1 Fan Subfloor Ventilation Kit (AC Motor) - Suitable for Areas Up to 135m3

These are the very systems you’re looking at now — our exclusive Fresh Ventilation ducted subfloor ventilation kits, designed and refined through years of hands-on experience and comparison against competing products. Unlike basic wall fans or passive vents, our systems use inline centrifugal fans and ducting installed within the subfloor space, allowing precise and powerful extraction exactly where it’s needed.

Ducted subfloor ventilation systems are the only truly effective way to resolve subfloor moisture and air quality issues. By running ductwork directly to problem areas, they remove damp, stale air from even the most enclosed sections of a subfloor — something wall-mounted fans simply can’t achieve. This ensures consistent crossflow ventilation, reduces mould growth, protects structural timbers, and keeps the entire subfloor dry and healthy all year round.

These systems rely on wall-mounted fans, with nothing installed within the subfloor space itself. At Fresh Ventilation, we do not recommend or install wall-mounted subfloor ventilation systems except where there is absolutely no alternative.

Wall-mounted fans have serious limitations. Because they draw air from only one fixed point, they fail to ventilate the entire subfloor — leaving stagnant, damp areas untouched. Without ducting, there is no way to create proper crossflow ventilation, meaning moisture, mould and odours often persist despite the fan running. Many of these units also use small, low-grade axial fans that are noisy, short-lived, and lack the pressure required to move air effectively through complex or divided subfloor spaces.

In situations where physical access under the home is completely blocked, a wall-mounted fan may still provide limited benefit, and this can be better than having no ventilation at all. If this applies to your property, we can advise on the most suitable way to achieve the best possible outcome within those constraints.

While we are firm believers in solar and renewable energy (we have 21 kW of it on our own roof), solar-powered subfloor ventilation fans are simply the worst idea for subfloor ventilation.

Solar subfloor ventilation systems typically use very low-wattage axial fans, which cannot generate enough pressure to move air effectively through ducting or complex subfloor spaces. As a result, airflow drops dramatically once any resistance is introduced, leaving damp and stagnant areas untouched.

They’re also notoriously noisy. On the rare occasions we’ve installed them (against our recommendation), the number one complaint from homeowners has always been the noise. Compounding the issue, these systems rely on low-voltage components that are prone to failure in the harsh, humid conditions found under homes.

And of course, they only operate when the sun is shining — which means on cloudy, overcast, or rainy days, they either run weakly or not at all. Unfortunately, that’s exactly when you need subfloor ventilation the most.

Passive subfloor ventilation refers to any type of natural opening in the subfloor’s external walls — such as weep holes, terracotta vents, wire mesh vents, or access doors. While these openings allow some air exchange, they are rarely effective when a subfloor is suffering from dampness or mould. This is because passive vents rely entirely on natural air movement, which cannot guarantee consistent or meaningful airflow through the entire space.

Crossflow ventilation — where fresh air enters on one side and stale, damp air exits on the other — is almost impossible to achieve without mechanical assistance. Air naturally takes the path of least resistance, flowing through the easiest and most open routes. In a subfloor, that means large open areas may get some movement, but the smaller, enclosed sections where problems usually occur remain stagnant.

Mechanical subfloor ventilation solves this by actively extracting stale air from those hard-to-reach areas. When air is drawn out, fresh air must replace it — because air out equals air in. Airflow is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h), and for every cubic metre of stale air removed, one cubic metre of fresh air is pulled into the subfloor. This continuous exchange ensures true crossflow ventilation and maintains a dry, healthy environment beneath your home.

Mechanical subfloor ventilation uses a powered fan to actively move air through the subfloor space. This is fundamentally different from passive subfloor ventilation, which relies on natural airflow through gaps and openings in the external walls.

