10 Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System Planning Tips

1. Heat recovery is a system- the HRV unit and air distribution components

• It’s the proper combination of these two elements that deliver the needed ventilation in the home.
• Properly matched distribution components are important for the best thermal efficiency, lowest electrical consumption, and quietness of the HRV system.

2. Ducting is just as important as the unit itself

• Efficiency and airflow performance
• Speed and ease of installation
• Noise transfer around the home
• Occupant comfort and health

3. Plan adequate HRV/ ERV unit and distribution tubing space allocation 

• Plan a space for the HRV/ERV unit and also account for needed access inside the walls and ceilings for air distributing tubing throughout the building   
• Open trusses work fine

4. Locate the system within the thermal enclosure

• Consider near an outside wall to keep the intake and exhaust runs as short as possible

5. Don’t confuse the Heat Recovery Ventilation System with the Heating and Cooling System 

• The HRV or ERV will greatly reduce heating and cooling loads but a supplemental heating or cooling system is still needed.

6. HRV should be separate from the central HVAC system.  Some of the limitations of tying in with central HVAC system include:

• An improper balance between fresh and extract air
• Decreases transfer efficiency
• Provides adequate ventilation to rooms when the large central HVAC fan is running which is generally only a portion of the year

7. Look for HRVs/ERVs with low energy consumption

• As an example, Zehnder’s CA 350 HRV typically uses the energy consumption of less than a 40 watt light bulb

8. Research 3^rd party testing results and customer satisfaction

• Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) and Passive House Institute are valuable sources for 3^rd party testing results.
• Greenbuildingadvisor.com is a useful forum to learn about customer satisfaction with different HRV/ERV products.

9. Consider the HRV/ERV as part of a systematic approach for a high-performance building     

• Remember air sealing, insulation, windows and other important factors for a high-performance building.

10. Take advantage of Zehnder’s complimentary system design service

• After you’ve done the initial research and planning above, submit your project plans to our system design team for an HRV/ERV system layout.

Want more info on Zehnder America? Call 888.778.6701