Solatube EPS Zone
A ducted EC fan for homes of 500 to 1,200 sq ft at a low price from Solatube’s own store; the 5-year motor warranty is the trade-off.
Amazon $695 Solatube $595$595
The Solatube EPS Zone and the Tamarack HV1600 R38 are evenly matched, rated 2.9 and 2.8. The Solatube EPS Zone leads on warranty and value. The Tamarack HV1600 R38 wins on damper and efficiency. The Solatube EPS Zone costs $430 less ($595 vs $1,025).
Tamarack HV1600 R38
A small fan for one zone or a cold-climate home where the R38 doors matter more than airflow or price.
Amazon $1,025$1,025
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 Solatube EPS Zone for warranty (5-year warranty on the motor vs 3-year warranty on the motor) and value ($514.26 per 1,000 CFM ($595, 1,157 CFM) vs $640.62 per 1,000 CFM ($1,025, 1,600 CFM)).
- Choose the Tamarack HV1600 R38 for damper (R-38 insulated damper vs R-6 insulated damper) and efficiency (7 CFM per watt vs 6.3 CFM per watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 3,000 CFM whole house fan; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Solatube EPS Zone | Tamarack HV1600 R38 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 40 $514.26 per 1,000 CFM ($595, 1,157 CFM) | 24 $640.62 per 1,000 CFM ($1,025, 1,600 CFM) |
| Efficiency 20% | 22 6.3 CFM per watt | 33 7 CFM per watt |
| Noise 15% | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Damper 10% | 40 R-6 insulated damper | 100 R-38 insulated damper |
| Warranty 25% | 44 5-year warranty on the motor | 22 3-year warranty on the motor |
Specifications
| Solatube EPS Zone | Tamarack HV1600 R38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | ||
| Airflow, high speed | 1,157 CFM | 1,600 CFM |
| Power, high speed | 185 W | 230 W |
| Efficiency | 6.3 CFM/W | 7 CFM/W |
| Speeds | 7 | 2 |
| Install | ||
| Mount | Ducted | Direct mount |
| Damper | R-6 insulated | R-38 insulated |
| Ceiling opening | - | 14.5 x 22.5 in |
| Attic vent area needed | 2 sq ft | 5 sq ft |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Remote or wall control | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | - | No |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-06 | - |