Passive subfloor ventilation includes weep holes, terracotta vents, wire mesh vents, air bricks, and access doors. While these openings allow air to enter and exit the subfloor, they do not guarantee that air will actually move or be exchanged in a meaningful way. Airflow depends entirely on wind direction, pressure differences, and external conditions, all of which are unpredictable.

When a subfloor has a mould or damp problem, passive ventilation is almost always ineffective. Moisture issues occur precisely because air is not moving or being replaced. Simply having openings does not ensure stale, moisture-laden air is removed from the space.

Cross-flow ventilation — where fresh air enters the subfloor and stale air is actively drawn out from another location — is nearly impossible to achieve without mechanical ventilation. Air is lazy and will always take the path of least resistance. If air does enter a subfloor through a passive vent, it is far more likely to exit again through the nearest large opening rather than travel around corners, under walls, or into smaller, enclosed sections of the subfloor.

Mechanical ventilation changes this completely. By actively extracting stale air from problem areas and enclosed sections, the system forces air movement throughout the entire subfloor. This creates true cross-flow ventilation.

Airflow is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h). For every cubic metre of stale air that is mechanically extracted, one cubic metre of fresh air must enter the subfloor to replace it. This principle — air out equals air in — ensures continuous air exchange. As the fans run, fresh air is drawn in through existing vents and openings and is pulled through the subfloor space towards the extraction points.

The result is consistent, controlled airflow that removes moisture-laden air, reduces condensation risk, and helps prevent mould growth. Mechanical subfloor ventilation does not rely on weather conditions or chance — it delivers reliable performance every day, regardless of wind, temperature, or humidity.

In short, if moisture, mould, or stagnant air is present, mechanical subfloor ventilation is the only reliable way to properly ventilate the space and protect the structure of the home.

Selecting the correct size subfloor ventilation system is a design exercise, not a guess. A system that is too small will fail to control moisture, while an oversized or poorly laid-out system can be noisy, inefficient, and still leave dead zones. We determine the correct system size by considering several key factors together.

1. Surface Area (m²)

Surface area determines how much of the subfloor needs to be physically covered by ducting and extraction points. A larger footprint requires more duct runs and more pick-up locations to ensure air is drawn from all areas, not just one corner. Even two subfloors with the same cubic volume can require very different layouts if one has a larger or more complex floor plan.

2. Cubic Volume (m³)

Cubic volume is calculated by multiplying the surface area by the average subfloor height. This directly affects how much air needs to be moved. A tall subfloor contains far more air than a shallow one, even if the footprint is identical, and therefore requires greater airflow capacity. In practical terms, this usually means more fans rather than simply longer ducting.

3. Moisture Level and Target Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

We also assess how damp the subfloor is and size the system accordingly.

• For subfloors that are only mildly musty or require preventative ventilation, we typically design for 4–8 air changes per hour (ACH).
• For wet or actively damp subfloors, we aim for 8–12 ACH to achieve active drying and provide ongoing protection against future moisture build-up.

This ensures the system is matched to the actual problem, not just the size of the space.

4. Calculating the Number of Fans After Considering Surface Area, Cubic Volume and Moisture Level

Airflow is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h). To calculate how many fans are required, we add together the airflow capacity of all fans in the system and divide this total airflow by the cubic volume of the subfloor.

For example, if a subfloor has a volume of 600 m³ and the installed fans deliver a combined airflow of 4,800 m³/h, the system provides 8 air changes per hour (4,800 ÷ 600 = 8 ACH). This calculation allows us to confirm whether the system meets the target ACH for maintenance ventilation or active drying.

5. Building Construction and Subfloor Layout

The construction of the home has a major impact on system design.

• Brick veneer homes typically sit on piers, resulting in a more open subfloor that allows air to move more freely. These spaces are generally easier to ventilate effectively.
• Double brick homes often have walls above that continue down into the foundations. This creates multiple small, isolated compartments under the home. These spaces restrict natural airflow and almost always require additional extraction points or additional fans to ensure each compartment is ventilated.

