ᐅ Helios Power Consumption Controlled Residential Ventilation 300 vs. 360

Comparing the two ventilation units from Helios, the datasheets indicate the following maximum current consumption:

Controlled residential ventilation 300 W ET:
max. 2A (single-phase; 230V)
Controlled residential ventilation 360 W ET:
max. 0.5A (single-phase; 230V)

How is it possible that the more powerful unit only has a quarter of the maximum current consumption?
Would it perhaps make sense to choose the larger device for around 150 m³/h (88 CFM) air volume flow under standard ventilation conditions in order to save electricity over its entire service life?

The 360 model probably has larger fans that are more efficient, thus requiring less power for the same or higher airflow rates. According to the datasheet, the 360 has 160 mm (6.3 inches) diameter supply/exhaust air fans, with an airflow of 405 m³/h (238 cubic feet per minute) and 2 x 51 W power consumption, compared to the 300 model with 125 mm (4.9 inches) diameter supply/exhaust air fans, airflow of 302 m³/h (178 cubic feet per minute), and 2 x 84 W power consumption.

Best regards

I find it hard to believe that the smaller one actually uses more electricity. Especially not four times as much.

Answer from Helios:

There is about 20 years of development between the "Controlled Residential Ventilation 300 W ET" and the latest generation "Controlled Residential Ventilation 360 W ET," during which we were able to reduce power consumption, among other improvements.

Unfortunately, there is no overview table available showing the power consumption of all Controlled Residential Ventilation devices. However, you can find the technical data, such as power consumption, in the datasheets that we offer for download on our website.

You can also download the ErP product datasheets there.

The selection of the ventilation unit depends not only on the volume flow but also on factors such as the static pressure. Assuming a volume flow of 150 m³/h (88 cfm) with a pressure of 100 Pa (0.4 inches water gauge), the "Controlled Residential Ventilation 300 W ET" would be sufficient to reach this operating point. The "Controlled Residential Ventilation 360 W ET" has higher performance and would reach the same operating point at a lower power setting. This lower power setting combined with the lower power consumption of the 360 W ET model could make choosing this model reasonable for this operating point.

It is interesting that there has been no smaller new development within 20 years.
I should calculate it: higher purchase price versus saved electricity.

Does anyone actually know about the filters in the unit?
Is it possible to buy cheaper bulk filters and cut them to size yourself?