Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500
A low-cost ducted fan with an R-5 damper for a typical home, if you accept higher power use than ECM models.
Amazon $1,178 Centric Air $1,149$1,149
The Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500 is the better whole house fan overall, rated 3.9 to 3.5. The Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500 leads on warranty. The Solatube EPS Extreme wins on efficiency. The Solatube EPS Extreme costs $119 less ($1,030 vs $1,149).
Solatube EPS Extreme
A ducted EC fan for homes of 3,000 sq ft and up at a low price from Solatube’s own store; the 5-year motor warranty is the trade-off.
Amazon $1,130 Solatube $1,030$1,030
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500 for warranty (10-year warranty on the motor vs 5-year warranty on the motor).
- Choose the Solatube EPS Extreme for efficiency (7.1 CFM per watt vs 5.8 CFM per watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 3,001 to 5,000 CFM whole house fan; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500 | Solatube EPS Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 89 $256.59 per 1,000 CFM ($1,149, 4,478 CFM) | 93 $241.39 per 1,000 CFM ($1,030, 4,267 CFM) |
| Efficiency 20% | 13 5.8 CFM per watt | 35 7.1 CFM per watt |
| Noise 15% | 63 51 dBA at high speed | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Damper 10% | 33 R-5 insulated damper | 40 R-6 insulated damper |
| Warranty 25% | 100 10-year warranty on the motor | 44 5-year warranty on the motor |
Specifications
| Centric Air QA-Deluxe 6500 | Solatube EPS Extreme | |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | ||
| Airflow, high speed | 4,478 CFM | 4,267 CFM |
| Power, high speed | 771 W | 597 W |
| Efficiency | 5.8 CFM/W | 7.1 CFM/W |
| Speeds | 2 | 7 |
| Noise | 51 dBA | - |
| Install | ||
| Mount | Ducted | Ducted |
| Damper | R-5 insulated | R-6 insulated |
| Ceiling opening | 14 x 28 in | - |
| Attic vent area needed | 5.5 sq ft | 8 sq ft |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Remote or wall control | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
| Released | - | 2023-06 |