Air Vent Inc. HCV-BS-AVIR Operating instructions

Apr 2016 Air Ventilation HCV Rev. 4.0En
Installation & Owner’s Manual
English
This Manual Covers the Following Models
HCV-BS-AVIR
HCV-CS-AVIR
Manufactured by:
ClairiTech Innovations Inc.
1095 Ohio Rd.
Boudreau-Ouest, NB
Canada E4P 6N4

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... 1
Service and Warranty .................................................................................................................3
FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE........................................................................................................................3
CONSUMER LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................................4
PRE-INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................5
INCLUDED COMPONENTS .............................................................................................................................5
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................5
KEY INSTALLATION FACTS ...........................................................................................................................5
IMPORTANT –WHAT NOT TO DO..........................................................................................................5
COMBUSTION APPLIANCE PRESENT IN DWELLING ..................................................................................6
IDEAL LOCATION OF THE UNIT ...................................................................................................................6
REPLENISHMENT AIR TO BASEMENT FROM UPSTAIRS ..............................................................................7
DUCTING .........................................................................................................................................................7
Installation.................................................................................................................................8
FACTORS TO CONSIDER .................................................................................................................................8
SELECTING THE DUCT LOCATION ..............................................................................................................8
PREPARING THE AIR VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION ..........................................................9
PUTTING THE UNIT TOGETHER..................................................................................................................10
For HCV-BS Only .....................................................................................................................................10
FASTEN THE UNIT TO THE WALL................................................................................................................11
ATTACHING THE FLEX,PIPE AND OUTSIDE VENT ................................................................................12
Unit Operations ....................................................................................................................... 13
THE FIRST TIME THE UNIT RUNS…............................................................................................................13
VACANT HOMES...........................................................................................................................................13
MAINTAINING YOUR AVIR UNIT ...............................................................................................................13
What is the dew point? ............................................................................................................ 14
NEW INSTALLATIONS IN THE SUMMER .....................................................................................................14
LCD Display and Control Layout ........................................................................................... 15
THE LCD DISPLAY ......................................................................................................................................16

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NAVIGATING THE LCD MENU ..................................................................................................................16
CHANGING MAXIMUM FAN SPEEDS..........................................................................................................17
CHANGING LOW SPEEDS ............................................................................................................................17
CHANGING DESIRED HUMIDITY LEVEL ..................................................................................................18
SETTING OVERRIDE TIMER FOR MAXIMUM VENTILATION....................................................................18
HUMIDITY TREND AND CONDITIONS.......................................................................................................19
HUMIDITY CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................................19
HUMIDITY TRENDS ......................................................................................................................................19
Stable Humidity Trend.................................................................................................................................19
Negative Humidity Trend .............................................................................................................................19
Positive Humidity Trend...............................................................................................................................20
High Humidity Conditions ...........................................................................................................................20
NOTES ON LCD DISPLAY FEATURES .........................................................................................................20
NOTES ON MAINTENANCE .........................................................................................................................20
Most Common Issues.............................................................................................................. 21
MOLD,MILDEW AND MUSTY SMELL.........................................................................................................21
Specifications........................................................................................................................... 22
TECHNICAL DATA ........................................................................................................................................22
DIMENSIONS .................................................................................................................................................22
SCHEMATIC OF WIRING...............................................................................................................................23

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For the Following Inquiries:
-Service
-Parts
-Accessories
-Additional Customer Information
Please contact us by:
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Service and Warranty
For Customer Assistance
To aid in answering questions if you call for service or warranty purposes, please record below the
model and serial number located on the side of the unit.
Product Name:
Model #:
Date of Manufacturing:
Date of Purchase:
Serial #:
Dealer Name (If Any):
Please Note the above information before contacting us.
IMPORTANT
To properly validate your warranty, you must fill out and return the warranty card as soon as
possible. If your unit is not registered, a proof of purchase will be necessary should it require any
services.

