three-note NA3003C or eight-note NA3008C chime modules provide a selection of door chime sounds.
**NM100WH shown with optional NC300WH CD Changer. Available in white finish.
NEW NM100 Intercom System Installation Video
Central Vacuum
Central Vacuum Hoses
How to identify your hose model number?
Hose compatibiltiy for a CT700?