1. What is a Sone?
A
sone is an internationally recognized measurement of sound output. Sones
translate decibel readings into numbers that correspond to the way people sense
volume, and follow a "linear" scale, like inches (see chart below). Sone
readings offer quick sound comparisons for laymen and engineers.
2.
What is Static Pressure?
Static pressure is a measure of the
resistance against airflow as the fan pushes air through a duct. It is measured
in inches of water column or water gauge, such as 0.25" w.g. to show that
resistance is equal to a column of water gauge. It is expressed as 0.1" w.g. or
0.25" w.g. to show that the resistance is equal to a column of water one-tenth
or one-quarter of an inch tall.
3. Why are Panasonic fans so
quiet?
Panasonic fans are especially quiet for a number of reasons,
including:
4. What makes Panasonic fans so energy
efficient?
In terms of input wattage, Panasonic fans are among the
lowest in the industry. This low wattage draw is accomplished in a number of
ways, including:
5. Why do Panasonic fans have such a long
life?
Panasonic fans are designed to provide continuous operation for
a minimum of 30,000 hours. They are actually designed to provide up to 100,000
hours of operation, but most fans haven't been around long enough to reach that
goal in testing. Some fans however, have reached 60,000 hours of testing with
virtually no wear on their components.
The following features enable the
longevity of Panasonic fans:
6. Can insulation material be used over
fans installed in the ceiling?
Yes. Loose fill or batt insulation can
be placed directly over the fan housing in the attic. The efficient,
cool-running motors and fluorescent bulbs in Panasonic's fans do not create
enough ambient heat to prevent using insulation.
7. Can a
Panasonic fan be used over a bathtub or shower?
Yes, provided it is
protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Keep in mind, however,
that any ventilation device located in a damp environment may have a reduced
life due to high humidity and a potential for corrosion. Fans used in
high-humidity areas should be operated for longer periods of time, to ensure the
removal of moisture and to reduce the potential for condensation in the fan body
or ducting.
8. Can a Panasonic fan be installed in a wall
as well as in the ceiling?
Only WhisperWall™ models are specifically
designed to be installed in a wall.
Smaller ceiling fans (up to 110 cfm)
should not be installed in the wall due to mechanical concerns (motor
orientation, bearing lubrication, built-in damper, etc.). However, if they are
installed in the wall, the duct needs to be pointed up to allow the damper to
operate, but the bearings may not last as long as specified, due to insufficient
oil flow within the sleeve bearings.
Larger fans (190 and 340 cfm) can
be installed in either the ceiling or wall. These fans are not prone to
lubrication concerns; however the depth of the wall cavity versus the fan height
of the housing should be considered.
9. Can a Panasonic
fan be used above a kitchen range?
No. Fans installed above kitchen
ranges must be listed for that application by UL, and must be designed to handle
grease and high temperatures. Panasonic plans to introduce kitchen
range-friendly models in the future, but until then, Panasonic fans should only
be used to provide auxiliary kitchen ventilation. An alternate approach is to
use a ducted range hood or downdraft exhaust, and a Panasonic ventilation fan to
exhaust the general odors and moisture in the kitchen.
10.
If water is dripping from the grille, or the mirrors aren't clearing quick
enough, is my fan not operating correctly?
If this is happening, it
might be caused by a faulty roof jack allowing rain to come into the duct, or
condensation from warm, humid air in the house striking the cold duct surface.
If your fan has a problem with condensation, two things may help. First,
try operating the fan for longer periods of time to carry out more of the
moisture, so the air isn't humid when the fan stops running. Moisture will
generally not form when the fan is running unless it is very cold, or the
installation has a very long duct run in a cold attic. Second, you can insulate
the duct to cut down on the probability of condensation.
Also, if the
fan does not appear to be clearing moisture from the room, check the ducting and
run time of the fan. Poor duct design, installation or damage may prevent the
fan from overcoming the static pressure of the duct, which means that it will
not be able to get the air — and subsequently the moisture — out.