An open subfloor can often be covered efficiently with fewer fans, while compartmentalised subfloors require more targeted extraction to avoid stagnant pockets of air.

6. Fan Splitting and System Efficiency

We deliberately limit the number of duct splits off each fan. Excessive splitting increases resistance, reduces airflow to each branch, and leads to uneven performance. One area may be well ventilated while another receives very little airflow.

By using more fans with fewer splits, we maintain higher airflow at each extraction point, improve overall efficiency, reduce noise, and ensure consistent ventilation across the entire subfloor. This approach also allows each fan to work within its optimal performance range rather than being overloaded.

Putting It All Together

Correct system sizing is about balancing coverage and airflow. Surface area dictates how much ducting and how many pick-up points are required. Cubic volume determines how much air must be moved. Moisture levels define the target ACH. Building construction and layout dictate how easily air can move through the space. Fan selection and split limits ensure the system actually delivers the designed performance.

This is why there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every subfloor is different, and effective ventilation requires a system that is designed specifically for the home, not selected from a generic coverage chart.

The performance of a subfloor ventilation system depends heavily on duct layout. Even with the right fans, poor duct placement can leave stagnant areas and reduce overall effectiveness. For this reason, every one of our kits includes a personalised duct layout map, designed specifically for your home.

To prepare your layout map, we ask you to email us a floor plan. If a floor plan isn’t available, a clear hand-drawn sketch is perfectly fine. This allows us to understand the shape, size, and constraints of your subfloor and design a layout that delivers proper coverage and effective cross-flow ventilation. Plans can be sent to info@freshventilation.com.au.

The more information you can provide, the more accurately we can tailor your system. Helpful details include:

• The age of the home and its construction style
• Rough measurements or external dimensions
• The location of the subfloor access point
• External walls with space to install aluminium exhaust grilles
• Any preferred locations for exhaust grilles
• The locations of existing openings or passive vents
• Walls where natural ventilation is restricted by concrete slabs or adjacent structures
• Whether the subfloor is an open space on piers or divided into multiple compartments
• Subfloor height, including any changes in height
• Known problem areas in the subfloor or in rooms above
• The fall of the surrounding land
• Frequently used outdoor areas such as patios, BBQ areas, or clothes lines

Using this information, we design a duct layout that targets problem areas, avoids unnecessary restrictions, limits inefficient fan splitting, and positions extraction points to create effective cross-flow ventilation. The result is a system that moves air where it’s actually needed, rather than relying on guesswork.

Our goal is to ensure your system is designed correctly before installation begins, so it works properly from day one and continues to protect your home long term.

In most cases, your personalised duct layout map is provided by email after the purchase of one of our ventilation kits. Unfortunately, we’ve had to adopt this approach because our detailed design advice has often been used with other company's cheaper alternative components, resulting in systems that don’t perform as intended.

We understand that choosing the correct kit can feel challenging, particularly when every subfloor is different. You’re very welcome to contact us before purchasing so we can assess your situation, design an appropriate system, and recommend the most suitable kit. We can then provide a personalised quote for an easy purchase, together with our professional layout map.

In many cases, we’ll work through the layout with you beforehand, refining it together to ensure we fully understand your subfloor and any constraints. This collaborative approach helps ensure the system is designed correctly from the outset and delivers the performance you’re expecting once installed.

No other ventilation company offers the same level of expert advice, after-sales support, and ongoing service that we do. We don’t just supply products — we provide genuine, hands-on support, including direct phone and video assistance, often outside standard business hours and on weekends. Our focus is on ensuring your system is installed correctly and performs as intended, not just at the point of sale, but long after.

An electronically commutated (EC) motor operates from a standard alternating current (AC) power supply but, in design and operation, closely resembles a direct current (DC) motor. It is essentially a brushless, permanent-magnet DC motor with integrated electronic control built directly into the motor housing. This allows EC motors to combine the simplicity and robustness of AC motors with the efficiency, controllability, and smooth operation of DC motors — placing them in a category of their own.