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Consumer Limited Warranty
ClairiTech Innovations Inc. warrants to the first consumer that this product, when shipped in its
original container, will be free from defective workmanship and materials, and agrees that it will, at
its discretion, either repair the defect or replace the defective Product or part thereof with a new or
remanufactured equivalent at no charge to the purchaser for the period(s) set forth below. The
defective part must be returned to the manufacturer ClairiTech Innovations Inc. All transportation
charges are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to any appearance items of the product nor to the additional excluded
item(s) set forth below of which have been damaged, defaced, subjected to improper voltage,
abnormal service or handling, or which has been altered or modified in design or construction.
In order to enforce the rights under this limited warranty, the purchaser must fill out and return the
warranty card as soon as possible. If your unit is not registered, a proof of purchase will be necessary
should it require any services.
Neither the sales personnel of the seller nor any other person is authorized to make any warranties
other than those described herein, or to extend the duration of any warranties beyond the time
period described herein on behalf of ClairiTech Innovations Inc.
The warranties described herein shall be the sole and exclusive warranties granted by ClairiTech and
shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Correction of defects, in the
manner and for the period of time described herein, shall constitute complete fulfillment of all
liabilities and responsibilities of ClairiTech to the purchaser with respect to the Product, and shall
constitute full satisfaction of all claims, whether based on contract, negligence, and strict liability or
otherwise. In no event shall ClairiTech be liable, or in any way responsible, for any damages or
defects in the Product which were caused by repairs or attempted repairs performed by anyone
other than an authorized servicer, unless approved by ClairiTech in writing. Nor shall ClairiTech be
liable or in any way responsible for any incidental or consequential economic or property damage.
Warranty Period for this product:
Ten (10) Years limited warranty
Four (4) Years on electronic control
Additional Items Excluded from
Warranty Coverage (If Any):
Appearance items of the product, Exterior
vent and any printed material.
Where to obtain service:
From the Manufacturer. Refer to Page 2
for Contact Information
This warranty is non-transferable and applies to residential use only.
To obtain supply, accessory or product information, contact us.
Refer to Page 2 for Contact Information.

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Pre-Installation
Included Components
Before installing your Avir system, make sure that you have the right model and accessories. The
following items should be included in the accessory box. If parts are missing, contact our customer
service at 1-888-533-1348.
1x Owner’s Manual
2x Cable Ties
1x Pipe 6” x 8”
1x Warranty Card
1x Cover plate
1x Aluminum tape
1x Vinyl Flex 6” x 24”
4x Plastic Anchors
4x Truss screws #8 x1 1/4
1x Exhaust Vent 6”
4x #8 x 2” Screws
1x Checklist
6x #8 x 1/2” Screws
Additional grilles for replenishment air and interior rooms not included.
Tools Required for Installation
-Electric reciprocal or hole saw 6¼”
-Drill with a ¼” concrete bit
-Phillips or Robinson Screw Driver
-Measuring Tape
-Hammer
-Pencil
For concrete, cinderblock or brick installation, use a hammer drill with chiseling ability ½” x 16”
long and a chisel bit 1” thick.
Key Installation Facts
1) Unit must be installed at floor level – approximately 3” off the floor.
2) Replenishment air has to flow from upstairs into the basement or crawlspace. Open doors
that can be closed are not a substitute for a properly installed vent.
3) Unit should be installed as far away as possible from the source of replenishment air.
4) Outside duct must be no less than 6” and dedicated for the Avir unit only.
5) Maximum circulation is required to draw in air from all parts of the basement. *
6) Unit should not be installed within 8 feet of combustion appliance.
IMPORTANT – What Not to Do
1) DO NOT install the unit more than approx. 3 inches off the floor.
2) DO NOT make more than one turn with the duct and the ductwork should not be longer than 3
feet in total, unless rigid ducting is used - see ‘Ducting”, Page 7
3) DO NOT crush the vinyl Pipe.
4) DO NOT install the unit next to a replenishment air supply.

