Cool Down User Instructions

Welcome to Cool Down, an innovative system designed to balance temperatures within your home, reduce reliance on traditional heating and cooling systems, and save you money on energy costs. Cool Down is simple to use, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly. Whether used alongside your existing HVAC system or as a standalone solution, Cool Down enhances comfort while reducing energy consumption.

How Cool Down Works

Cool Down utilizes naturally cooler temperatures (typically from a basement or another alternate cooling source) or warmer air (from a room with an alternate heating source, such as a wood stove) to reduce the workload on your traditional HVAC system or act as a stand alone cooling or heating system.

  • In Cooling Mode: Cool Down uses the naturally cold temperatures in your basement (or any other cooled space) to cool your home, supplementing your existing Heat Pump or AC system or acting as a stand alone cooling system to provide comfort and save energy.

  • In Heating Mode: Cool Down distributes warm air from an alternate heating source to reduce the demand on your primary heating system or act as a stand alone heating system by distributing heat from the alternate heating source.

Key Benefits of Cool Down

  • Lower Energy Costs: By reducing the reliance on traditional AC or heating systems, Cool Down helps you save on electricity and fuel costs.

  • Eco-Friendly: Cool Down minimizes energy consumption, making it better for the environment.

  • Simple to Use: Once installed, Cool Down runs automatically in response to temperature changes, requiring minimal input from you. You simply use your thermostat the way you always have and Cool Down does the rest for you.

  • Adaptable: Cool Down works alongside existing HVAC systems or as a standalone solution in homes without AC or central heating.

Using Cool Down

What You Need

  • For Cooling you will need a basement or other space that is cooled by an alternate cooling source including a heat pump or window mounted AC unit.

  • For Heating you will need a space with an alternate heating source including a wood burning stove, pellet stove, or heat pump

Cooling Mode

  • How It Works:

    • You simply set the activation temperature on your Cool Down control unit and then use your thermostat as you always have for cooling. Cool Down toggles between two phases: active and deactivated.

    • Cool Down activates when there is a call for cooling from your thermostat and the temperature in your basement (or alternate cooling source) drops 2°F below your cooling activation temperature (set on the control unit). During this phase your central AC or heat pump condenser will not turn on.

    • Cool Down deactivates when there is no longer a call for cooling from your thermostat or when the temperature in your basement (or alternate cooling source) rises back to the cooling activation temperature. During this phase, if you have one your central AC or heat pump will resume cooling while there is still a call for cooling from the thermostat.

  • Standalone Operation:

    • If you don’t have an AC system or heat pump, Cool Down acts as a standalone cooling system, providing moderate cooling at a lower cost.

  • Tips for Efficient Cooling:

    • Set the activation temperature to 65-70°F for optimal cooling performance and efficiency.

    • For more cooling efficiency, set the activation temperature higher. For more cooling power, set the activation temperature lower.

Heating Mode

  • How It Works:

    • Cool Down heating also toggles between active and deactivated phases. Cool Down heating activates and deactivates based on the Cool Down control unit settings regardless of whether there is a call for heating from your thermostat.

    • Cool Down activates when the temperature in the room with an alternate heating source rises 2°F above the activation temperature (set on the control unit).

    • Cool Down deactivates when the temperature falls to the activation temperature.

  • Standalone Heating:

    • Cool Down can be used without a traditional heating system, relying entirely on the alternate heat source to distribute warmth throughout your home if the alternate heat source is adequately powerful.

  • Tips for Efficient Heating:

    • For maximum efficiency set your thermostat temperature at least 5°F above the Cool Down heating activation temperature to allow the system to operate efficiently and reduce furnace usage.

System Components and Features

Duct and Vent Setup

  • Cool Down connects to your home’s existing HVAC duct system or a dedicated duct system (if no HVAC ducts are present).

  • The system uses dampers and vents to manage airflow in homes with HVAC ducts.

Heat Exchanger Option

  • If your basement does not have high air quality, Cool Down can use a heat exchanger to cool your home without drawing basement air into the living space.

Control Unit

  • The control unit is the heart of the Cool Down system. It contains:

    • Temperature Sensor: Measures air temperature for cooling or heating activation.

    • Display and Buttons: Lets you adjust settings like activation temperatures and modes (cooling or heating).

  • Install the control unit:

    • For Cooling Mode: Place it in the basement or alternate cooling source room.

    • For Heating Mode: Place it in the room with the alternate heating source (e.g., wood stove or pellet stove).

  • The control unit comes pre-calibrated, so you don’t need to adjust the sensor unless explicitly directed.

Control Unit Menu Options

  1. Cooling Mode: Enable or disable cooling. Set your desired activation temperature to determine when Cool Down should start and stop using the cool air source.

  2. Heating Mode: Enable or disable heating. Set your desired activation temperature for heating mode.

  3. Do You Have AC/Heat Pumps?: Select "Yes" if you have an AC or heat pump. Cool Down will work alongside your existing system. Select "No" if using Cool Down as a standalone system.

  4. Calibration: This menu option is generally not to be used by homeowners or installers. The Cool Down Control Unit is delivered pre-calibrated.

  5. Exit Menu: Return to the home screen.

System Phases and Operation

Cooling:

Active Cooling Phase

  • Cool Down draws cool air from the basement or another cooling source into your home.

  • The AC condenser deactivates to save energy while the air handler distributes the cool air.

Inactive Recharging Phase (Heating)

  • The system pauses air transfer from the basement or other room with an alternate cooling source when it is above the Cooling Activation Temperature setting on the Control Unit. This allows the room with the alternate cooling source to cool until the temperature falls to 2º below the Cooling Activation Temperature again. At that time Cool Down cycles back into Active Cooling Phase.

Heating:

Active Heating Phase

  • Cool Down distributes warm air from the alternate heating source room into your home.

  • The furnace’s heating coil deactivates to conserve fuel.

Inactive Recharging Phase (Heating)

  • The system pauses air transfer from the room with the alternate heating source when it is below the Heating Activation Temperature setting on the Control Unit. This allows the alternate heating source to warm the room in which it is located until the temperature rises to 2º above the Heating Activation Temperature again. At that time Cool Down cycles back into Active Heating Phase.

Optimizing Your Cool Down System

  1. Efficient Temperature Settings:

    • Cooling Mode: For maximum efficiency, use an activation temperature of 65-70°F. Adjust as needed based on your comfort preferences.

    • Heating Mode: Set the activation temperature based on the alternate heat source’s output. A lower Heating Activation Temperature Settings on the Control Unit allow Cool Down to reduce furnace usage more effectively.

  2. Seasonal Use:

    • Use Cooling Mode in warmer months to reduce AC workload or as a standalone cooling solution.

    • Use Heating Mode in colder months to supplement your home’s heating system and save on energy costs.

  3. Maintenance:

    • Cool Down requires minimal maintenance. Ensure that vents and dampers are free of obstructions and check the control unit’s settings seasonally.

Why Choose Cool Down?

  • Cost Savings: Significantly reduce electricity bills by lowering AC condenser, heat pump or furnace usage.

  • Eco-Friendly: Minimize your home’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.

  • Simplicity: Once installed, Cool Down operates automatically, requiring little to no user intervention.

  • Flexibility: Works seamlessly with existing HVAC systems or as a standalone solution.

Cool Down is your partner in creating a more comfortable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient home environment. Experience the future of home temperature management today!

If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to our customer service team. We’re here to help you get the most out of your Cool Down system!