AirScape 1.0 WHF vs Tamarack HV1000
They are very similar in design. But on closer examination, we see that the AirScape 1.0 WHF provides clear advantages in efficiency, noise levels and build-quality for the same money as the Tamarack HV1000.
The detailed comparison table below uses information provided by Tamarack or observed on technical review. We’ve highlighted the points we think are most important, and below the comparison table we provide a brief explanation of these key differences.
Comparing specs: AirScape 1.0 WHF vs Tamarack HV1000
| models | AirScape 1.0 | Tamarack HV1000 |
|---|---|---|
| airflow | 1000/600 CFM | 1000 CFM |
| speeds | two-speed | single speed |
| fans | two 10-inch precision | two 10-inch precision |
| power draw | 70/50W (high/low) | 120W |
| efficiency | 14.3 CFM/W (high) | 8.3 CFM/W |
| noise | 3/2 Sones (high/low) | 3 Sones † |
| housing | aluminum | plastic |
| attic seal | metal-clad door | foam doors with tape cladding |
| insulation | 3” PolyISO for R-22 | 2” PolyISO for R-22 ‡ |
| seal mechanism | heavy-duty actuator | two clock motors |
| grille | stamped metal louvered | stamped metal louvered |
| grille free area | 14.5×22.5 | 14.5×22.5 |
| control | wall switch | wall switch |
| unit weight | 26 lbs | 17 lbs |
| made in | Canada | USA |
| street price | $549 | $555 |
| cost per CFM | $0.55 | $0.55 |
† Tamarack had previously published these noise specs but has since removed them from their literature.
‡ Tamarack claims R-22 for their insulation value, but we find this puzzling. Any construction materials manual will tell you that it requires 3 inches of PolyISO to deliver R-22. In any case, it is our opinion that insulation level is far secondary to the quality of the seal. Read more on this
Understanding key differences
- dual-speed vs. single speed: while both these units are reasonably quiet on high speed, the lower-speed mode on the 1.0 is VERY quiet, which allows you to run the unit all night without hardly noticing that it is on. Running all night will provide optimum pre-cooling of your home to reduce A/C load the next day. And of course, running on low speed requires less energy, making the actual operating cost of the 1.0 much less that the HV1000.
- more energy efficient: the 1.0 uses significantly more efficient fans than the HV1000 —so even head-to-head on high speed, the 1.0 is 70% more efficient. And as noted above, the low-speed option makes the real-world efficiency difference over 100%.
- heavy-duty actuator vs. clock motors: this is a significant build-quality and durability issue. Ask a mechanical engineer: the difference in torque here is like a V6 vs. a lawn-mower engine. Not only that, but you can block the movement of our actuated door without damage whereas this would destroy a clock motor. In the industrial marketplace, you can buy at least five of the Tamarack hysteresis (clock) motors for the price of a single AirScape actuator.
There are other differences too. Like aluminum vs. plastic housing; metal-clad doors vs. those made with foam and tape. Or the fact that the 1.0 is designed with all serviceable components on the outside for ease of repair, whereas this is not the case with the HV1000.
So in summary, the 1.0, in our opinion, is a quieter more energy efficient product that has significantly better build quality for the same money.
Still have unanswered questions about how these two products compare?
Call or email us and we would be happy to answer them.