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Warning!!!
Combustion Appliance Present in Dwelling
Read this Section Carefully
With the presence of appliances evacuating air outside the building envelope (such as range hood,
bathroom fan, dryer, Avir system, etc.) a negative pressure could be created inside the building. As
the pressure inside the building gets lower than the barometric pressure outside, the smoke and
gases from any combustion appliance (oil furnace, gas/wood stove, fireplace, etc.) may be drawn
into the building rather than go out the chimney.
This problem is usually curable by setting the controls of exhaust appliances, including the Avir
system at less than maximum speed during the heating season (Note: when humidity conditions in
the home are below the humidity setting on the Avir unit, as they usually are during the heating
season, the Avir unit operates at approx. 25% of the capacity of a standard bathroom fan), or by
introducing make-up air inside the building. A fresh air kit (Air Supply Ventilator) is available from
your Air Ventilation dealer, to help relieve the effects of negative air pressure in the building.
Ideal location of the Unit
-Air drawn in by the Avir unit pulls moisture off the surface floors and walls. To maximize the
effectiveness;
A) Install unit in dampest, coolest and lowest part of basement.
B) If possible, without hindering point “A”, install the Avir system as far away as possible from
the source of replenishment air (i.e. stairwell) from upstairs or from replenishment air grill in
crawl space area. This will allow for the unit to draw in the maximum moisture across the
greatest surface distance before the upstairs replenishment air is pulled into the unit.
-Keep away from sources of excess heat (i.e. furnace room).
-Unit must be installed all the way down to floor level, in order to draw in the moisture. It
should be approx. 3” and must not be higher than a max of 6 inches off floor level.
Note: Crawlspace models can be installed at up to 12” of the floor if extra height is required to
properly install the unit.
-Keep at least 8 feet away from furnace or combustion appliance, to avoid interfering with
airflow.
-The area (not less than 4 ft.) around the unit should be clear to allow the air to be pulled into the
vents.

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Replenishment air to Basement from Upstairs
The damp air exhausted by the Avir unit must be replaced by the warmer/drier air from the upper levels. If
there is no open stairwell, the airflow is restricted from coming down; then install a passive return grille with
100 sq. inches either in the door, in the wall, or in the floor to allow unobstructed air downstairs.
When the flow is limited or inaccessible between rooms downstairs (if there are walls or partitions), then
install a grille 8” x 10” (or other grill configuration, having total area of not less than 80 sq. in.) in the bottom
of the door or wall to avoid having stagnant air in those areas. Otherwise interior doors must remain open.
This insures that all the air drawn into the Avir system comes from all areas of the basement.
In the initial period after installation, before the Avir unit has had time to dry out the basement, and when the
air outside is hot and humid; keep the basement/crawlspace doors, windows and vents closed to the outside.
This will assure that the air is replenished with the air from upstairs and not with the humid air from outside.
Generally, for improved performance, it is best to keep all exterior basement/crawlspace doors, windows and
vents closed at all times
.
Please check to make sure there are no openings/leaks around windows, doors, vents or other places, where
outside humid air can enter the basement/crawlspace. Make sure that A/C Ducts are properly sealed and that
all A/C Leads to the basement are closed. Sump Pumps holes should be properly covered.
Note: When a Mechanical Booster Fan is used to provide replenishment air, the unit should have a max
capacity of 150 CFM.
Ducting
Unit comes in two sections that allow for flexibility in positioning the duct at the most convenient
height. You can duct from the back of the unit, or from the top of the unit by removing the top
cover. Duct can go through an outside wall, the floor joist or window. Duct should be vented above
ground level to the outside or below ground into a window well that is open and not sealed off to
the outdoors. The outside louver should be high enough to avoid infiltration of snow, flooding and
rodents, etc. All necessary parts and outside louvers are included.
In cases where the basement height clearance is too low, the top portion of the bottom section can
be cut down by a maximum of 40 inches with a cutter, leaving the vents at the bottom intact, for a
total minimum unit height of 62 inches. For extra high ceilings, an extension piece of 24 inches is
available which can be added at the top of the unit.