By using this technology, EC fans achieve exceptionally high efficiency, particularly at part-load operation, where traditional motors perform poorly. Lower energy consumption, reduced heat generation, and smoother operation contribute to lower running costs and a longer service life, allowing EC motors to effectively pay for themselves over time. They also provide a range of operational advantages that are often overlooked in basic specifications.

EC motors generate their magnetic fields using permanent magnets in the rotor and electrically energised windings in the stator, similar to a brushed DC motor. However, instead of relying on mechanical brushes for commutation, EC motors use electronic commutation. This is made possible by on-board electronics integrated within the motor itself.

These electronics include a rectifier that converts the incoming AC supply into DC power. An integrated controller then precisely regulates the timing, direction, and magnitude of current delivered to each stator winding. Hall effect sensors continuously monitor the position of the rotor magnets, allowing the controller to energise the correct windings at exactly the right moment.

This electronically controlled sequence of magnetic attraction and repulsion produces smooth, efficient rotation with optimal torque at all speeds. Because the entire process is managed electronically, EC motors allow for precise speed control, continuous performance monitoring, and highly efficient operation across the full operating range — making them ideal for high-performance, low-noise subfloor ventilation systems.

AC motors are a cost-effective option that still deliver excellent performance in subfloor ventilation applications. They are well suited to ducted systems, operate quietly, and are capable of moving large volumes of air efficiently. AC motors run at a single fixed speed, which is typically the point at which they operate most efficiently. This makes them a reliable, straightforward solution where consistent airflow is required.

EC motors build on this performance by offering advanced control and efficiency across a wider operating range. In real-world use, EC motors are capable of higher airflow, smoother fan rotation, and significantly quieter operation — particularly when run at reduced speeds. At lower fan speeds, EC motors can operate almost silently while consuming very little power, making them ideal for noise-sensitive installations or applications requiring longer daily run times.

Because EC motors feature fully adjustable speed control, airflow can be precisely matched to the size, layout, and moisture conditions of the subfloor. Unlike traditional motors, EC motors remain highly efficient at all speeds, not just at full output. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced wear on components, and greater long-term flexibility if ventilation requirements change over time.

In summary, AC motors offer excellent value and proven performance, while EC motors provide superior efficiency, control, and ultra-quiet operation for high-performance and future-proof subfloor ventilation systems.

Energy Efficiency

EC motor efficiency commonly exceeds 90%, allowing EC centrifugal fans to use up to 70% less energy than conventional AC fan systems. Because power consumption drops rapidly as speed is reduced, running an EC fan at around 80% speed can deliver close to a 50% reduction in energy use, while still maintaining effective airflow. This makes EC fans ideal for continuous or long-duration operation without high running costs.

Ease of Control

EC motors continuously monitor their own operating conditions and automatically adjust power input to maintain high efficiency across the entire speed range. Unlike traditional motors, which are only efficient at one operating point, EC motors remain highly efficient even at very low speeds. Many EC motors can be reduced to around 20% of full speed while still maintaining efficiencies of approximately 85%. Speed control is achieved via simple 0–10 V signals from timers, sensors, or controllers, eliminating the need for complex and inefficient variable frequency drives.

Versatility and Performance

EC motors are capable of operating beyond their nominal rated speeds when required, allowing higher airflow to be achieved from a smaller fan assembly. This enables more compact, flexible system designs without compromising performance. The combination of variable speed control, high efficiency, and compact power density makes EC motors exceptionally well suited to modern subfloor ventilation systems where quiet operation, energy efficiency, and adaptable airflow are critical.

Choosing between an EC motor and an AC motor subfloor ventilation kit comes down to how much control, efficiency, and flexibility you want from the system, as well as how the subfloor will be used over time. Both options are effective when correctly designed, but they suit different applications and priorities.

