RadonTec AlphaAir Freshbox 25 User manual

AlphaAir Freshbox 25
with humidity sensor
Manual
January 2021

RadonTec GmbH
Hauptstraße 5
89426 Wittislingen - Germany
Tel: (+49) 9076 - 919 98 35
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: radontec.de
Shop: radonshop.com
Version: 01

3
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
Scope of Contents
1 Introduction......................................................................6
2 Safety note .......................................................................8
2.1 Risk of electric shock ................................................8
2.2 Danger of falling icicles.............................................9
2.3 Danger of flue gases.................................................9
2.4 Risk of injury...........................................................10
2.5 Regional law ...........................................................10
3 Type approval.................................................................10
4 Intended use...................................................................11
5 Scope of delivery ............................................................12
6 Names of the parts.........................................................13
7 Bedienung und Programmierung...................................15
7.1 Opening the device.................................................15
7.2 Triggering the unit self-test....................................15
7.3 Control panel..........................................................17
7.4 Basic functions........................................................17
7.5 Special functions.....................................................22
7.6 Sensor slots.............................................................28
8 Mounting the device ......................................................29
8.1 Selecting the correct mounting location................29
8.2 Recommended tools e.g. for brick walls ................31
8.3 Installation without a suitable outer wall ..............31
8.4 Marking the drill holes............................................33

4
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
8.5 Drilling the fresh air and exhaust air holes.............34
8.6 Inserting the pipes into the wall.............................36
8.7 Foaming in the tubes..............................................37
8.8 Power connection...................................................38
8.9 Sealing the pipe transition......................................41
8.10 Fastening the outer panels.....................................42
9 Function of the automated frost protection..................42
10 Maintenance and cleaning .........................................44
10.1 Filter material.........................................................44
10.2 Filter change...........................................................45
10.3 Regular cleaning .....................................................45
10.4 Cleaning the heat exchanger..................................46
11 Troubleshooting .........................................................48
12 Things to know and tips & tricks ................................50
12.1 Basics ......................................................................50
12.2 Humid rooms..........................................................50
12.3 Bed room................................................................51
12.4 Energy saving..........................................................52
12.5 Comfort ..................................................................53
12.6 Condensation and icicles........................................53
13 Extensions...................................................................54
14 Software update.........................................................55
15 Disposal ......................................................................55
16 Technical Data ............................................................56

5
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
17 Product data sheet .....................................................57
18 Energy efficiency label................................................59
19 Quick guide.................................................................60
20 Two-year warranty.....................................................63
21 Declaration of Conformitg..........................................64
22 Support and Contact ..................................................65
22.1 Troubleshooting/FAQ.............................................65
22.2 Contact Us ..............................................................65

6
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
1 Introduction
Both in new buildings and in energy-related renovation
measures, attention is now being paid to a tight building
envelope. The elimination of drafts through cracks and gaps
not only leads to corresponding energy savings, but also
increases comfort to a considerable extent.
Particularly in the renovation sector, it is easily overlooked that
airtight windows and doors go hand in hand with special
requirements in terms of ventilation behavior. Insufficient air
exchange leads to an enrichment of the room air with
pollutants (sick building syndrome) and, above all, moisture.
The latter forms the basis for damp walls and mold growth.
Even if one can keep the apartment mold-free by frequent
window ventilation, this means in return only that the warm air
originally hoped to be saved is nevertheless ventilated out
through the window again. The cold fresh air that is let in has
to be heated up again by the heating system each time, which
is only reflected in the heating bill.
The remedy is to ventilate by means of controlled living space
ventilation with integrated heat recovery. Both incoming and
outgoing air flows through the heat exchanger it contains,
while being separated from each other by fine louvers. The
heat is transferred from the warm to the cold air mass with a
heat recovery rate of up to 90%.
In a concrete practical example, fresh air with an outside
temperature of 0°C flows into the unit. This is heated with the
energy of the extracted, 20°C warm room air and flows
preheated with