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When ducting the unit outside, no more than 3 feet of Vinyl Flex should be used. When
circumstances are that a longer span is required, rigid ducting can be used from the inside of the unit
to the wall. The rigid duct will improve the airflow to compensate for the additional distance the air
has to flow to reach the outside.
When replacing a pane for a window installation, use pressurized wood or similar water/rot proof
material.
Make sure that no pipes, studs or wires are in the way.
Duct has to be dedicated and not combined with any other existing ductwork in operation. Seal well
around the outside opening.
Installation
Factors to consider
Following is a description of how to install the Avir unit.
The installation must be done in the basement or the lowest, dampest, coldest level of your
dwelling. Try to find an outside wall to accommodate a 6¼” exit to the exterior of the house where
no electrical wires or pipes are present Minimum distance to any source of heat should be 8 feet.
Make sure that you do not install the unit in a boiler room.
Also maximize the distance between the unit and the source of replenishment air (example: stairwell or
openings to upper level).
For Interior Wall Installation: The distance between the Avir system’s back and the exterior wall
should not be more than 12 feet. For this application the flex has to be replaced with rigid piping.
Optional: The bottom cap may be removed for added airflow.
Selecting the Duct Location
Now that you’ve decided where to install the unit, you must select a location for a 6¼” duct hole in
the outside wall. This hole is needed to pass a duct through the outside wall. Make sure that the
hole’s location is above ground level. Also make sure that the hole doesn’t line up with a stud,
electrical wires, or pipe. For models UNS-209 and HDS-209, which are adjustable in height, the hole
is in the box/rim joist between the floor joists of the basement ceiling, or through the wall.

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Preparing the Air Ventilation system for Installation
Measure the required Unit height. Remember that the units cannot be higher than 3”
to 6” off the ground.
From the inside, drill a pilot
hole of approximately ¼” at
the center of the proposed
6¼” hole.
Outside the building, find the
pilot hole. Using a hole-saw,
with the pilot hole as a guide,
drill a 6¼” hole.
Brick or Concrete Wall: There are two ways of going through brick or concrete.
The first method consists of using a hammer drill. Make holes (approximately 5/8”)
with the hammer drill 1” apart through the brick in a circular shape outlining the 6
¼” hole. Finish cutting the outer edge of the hole using a chisel. If a hammer drill is
not available, a chisel can be used. As brick is brittle chiseling from the center of the
pilot hole will chip the brick easily. Continue chiseling until you reach the outer edge
of the 6 ¼” hole.

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Putting the unit together
For HCV-BS Only
Join the two halves (Bottom section must fit
inside Top section) of the HCV-
BS casing
together, overlapping the two pieces such as
the desired height is obtained. Remove
screws if necessary.
NOTE: If the unit has to be shorter than 86.5” cut the top of the bottom part.
Secure the two halves together using ½” metal fastening screws. Use cover plate to
close gap if necessary.
Using aluminum or duct tape seal the seam in the back where the two halves join
together.
Note: For installing the optional 24” extension, remove top cap and straighten the
90° elbow. Use the 6” galvanized pipe to extend the length needed. Cut pipe to
proper length before snapping it together. Attach top cap to extension cover with 4
screws provided. Add exterior cover to base and fasten securely with screws
provided.

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Fasten the unit to the wall
With the help of a tie wrap attach the flex
pipe to the collar on the back of the unit
before attaching the unit to the wal
l. Insert
the other end of the flex pipe inside the hole
in the wall.
(a few Small 9/16” Screw can be used to affix
the flex to the mount)
Leaving a 1-inch gap between the top of the
unit and the ceiling, drill ¼” pilot holes
through the lips of the unit and the wall.
Apply the four plastics anchors on the wall with the help of a hammer.
Secure the HCV-BS or HCV-CS Unit to the wall using the four 1 ¼ inch screws
provided.

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Attaching the Flex, Pipe and Outside Vent
Attach the vent to the 6” pipe with the ½ in screws
provided.
From the outside, pull the flex pipe through the 6 ¼”
hole. Attach the flex to the 6” pipe with 24” tie wrap.
Make sure the vent is not twisted by inserting the
screws too tight and that the fl
aps are working
properly.
NOTE:
If high winds are often present in the
location of the vent, they may cause a wind noise
inside the house. If this is the case, an anti-gust
hood (AGH-990) is available from your Avir dealer.
Plug the unit into any 115V outlet.
Note:
A grounded extension cord with a maximum length of 10 feet may be used if
necessary.