AC Motor Subfloor Ventilation Kits

AC motor kits are a robust, cost-effective solution that deliver reliable, consistent airflow. AC motors operate at a single fixed speed, which is typically their most efficient operating point. This makes them well suited to applications where the subfloor requires a known, steady level of ventilation and where simplicity is preferred.

AC centrifugal fans are quiet in ducted applications, move large volumes of air, and provide excellent performance for both maintenance ventilation and active moisture control when sized correctly. Because of their simplicity, AC motor systems are also easy to commission and operate with minimal adjustment.

EC Motor Subfloor Ventilation Kits

EC motor kits offer a higher level of performance and control. EC motors feature fully variable speed operation, allowing airflow to be precisely matched to the size, layout, and moisture conditions of the subfloor. This makes them ideal for homes where conditions may change over time or where fine tuning is important.

In real-world operation, EC motors are extremely quiet, particularly when run at reduced speeds. They are capable of near-silent operation while consuming very little power, making them well suited to noise-sensitive environments or systems designed to run for longer periods each day. EC motors also maintain high efficiency across their entire speed range, not just at full output.

When to Choose Each Option

An AC motor kit is often the right choice when:

• You want a proven, cost-effective system with fixed, predictable performance
• The subfloor conditions are well understood and unlikely to change
• Simplicity and value are the priority

An EC motor kit is often the better choice when:

• You want the ability to fine-tune airflow or adjust performance over time
• Noise minimisation is a key consideration
• Long daily run times and low operating costs are important
• You want a more future-proof system with greater flexibility

Our Approach

Regardless of motor type, the most important factor is correct system design. Fan quantity, duct layout, extraction points, and airflow targets all matter more than the motor alone. We offer both AC and EC motor subfloor ventilation kits because different homes require different solutions, and we size and configure each system to ensure it performs as intended.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your home, we can assess your subfloor layout, moisture levels, and usage requirements and recommend the most suitable system.

The most common mistake we see during installation is getting the layout wrong. Many people overcomplicate the system without first considering the most important principle of ventilation: replacement air.

Ventilation only works if air can both leave and enter a space. Put simply: air out = air in. If stale air is being extracted, fresh air will enter the subfloor to replace it. Ignoring where this replacement air comes from is the root cause of most poorly performing systems.

A common example helps illustrate this. Imagine a simple, rectangular subfloor with passive vents evenly spaced around the entire perimeter. A very common mistake is placing extraction points near each corner, with the assumption that this provides maximum coverage. In reality, this does the opposite. Air is drawn in through the nearest external vents and extracted almost immediately, meaning most of the subfloor space in between sees little to no airflow.

In this scenario, the most effective layout would place extraction points zig-zagged down the centre of the subfloor. This forces air to enter from opposing sides and travel across the space, creating genuine cross-flow ventilation and ensuring the entire area is ventilated.

Real-world subfloors are rarely this simple. We regularly see far more complex situations, including:

• L-shaped buildings
• Homes with passive vents on some walls but not others
• Homes with too many passive vents, making controlled ventilation more difficult
• Subfloors affected by surface water run-off
• Walls where airflow is blocked by adjacent structures or concrete slabs
• Garages or extensions attached to part of the home
• Subfloors with too much natural airflow, making controlled ventilation more difficult

In these situations, copying a generic layout or guessing extraction locations almost always leads to poor results. Each subfloor behaves differently, and effective ventilation depends on understanding how air will actually move through the space.

This is why professional design assistance is so valuable. A well-designed layout considers replacement air, natural restrictions, moisture sources, and airflow paths before a single duct is installed. Getting this right at the design stage is the difference between a system that simply runs and a system that actually works.

Our Low Profile fan housing is specifically designed for subfloor installations where access height is limited. With an oval profile measuring 340 mm wide and just 217 mm high, it offers a significantly smaller footprint than standard housings, making it ideal for shallow or restricted subfloor spaces without compromising performance.