7
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
for example 15°C (up to 18°C are possible) into the room. The
difference between 0°C (window ventilation) and the 15°C
(with WRG) represents an immediately visible saving.
Since the dew point is also undershot when the warm room air
cools in winter, air humidity can condense in the heat
exchanger and be discharged to the outside. This represents a
decisive step towards freedom from mold. In addition, the
infinitely variable output regulation allows individual
adjustment to the room humidity emissions. In a child's room,
the unit is operated with much less power than in a kitchen
where it is currently steaming.
Heat recovery also works in summer! Since the heat exchanger
always acts like a kind of "temperature barrier", even the great
summer heat stays outside when you ventilate. In the future,
leave your shutters closed during the day (no solar radiation) -
from now on, your new ventilation unit will take care of the
ventilation and ensure that not so much heat enters the room
during ventilation.
Allergy sufferers benefit from the optionally available pollen
filters and even a fitting with activated carbon filters is possible
(e.g. for odor and exhaust gas pollution). Visit our RadonShop.
With the humidity sensor, you enable the unit to operate fully
automatically, intelligently adjusting the ventilation output to
the ambient conditions.

8
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
2 Safety note
For safe handling, read this user manual carefully
and completely before mounting and operating the
device.
Keep this manual in a safe place.
2.1 Risk of electric shock
The plug-in power supply included in the standard scope of
delivery may only be plugged into a suitable socket if it is
undamaged and dry.
An in-wall power supply unit available as an
accessory may only be connected to the mains
voltage by a qualified electrician.
Never expose the power supply unit to moisture or
mechanical stress.
Never operate the device without the power
supply unit! Connecting the device directly to a
power outlet will inevitably destroy thedevice! No
liability is accepted for damage caused by
incorrect connection or improper handling.

9
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
2.2 Danger of falling icicles
This device is often used to combat mold and damp walls.
Please note that especially in the first winter (when the walls
are still damp) there may be an increased formation of icicles
on the outer drip lip. Since the formation of icicles can never
be ruled out in future operation, we recommend installation in
a place where there is no risk of icicles falling down (e.g. under
no circumstances in the area above entrance doors).
Otherwise, the icicles must be removed in good time.
2.3 Danger of flue gases
In rooms with a fireplace, it must be ensured that it operates
independently of the room air.
In case of doubt, your chimney sweep will help you with the
assessment and may require the use of a safety device. You
can find a suitable flue gas thermostat for this purpose in our
RadonShop. Even if this device works pressure-neutral in
normal operation, the legislator still prescribes this in case of
a malfunction.

10
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
2.4 Risk of injury
Ensure that the working area is properly secured before
mounting the device. Do not carry out any work that could
cause injury to persons or objects, e.g. by falling tools or
working on wobbly ladders.
2.5 Regional law
Different countries have different legal regulations. Please
comply with the regulations valid for your country, even if they
are not explicitly mentioned in these instructions.
3 Type approval
A DIBt approval for this ventilation system is only in
preparation. Please note that e.g. KfW usually requires an
approval number in order to release subsidies. However, in
times of empty state coffers, the subsidies available are often
small anyway (e.g. low-interest loans for financing), so it is
often not advisable to insist on a subsidy in view of the effective
energy savings achieved by the device. However, if in doubt,
please ask whether this approval is required for your building
project.

11
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
4 Intended use
This decentralized ventilation unit with heat recovery is used
to ventilate indoor spaces. It changes up to 20 m³ room
volume per hour. In a small room with e.g. 16 m² living area
and 2.5 m room height, the room volume of 40 m³ (16 m² x
2.5 m) would thus be changed approximately every 2 hours
(40 m³ / 20 m³). Since hardly anyone in the past is likely to
have shock-ventilated every 2 hours (day and night), it quickly
becomes apparent what benefit this KWL represents and why
the unit is not constantly operated at the highest level by
many customers, even in significantly larger rooms.
For pure humidity protection (air exchange rate 0.2 h-1
according to DIN 1946-6), 100 m³ room volume could be
ventilated, which would be sufficient for 2.50 m room height
up to approx. 40 m² living space. We recommend monitoring
the room values using suitable measuring equipment.
For particularly large rooms or high emissions, several devices
can be distributed in the room.

