Closing windows to cool a home seems like a contradiction. Unfortunately, when running an air conditioner, homeowners must close all of their windows and doors. Since there is no ventilation, when the refrigeration is finally switched off, the home rapidly heats up again.
What are the physics of a hot home? And why is it called a Whole House Fan?
During the day, the sun warms the home. “We all remember that heat rises and expands, which means that the heat has to exit the home before cooler outside air can come in,” explained co-owner of Island Cooling Al Whitworth. “Since homes are usually closed up when we go out, the heat gets trapped inside until we come back in the evening to ‘air the house out.'”
The QuietCool system works with open windows that allow a home to stay ventilated throughout the day. Should there be a need to close the house, the higher volume of air movement the QuietCool provides when the home is “aired out,” means the home cools down a lot faster than waiting for passive cooling to take effect.
Drawing heat up and out (where it wants to go naturally) means that as it draws in fresh air, this very efficient system cools both living space and attic — that’s why it’s called a Whole House Fan.
Because the system is not refrigerating air, it’s a very cost effective way to cool the home. The control switch allows it to provide on-demand ventilation when you want it, and because QuietCool works with open windows it works great with the indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
What should I know about the site inspection?
Co-owner of Island Cooling — and Al’s brother — Ivan Whitworth explained that “An experienced specialist should be able to give you a specific location where the in-take and controls would be placed, as well as let you know if attic vents will need to be installed and where they will be located. Please let your inspector know if there’s a particular hot area of the home, as well as what your favorite seating area is, as this is all factored into the inspection.”
Hawaii homeowners have responded positively to QuietCool. K. Lee of Kaimuki had her fan installed in February of this past year. “The fan was impressive. When you start to play with the windows and doors and channeling air it really works,” she said. “It’s also quieter than I expected. The guys were professional and quick.”
Island Cooling is Hawaii’s source for QuietCool fans and ventilation. Founded by brothers Ivan and Al Whitworth, the company has distributed more than 3,300 systems from Hilo to Hanalei. Call 672-2300 or visit islandcooling.com.
ISLAND COOLING LLC
contact // 672-2300
web // islandcooling.com