The latest Low Profile design incorporates updated internal air deflection fins, engineered to guide airflow more smoothly through the housing. These improvements reduce internal turbulence, resulting in marginally higher airflow and slightly lower noise levels compared to the previous Normal Profile version.

By combining a compact form factor with refined internal aerodynamics, the Low Profile fan housing delivers efficient, quiet operation in installations where space constraints would otherwise limit fan selection. This makes it a reliable solution for achieving effective subfloor ventilation in low-clearance environments.

AC motors are single speed motors. They run at 100% all the time.

AC motors have a capacity of approximately 540 m³/h.

AC motors draw 48 W when running.

Our AC centrifugal fans are designed to operate very quietly in real-world subfloor installations. At their operating speed, the measured breakout sound pressure is approximately 37 dB(A), making them exceptionally quiet for a single-speed centrifugal fan moving large volumes of air.

It’s important to understand that decibel ratings on their own can be misleading. Noise figures are typically measured in controlled test conditions and do not account for factors such as ducting, fan suspension, building structure, or installation method. In practice, the perceived noise of a fan is influenced far more by how it is installed than by a single published dB figure.

In real installations, our AC fans are suspended using anti-vibration straps and connected to ducting on both the inlet and outlet sides. This significantly reduces structure-borne noise and attenuates airflow noise, resulting in very low perceived sound levels inside and outside the home during operation.

While AC motors operate at a fixed speed, they are engineered to run at an efficient and stable operating point. The combination of centrifugal fan design, proper ducting, and vibration isolation ensures quiet, consistent performance without the tonal motor noise often associated with lower-quality fans.

In short, our AC centrifugal fans deliver reliable airflow with impressively low noise levels, making them a proven and effective solution where simple, quiet, fixed-speed ventilation is required.

Decibel ratings are often misunderstood and, in many cases, misused. On their own, dB figures rarely reflect how loud a fan will actually sound once installed in a real building. Unfortunately, some manufacturers take advantage of this by publishing selectively measured or unrealistic noise figures that do not represent real-world performance. Some manufacturers are simply dishonest. Please see our Instagram post HERE and our Instagram video HERE for a good explanation of the issue.

Firstly, decibel ratings are typically measured under laboratory conditions that bear little resemblance to an installed environment. Measurements may be taken at unrealistic distances, at reduced fan speeds, without ducting attached, or in free-air test rigs. This makes it very easy to publish an impressive number that does not translate to real installations in homes.

Secondly, not all noise is perceived equally. The frequency of the sound (its pitch) is often far more important than the overall decibel level. Many fans with low published dB ratings produce a noticeable high-frequency motor “whine”. This type of noise travels easily through building materials and is particularly intrusive to occupants. By contrast, our centrifugal fans predominantly generate airflow noise rather than motor noise. Once installed, airflow noise is largely attenuated by ducting on either side of the fan, while motor whine continues to transmit through structures.

Thirdly, decibel scales are logarithmic, not linear. A small numerical difference in dB can represent a significant perceived difference in loudness, yet manufacturers often quote figures without context or explanation. This makes side-by-side comparisons meaningless unless the test methods are identical and independently verified.

We have been installing subfloor ventilation systems for over 15 years and have tested virtually every fan available on the market, including all major competing models. Based on extensive real-world installation experience, we are confident that our fans are quieter in installed conditions than any comparable models currently available.

Importantly, our decibel ratings have been independently tested in Australia by VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd, providing credible, third-party verification rather than marketing-driven claims.

For a clear visual explanation of why published noise figures can be misleading, we recommend viewing our Instagram videos linked above, which break this issue down in simple, practical terms.

In summary, decibel ratings alone do not tell the full story. Installation method, operating speed, sound frequency, fan design, ducting, and vibration isolation all have a greater impact on perceived noise than a single dB number. This is why real-world performance and proven installation experience matter far more than headline specifications.