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Unit Operations
The first time the unit runs…
Anytime the Avir HCV unit is powered on (plugged into a power outlet), it will run at the last
recorded speed setting (in memory) for 2 hours to allow air to circulate in house. The factory default
setting when the unit is brand new is “High Speed”. After the initial two-hour period, the unit will
begin to take readings of the environmental conditions of the air coming into the house (also called
replenishment air). These readings help the unit regulate its operating speed to ensure that, over
time, you will get the most energy efficient ventilation for the entire home and maximum reduction
of relative humidity.
If this is the first time the unit is plugged in and allowed to run, it is important to allow it to run
uninterrupted for those first two hours. After this time, you can change the Min/Max operating
speed as well as the dehumidistat setting.
After power outages or whenever the unit is powered down (unplugged) and powered up again
(plugged into the wall again), the unit reads the last recorded speed setting and dehumidistat setting
and will operate with those parameters for a period of two hours before beginning to take readings
of the environmental conditions of the incoming air. However, in this case, the user can access the
menu and change settings and does not have to wait for this two-hour period to be over.
Note: For the unit to function properly and to allow the unit to provide the best energy efficient
ventilation and humidity control, all windows, doors with access to the outdoor and vents to the
outdoor should be closed to prevent an excessive amount of outdoor air from entering directly into
the house.
Vacant Homes
Performance results are maximized when the building is occupied. If home is vacant for a prolonged
period of time, then the unit should be set to operate at low speed. A fresh air intake supply is
recommended via a small opening in a window upstairs or a supply vent such as the ASV-90.
Maintaining your Avir Unit
Do not store anything within a radius of 4 feet around the base of the Avir.
Make sure the basement or crawlspace has adequate replenishment air from upstairs, from a location
as far from the Avir as possible. The only maintenance needed for your Avir is a periodic vacuuming
of the dust accumulation at the intake grilles or louvers located at the bottom of the unit.

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What is the dew point?
The dew point is one of the three environmental variables that are important when discussing the
conditions in your home. Understanding the dew point will help you understand how the Avir HCV
unit operates and how it will help to reduce the relative humidity (RH%) level infiltrating your home
and eliminate excess humidity, while providing energy efficient ventilation for your home. The dew
point is defined as the temperature at which the water vapor contained in a given volume of air will
condense into water. This is best illustrated by an example:
Assume the following measurements are taken by the unit:
Temperature = 68⁰F
Relative Humidity = 60%
Using the temperature and RH% values measured, we would calculate that the dew point in your
home is 54⁰F. As the temperature of surfaces in your dwelling (these tend to reflect the floor
temperature, which is generally cooler than the ceiling air temperature) approaches the value of the
dew point, you risk having condensation on those colder surfaces (as well as un-insulated water
pipes). This condensation can lead to problem situations that might produce unhealthy living
conditions in your home (odors, molds, etc.)
New Installations in the Summer
The late spring and early/mid-summertime temperature in most basements remains at approximately 59° to
66° F (15° to 19° C) whereas the air entering the basement from the upstairs of the house will generally be in
the range of 75° to 85° F (24° to 29° C) with a relative humidity of 70 to 75%. This air will have a dew point
(the temperature of surfaces on which it will condense, including basement surfaces) in the range of 64° to
76° F (18° to 24°).
When an Avir system is installed in these conditions, condensation may result, as the air from the upstairs
comes in contact with cold surfaces (i.e. concrete walls, floors, etc). The Avir units’ ventilation effect will over
time increase the basement temperature and help prevent this condition, however, during the initial operating
season; a small amount of heat may have to be added temporarily to the basement to increase its temperature.
If this condition occurs also reduce speed exhaust to medium.
If air conditioner is present in the house, close all AC vents/leads/ducts to the basement.
COLD SURFACE FACTS – IMPORTANT
It is recommended that any exposed cold water pipes and A/C ducts should be insulated to reduce
condensation on these cold surfaces