12
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
5 Scope of delivery
Please check the completeness of the scope of delivery using
the following parts list:
1 x ventilation unit
1 x 12 Volt power supply unit
2 x plastic pipes Ø 50 mm x 500 mm
4 x foam rings (with core)
2 x outer panels (with / without drip lip)
4 x dowels + screws
2 x dust filter G3 (standard)
1 x USB cable
1 x drilling template
1 x installation and operating instructions
1 x frost protection slider with window + fleece
1 x frost protection slider closed

13
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
6 Names of the parts
1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8
9
10
11
1212
12 12
1313
13
14 14
14
15
17
18
18
19
20
20
20
20
16
[Fig. 1: Opened device]
[1] Heat exchanger
[2] Exhaust air motor
[3] Fresh air motor
[4] Antifreeze motor
[5] Anti-freeze slider
[6] Exhaust air filter
[7] Fresh air filter
[8] Fresh air pipe
[9] Exhaust air pipe
[10]Supply air slots/USB socket
[11] Exhaust air slots
[12] 4 mounting holes
[13] 3 sensor slots
[14] 3 motor slots
[15] Electronics board
[16] Socket for 12V DC
[17] Capacitor foil
[18] 2 free compartments
[19] Sound insulation panel
[20] 2 magnetic snaps

14
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
[Fig. 2: Control panel]
[Fig. 3: Electronics board]
[1] 12 volt terminal (compression
spring button)
[2] Battery holder for 1 lithium
CR2032
[3] Micro USB interface
[4] Terminal for external control
[5] Button red = Reset
[6] Button black = Currently without
function
Power
Minus key
Plus key
LED display
Timer

15
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
7 Bedienung und Programmierung
7.1 Opening the device
Do not reach into running fan motors. We
recommend turning off the unit before opening it.
The unit door is held on the inside by two magnetic catches,
while the hinge is located on the right side. To open the unit,
pull firmly on the slightly protruding door on the left.
When closing the door later, make sure that the condensate foil
in front of the heat exchanger is upright and that both magnets
snap into place.
7.2 Triggering the unit self-test
WITH RESET TO FACTORY SETTINGS
Since the unit is reset to factory settings during this
self-test, please do not perform it if you have
received your unit pre-parameterized. Otherwise, the
settings would be lost and you would have to reset
them.
1. To trigger the self-test, stay on the power key for approx.
9 seconds until the device has emitted 4 beeps. Then
release the power key.
2. As soon as you have released the button, the device will
give a short beep.

16
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
3. Then the sensor slots are tested for function in sequence
Exhaust air (bottom right)
Fresh air (top right)
Exhaust air (top left)
Supply air (bottom left)
The tones differ as follows:
Short tone: sensor present and ready for use
Long tone: Sensor not present or defective
Example: In the usual configuration with a temperature
sensor (frost protection), the sound signals would thus
sound as follows: long - short - long - long.
For the humidity sensor the following sequence results:
long - short - short – short
4. after the sound signals, the upper frost protection motor,
the right fresh air motor and the left exhaust air motor are
tested before the unit ends the self-test with 3 sound
signals.