The fan motors are manufactured by ebm-papst in Germany.

AC motors use a R2E190 motor.

Yes. All of our fan housings are custom injection moulded in Melbourne by Shale HVAC, exclusively for Fresh Ventilation. They are manufactured using high-quality, virgin ABS resin with a V0 fire retardant rating, providing excellent strength, durability, and fire performance.

Producing our fan housings locally allows us to maintain strict quality control, refine designs based on real-world installation feedback, and ensure the housings are suited to Australian conditions. The result is a robust, purpose-built housing that supports quiet operation, reliable airflow, and long-term performance in demanding subfloor environments.

Yes. Our fans have been independently tested and certified for Australian electrical safety compliance. They carry the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), confirming they meet the relevant Australian Standards and are registered under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) for legal sale and safe use in Australia.

All testing and certification was conducted by VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd, an accredited independent testing authority. This provides assurance that our fans meet strict Australian requirements for electrical safety, performance, and compliance, giving you confidence that the equipment is safe, reliable, and approved for use in Australian homes.

For residential electrical installations in Australia, fan motors are required to be manual restart as part of meeting safety expectations under the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) framework.

In this context, manual restart refers to how a motor behaves when a fault is detected, such as overheating or internal electrical failure. A manual restart motor shuts down and remains off once a fault occurs. The motor must then be repaired or replaced before it can operate again. This behaviour is intentional and forms a critical safety mechanism, preventing continued operation of a faulty appliance.

By contrast, auto restart motors are designed to stop temporarily when a fault is detected and then automatically attempt to restart after a delay. If the underlying fault remains, the motor can repeatedly stop and restart. This fault-cycling behaviour significantly increases electrical stress and heat build-up and may cause a fire.

Australian residential electrical safety requirements are deliberately conservative in this regard. The expectation is that appliances installed in homes should not repeatedly re-energise themselves after a fault, as this presents an unacceptable fire risk.

Many fans available on the Australian market are nevertheless auto restart. This is largely because they are designed for overseas markets where this requirement does not exist. Australia represents a very small portion of the global fan market, and many manufacturers simply supply globally standard products that are compliant elsewhere but not appropriately configured for Australian residential use. In many cases, this distinction is not clearly disclosed.

Based on our understanding of the local market, we believe our fans are among the very few available in Australia that are genuinely manual restart, specifically selected and configured to meet Australian residential electrical compliance expectations under RCM.

This is not a marketing feature — it is a safety requirement. And it is one that is often overlooked.

The fan motors have a 5 year warranty.

AC motors have a protection rating of IP 44.

We are strong supporters of solar energy and use it extensively ourselves — including a 21 kW solar system on our own roof. However, despite the benefits of solar in many applications, solar-powered subfloor ventilation fans are not effective, which is why we do not sell or install them.

Solar subfloor ventilation systems rely on very low-wattage axial fans. Axial fans perform poorly when any pressure or resistance is introduced. As soon as ducting is added — which is essential for effective subfloor ventilation — airflow drops dramatically. In real installations, this results in very low and inconsistent air movement.

Noise is another major issue. On the numerous occasions we have installed solar subfloor fans at a client’s request (against our recommendation), the most common and consistent complaint has been excessive noise. The fan tone is often high-pitched and intrusive, particularly when mounted directly to walls or vents.

Performance also depends entirely on direct sunlight. On cloudy, overcast, or rainy days, solar subfloor fans either perform very poorly or do not operate at all. Unfortunately, these are exactly the conditions when effective subfloor ventilation is most important, as moisture levels are typically highest.

In short, while solar power itself is highly effective, solar-powered subfloor ventilation fans do not deliver reliable, consistent, or effective ventilation. We focus on systems that work every day, in all conditions, and provide predictable airflow and moisture control — not just when the sun is shining.

For these reasons, we choose not to sell or install solar subfloor ventilation fans.