Remote Switch for Fan

Please hire an electrician to do this installation. You haven't mentioned a single attribute that is critical to know for a safe installation.

I have been using this for about 8 years this way, just trying to make it a little more convenient, I wired my house myself which I built in 1974, and my two shops in the mid eights. Installed a emergency Generator and many other projects over the years, I just asked a simple question. Where I can buy this type of remote switch, I know I can do enougth home work and figure it out but I though the board was also used for this purpose and save me a little time, with out criticism.

I would just install an on/off switch on the wall and leave the fan on all the time I was upstairs.....but if you must have remote control then I would use one available for ceiling fans, and wire the fan through one of the on/off controls...You may also want to consider shutting the strongest air flow vent downstairs to boost air upstairs...The coolest air always finds the lowest point in the structure...that's why down here in Florida we usually put the return air vent on the second floor to counter act the natural air movement in a 2 story structure....

Something like this available from local Lowes or other ceiling fan dealer...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_564591-57278-P2618-01_1z0rsum__?productId=50096468&pl=1

I've installed these for people who didn't want to get up at night to adjust the ceiling fan speed....they have the added convenience of light control with dimmer....

GE created a system called ZWave, which is a wireless switching system. The cool thing is that many other companies make products that are ZWave compatible.

What you'll need.

1. An extension cord with a ZWave device built in. You plug it in between the fan and the outlet.

2. A ZWave remote control. You program the ZWave device to one of the remote control buttons. Very easy to do.

3. If you want to have access via a smart phone or tablet, you'll need a gateway - Lowes sells the Iris Gateway for around $100. This is optional - you could control it from the remote control only if you prefer.

That's it! Very easy to do. Just make sure the ZWave plug device can handle the current (or wattage) of the fan.

I've used this set up to control my whole house fan, lights in my garage (one switch for 3 light fixtures) and the outside patio lights. The system works great and even if there's a power outage. When the power comes back on, the system works like the power never turned off - which is what I think you need.

An X10 home automation remote & receiver, and an Appliance Module will do the job. The Appliance Module will not change state from a power outage.

Based on your descriptions, you have wired your remote fan control incorrectly! It seems that you added an inline fan to boost normal airflow, plus the ability to recirculate the remaining cold air inside the duct.....even when the main AC system has already reached its temperature setpoint and the airhandling fan has shut off?

If my above assumption is correct, your project is very doable and easy when you have the knowledge / familiarity of the air handling section of your AC system!

Precisely why I recommended hiring help. This seems like such a simple problem that either it is beyond the OP's capability or there are complications the OP is not telling us.

I agree and completely understand your point of view...

Although there are other easy ways available, I felt it is safer not elaborate!

Rewire the remote receiver so that it has power all the time. Have it switch a relay. Run the switched HVAC power to run the fan thru it.

I think a number of you are over thinking things here. From what the OP has stated this setup has been in use for several years and the only issue is the remote switch he is using goes to "zero state" when there is a power outage. This is typical of many remote switches, particularly those that control lighting in non-industrial settings. I've seen many remote controlled ceiling fan/light setups that do the same thing. All that is needed is a different switch, or remote/switch combination, that stays on when the power goes off so the fan will resume running when power is restored. This is typical of many remote switch modules made for appliances, like those in the X10 product line.

WMerryall: you are right on thank you. also what Don said also would work only I always do not want the fan on at night. that is why a switch. I would have hard wired but it is almost impossible to run the wires, as I said early this was a after thought, The house had Elect. heat when I built it so the duct work was a real bear on the second floor.. I now also have Geo ground water heat.and A/C Which my buddy the well driller any myself did all the out side work. Love the Geo

for what its worth, I run my fan all year.

"Use the Furnace Fan as the ON for the contactor. What you will have is the timer will enable the FAN at night, but will only run when the Furnace fan is on which will close the contactor allowing the AUX Fan to run."

If the above statement is true and correct, the main "Furnace fan" needs to be ON to give power to the contactor relay that in turn will enable the power to run his "Aux fan" ???

Sounds like just a double talk, opposite to what the OP wanted; his inline "aux fan" to run when the main "furnace fan" turns off at night!

That would work but it would have to be a wireless one and then run to a solenoid right.

You mean a relay not a solenoid....

You could use something like this and just use the fan circuit...

Under $50, will do exactly what you want and more. You can control the fan with the remote and/or set the timer. Add more modules and control lights and more. https://www.thehomeautomationstore.com/packaged-deals/home-automation/kitwirelesskr19a.html

Zwave is an industry standard and is as simple as plugging in an extension cord. Go to Amazon.com and search for Aeon Labs DSC06106. Then search for GE 45600. Programming is super easy and it doesn't need continual power to operate. Being that it's the industry standard, you can get thousands of other Zwave products, so the remote isn't limited to one use.

There are relays around that "latch" on and off, so the "state" is maintained even when power is lost and returned.

This might be a cheap and easy solution, assuming I understood your needs correctly.

Also a 24 hour digital timer with battery backup, could automate that for $10 more outlay!!

Your present switch could be used as Master "override" on the timer when say someone is ill and in bed during the day and needs more air.....or just having "fun" during daylight hours!

Best of luck.