17
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
WITHOUT RESETTING TO FACTORY SETTINGS
To perform a functional test without resetting to factory
settings, press and hold the minus button while optionally
pressing the top button on the unit board (pink) or powering
the unit at that moment. The rest of the procedure is identical
to the steps "WITH RESET TO FACTORY SETTING2.
7.3 Control panel
To operate your device, there are four keys on the control
panel, which are highlighted accordingly. In the delivery state,
each "keystroke" is acknowledged by a short acoustic signal.
Chapter 7.5 Special functions explains how this sound can be
deactivated under KEY ACKNOWLEDGMENT SOUND.
7.4 Basic functions
SWITCHING ON / OFF
Pressing the left power key switches the device on/off. After
switching on, it runs again with the power/program at which it
was last switched off.
SELECT POWER
Press the plus or minus key. The LED's indicate which internal
level 1-10 the unit is at.

18
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
LED TIMEOUT
By pressing the Plus and Minus keys simultaneously for about
3 seconds (sound signal), it is possible to toggle between the
LEDs being on continuously and them going off about 15
seconds after the last key was pressed.
FIX POWER
In an automatic humidity program (cellar mode / comfort
mode), the unit can change the power independently. If you
want to temporarily deactivate the automatic mode and fix a
power manually, press the Plus or Minus key for about 3
seconds until the unit emits a double beep. The unit will now
permanently maintain the selected power. If you want to
release the automatic mode again, just press the Plus or Minus
key briefly so that the unit emits a short tone. From now on, it
regulates its power again under moisture control.
TIMER OPERATION (E.G. INTENSIVE VENTILATION OR
SETBACK)
The right timer key is factory programmed with the parameters
(power = 30% and interval = 1 hr). This programming can be
changed as described in chapter 7.5 Special functions under
PROGRAMMING THE TIMER BUTTON.
Each time the timer key is pressed, the timer with which the
unit runs on silent power, for example, increases by one
interval step (factory setting 1 hr).

19
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
Application example stronger ventilation limited in time
The unit hangs in a bathroom and runs at low level due to
already dry air. After going to the toilet (with a lot of odor),
intensive ventilation is required for two hours = press the timer
key twice. After the two hours have elapsed, the unit
automatically returns to basic ventilation.
To exit intensive ventilation prematurely, press the + or - key
or switch the unit off with the power key.
Application example weaker ventilation time limited
In a conference room, the unit is operated at full power
between meetings. In order to lower the ventilation noise
below the audible threshold in the room for the duration of the
conference, you have changed the assignment of the timer
key, as described in chapter 7.5 Special functions under
PROGRAMMING THE TIMER KEY, as follows: Power 40% and
Interval = 2 hrs.
At the beginning of the conference, a single press on the timer
key is now sufficient to temporarily reduce the power for 2
hours. After the time has elapsed, the unit returns to intensive
ventilation. This function is also popular for home theaters.
REPEAT FUNCTION (REPEAT)
The electronics of your Freshbox ventilation unit are equipped
with an internal clock, which allows you to automate daily

20
Manual –AlphaAir Freshbox 25 Basic
recurring ventilation operations. To activate the repeat
function, please press the timer button for about 3 seconds (2
beeps) after setting the timer (not longer than 6 seconds).
Application example daily recurring intensive ventilation
The unit hangs in a bedroom and runs continuously at night at
20% power. After getting up, the occupants want the unit to
ventilate at 100% power for 10 hours in order to change the
room volume several times for fresh air until the evening and
to expel accumulated humidity. The programming of the timer
button is in the delivery state (power = 100% and interval = 1
hour).
It is now sufficient to perform the following steps once to
auto¬matize the daily airing:
1. at the desired switch-on time (after getting up), use the
+/- keys to select the desired basic ventilation of e.g. 20%
for the night.
2. Now press the timer button 10 times to start the 10-hour
intensive interval.
3. Now press the timer key again and hold it down for at
least 3 seconds (2x beep).
You have thus already activated the repeat function and from
now on the unit will ventilate intensively for 10 hours every 24
hrs before returning to basic ventilation for the remaining
time.
To exit the repeat mode, press the timer button again for
approx. 3 seconds until the unit beeps 2x again.