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How a Heat Recovery Ventilation System Operates

12/24/2014

The heat recovery ventilation system consists of the central heat recovery ventilation unit and the air distribution system to the individual rooms. Via the air ducts, the used air (extract air) is discharged and fresh air (supply air) is supplied. An external air intake provides fresh air for the ventilation unit. Depending on the design, the outside air reaches the heat recovery ventilation unit directly or via an optional ground heat exchanger. A ground heat exchanger is an underground pipe system which transports

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10 Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System Planning Tips

12/20/2014

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

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System Selection Advice for Homeowners from Zehnder’s HRV/ERV System Design Team

12/18/2014

Aubrey Gewehr: For homeowners, I think it’s important to think long-term when deciding on an HRV or ERV system. When you’re building a house, you install an HRV or ERV system and after that, the wall is sealed. If you install a less quality and perhaps less expensive HRV that blows cold air and is noisy, it will be harder to replace and affects your comfort in the home. Similarly, saving money upfront by joining the HRV with the heating and

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How to Manage Indoor Air Pollutants

12/16/2014

Indoor air pollutants are often unseen by the human eye but can wreak havoc on a building and home inhabitants. In some cases, inhabitants may experience issues like headaches and allergies. In severe cases, indoor air pollutant health risks may include pneumonia, stroke, cancer, and even death. This is why it’s important to stay informed about the types of indoor air pollutants, as well as some techniques to keep your home’s air fresh and healthy. Particulate Matter Indoor air pollutants are placed into two

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Tips for Choosing and Replacing HRV/ERV Air Filters

12/16/2014

What is a MERV Air Filter Rating? When evaluating the best air filtration for occupants’ specific needs, it’s important to understand the MERV rating system. Zehnder offers a standard MERV 7/8 filter for its systems with optional MERV 13 and MERV 15 filters available based on occupants’ needs. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is a scale designed to rate the effectiveness of air filters. Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/residair.html#table%202 5 HRV/ERV Filter Replacement Tips Make sure you locate your HRV/ERV unit in an easy to access place for changing filters Choose an

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3 Passive House Myths

12/13/2014

The Passive House or Passivhaus standard pays close attention to the energy efficiency and comfort within the building. This standard aims to create buildings with ultra-low energy consumption and a smaller ecological footprint in general. As Passive Houses become more commonplace in today’s green building landscape, it’s worthwhile to explain certain myths that have developed about the way they work. Myth #1: You can’t open any windows This myth arises from the principle that Passive Houses must be airtight with minimal air leakage. These

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Why LEED Rewards the Use of Balanced Mechanical Ventilation

12/10/2014

LEED Process, Sunset Green Home According to the LEED for Homes Reference Guide: “Outdoor air has historically been provided through leaks in the house envelope, but energy concerns have led to construction practices with reduced natural infiltration. Homes with insufficient outdoor air have problems with humidity, odors, and pollutants that can lead to discomfort and increased health risks.” As a prerequisite in the LEED for Homes green building program, a project must “design and install a whole building ventilation system that complies with

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Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency and Comfort

12/7/2014

As we move toward increasing green buildings, there are a number of strategies and solutions to make homes and buildings more economical, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. When evaluating your potential solutions for energy expenses and comfort, consider elements like heating, cooling, ventilation, insulation, and use of electricity. Heating and Cooling Solutions For many traditional homes and buildings, heating and cooling are often the largest energy expenditures. Some heating and cooling solutions include: Duct sealing to ensure that all heating and cooling is distributed efficiently Reducing heating and

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The Growth of LEED Certified Buildings

12/5/2014

As of October 2014, there are more than 3.3 billion square feet of LEED-certified building space in the United States. This green building certification continues to grow at a rapid rate around the world. Take a look at some impressive LEED facts. LEED Building Growth From 2011 to 2012, the number of federal building projects with LEED certification more than doubled. Currently, 71 percent of projects which are valued at $50 million or more reference LEED in their project specifications. LEED certification is one

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How Does a High-Efficiency HRV Increase Comfort in the Home During the Cold Winter Months?

11/13/2014

With the winter weather starting and the temperatures lowering, heating season has begun in many climates across the US and Canada. Many inhabitants are accustomed to blasting the heat to combat the cold frigid air infiltrating a leaky home. In a leaky home, during a 0° C/32° F cold winter day, incoming air enters in the building through cracks and openings at the same cold outside temperature. Therefore, an inhabitant needs to operate heating equipment frequently to warm spaces to

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