Ventilation Fans Key Product Criteria

* Based on static pressure reference measurement (consult Section 4.C of the full program requirements).

Installed Fan Performance

All certifying bathroom and utility room ventilating fan models must deliver a tested airflow (CFM) at 0.25 in. w.g. static pressure that is greater than or equal to 70% of the airflow (CFM) delivered at 0.1 w.g. static pressure, as measured by industry standard testing.

Optional Reporting for Bathroom and Utility Room Fans

Bathroom and Utility Room Fans may report sound level (Sones) at 0.25 in w.g., though this is not mandatory for certification. This metric showcases the sound performance of a fan that is installed and operating under a heavier load that it is designed for.

Definitions:

Residential Ventilating Fan:

A fan whose purpose is to actively supply air to or remove air from the inside of a residence. This includes ceiling and wall-mounted fans, or remotely mounted in-line fans, designed to be used in a bathroom or utility room, supply fans designed to provide air to the indoor space, and kitchen range hoods. Supply fans may also be designed to filter incoming air. 

Combination Unit:

A residential ventilating fan that contains a light source for general lighting and/or a night light.

In–line Ventilating Fan:

A fan designed to be located within the building structure and that requires ductwork on both inlet and outlet. In-line fans with multiple inlet or outlet ports are referred to as “multi-port” in-line fans in this specification; all others are referred to as “single port”.

Inch of Water Gauge (w.g.):

A traditional unit of pressure used to describe both water and gas pressures.

MERV:

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, is a metric to indicate the overall effectiveness of an air filter. Scores range from 1 to 20, and the higher the MERV, the more effective the filter is at capturing airborne particulates.

Testing and Certification:

HVI 915, "HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) Procedure for Loudness Rating of Residential Fan Products":

Procedure used for testing and rating ventilating fan products for sound. This test procedure includes laboratory requirements and methods for obtaining sound pressure, sound power, and sone values.

HVI 916, "HVI Airflow Test Procedure":

Procedure that establishes uniform methods for laboratory testing of powered residential ventilating equipment for airflow rate. This publication covers the test equipment, tests of specific HVI classification groups, and test reports for maintaining the standard.

HVI 920, "HVI Product Performance Certification Procedure Including Verification and Challenge":

Publication that describes HVI's certification, verification, and challenge testing procedures.

ANSI/AMCA Standard 210–16, "Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating":

This ANSI/AMCA standard defines uniform methods for conducting laboratory tests on housed fans to determine airflow rate, pressure, power and efficiency, at a given speed of rotation.

ANSI/AMCA Standard 300–14, "Reverberant Room Method for Sound Testing of Fans":

This ANSI/AMCA standard applies to fans of all types and sizes. It is limited to the determination of airborne sound emission for the specified setups.

AMCA Publication 311–16, "Certified Ratings Program — Product Rating Manual for Fan Sound Performance":

Publication that prescribes and establishes specifications to be used in connection with the AMCA Certified Ratings Program for the sound performance of fans. This document covers the actual testing, the certification process, the challenge procedures and the use of the AMCA Certified Ratings seal.