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LCD Display and Control Layout
The following sections of this operating manual refer to the user interface presented below:
The user interface consists of:
1- Humidity Button
2- Override Timer Button
3- Fan Speed Button
4- Up Arrow Button
5- Down Arrow Button
6- Ok Button
7- LCD Display
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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The LCD Display
The LCD Display consists of:
1- Humidity Conditions and Trending Icons
2- User Set Humidity Level
3- Override Timer
4- User Set & Operating Fan Speed
5- Low1/Low2 Fan Speed Indicator
6- Desired Max Fan Speed Indicator
Navigating the LCD Menu
The Avir unit has an LCD display that allows the unit to display information about its operation.
The LCD display also has a six button user interface that allows the user to navigate the LCD menu
and change settings such as the maximum operating speed of the unit, the dehumidistat setting, as
well as access the unit’s built in override mode. The following sections explain how to navigate the
LCD menu and change the settings, as well as how to access the override mode.
1
2
3
4
5
6

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Changing Maximum Fan Speeds
To change the maximum fan speeds, simply press the Fan Speed Button (The Desired Max Fan
Speed Indicator will blink) and use the Up/Down Arrow Buttons to cycle through all of the
different fan speeds and to select this speed simply press the Ok Button when you have the desired
fan speed. If wrong speed is entered, repeat this procedure.
Maximum Operating Speed
Airflow (CFM)
HCV-BS
HCV-CS
High
230
Intermediate
150
Medium
90
Low1/Low2
35/65
*These speeds may vary depending on installation
The solid bars will denote the actual speed at which the fan is operating, the arrow below denotes
the maximum chosen setting.
** Please note the unit will not exceed the maximum user set fan speed, unless the override mode is
running. The control will choose the proper fan speed depending on humidity, temperature and
dew point conditions.
Changing Low Speeds
To change the minimum ventilation speed simply press and hold the Fan Speed Button for 10
seconds (the Low Speed bars will start blinking); Use the Up/Down Arrow Buttons to cycle through
all of the different fan speeds and to select this speed simply press the Ok Button when you have
the desired fan speed. If wrong speed is entered, repeat this procedure.
Hum
Humi

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Changing Desired Humidity Level
To change the desired humidity, simply press the Humidity Button (the humidity setting will blink)
and use the Up/Down Arrow Buttons to cycle to your desired humidity level. Press the Ok Button
to enter your desired humidity level. If wrong level is entered, repeat this procedure.
** Recommended humidity level for summer season is 55% and 45% for the winter season. Please
note this does not show current humidity level, but rather the desired humidity level.
Setting Override Timer for maximum ventilation
The override function permits you to provide maximum ventilation for a predetermined
amount of time, regardless of the fan speed chosen by the computerized/sensor control, to alleviate
certain conditions IE fumes from new paint, flooring, furniture or excess moisture from hot
showers, cooking, etc. To override the unit, you simply press the Override Button (the time clock
icon will blink until the desired override time is selected) and use the Up/Down Arrow Buttons to
cycle through the different override timer options. Once the desired override time is chosen, press
the Ok Button to begin override. If wrong time is entered, repeat this procedure.
** The override timer will reduce as time goes by indicating the remaining time left. When the
override time expires the unit will revert to settings, prior to activating the override function. The
unit will continue to take readings during the override to ensure that the unit will automatically make
any required necessary ventilation adjustments at the expiry of the override.

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Humidity Trend and Conditions
Humidity Conditions
At the top of the LCD display the house with or without the 3 water drops are used to show
the current humidity conditions. The image below demonstrates the different humidity conditions
shown on the LCD display.
Humidity Trends
The three drops inside the house at the top of the LCD display are also used to show the
current humidity trend, when the humidity is above the desired setting.
Stable Humidity Trend
The three drops will stay illuminated constantly when a stable trend is detected, with either
outline or solid drops used to indicate the condition, as above.
Negative Humidity Trend
The water drops will blink from left to right when an increasing humidity trend is detected.
Humidity is below
user setting
Humidity is above
user setting