Optimizing ERV Placement for Symmetrical Floor Plans

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Comfort

March 25

When designing ventilation systems for multi-family residential spaces with symmetrical floor plans, the placement of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) play a critical role in ensuring efficient airflow, consistent indoor air quality, and long-term system performance. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that engineers need to consider when optimizing ERV placement in mirrored layouts and provide expert tips to help navigate these challenges.

Centralized vs. Individual Systems: Which is Best for Symmetrical Layouts?

In symmetrical floor plans, one of the first decisions engineers must make is whether to use a centralized system or individual systems for ventilation.

Centralized Systems can serve larger buildings from a single location, such as a mechanical room, and may be suitable for certain non-residential spaces like lobbies and common areas. However, they often require longer ductwork, which can impact efficiency and airflow balance (ASHRAE, 2019). For multi-residential applications, individual systems are typically preferred to provide more precise control and balanced ventilation.

Individual Systems, installed within each apartment or space, offer more customized control of air quality, ensuring that each system operates independently. This is ideal for mirrored spaces where each apartment may have unique ventilation needs and requires tailored air exchange to maintain balanced airflow and indoor air quality (EPA, 2021).

Pro Tip: For projects that require flexibility in design and installation, individual systems can be a great choice, especially when space is at a premium. Consider installing systems with mirrored installation options for easier integration in symmetrical floor plans or placing them in utility rooms or other low-traffic areas to maximize space efficiency.

Duct Routing Efficiency: Minimizing Crossover for Optimal Airflow

Efficient duct routing minimizes energy loss and maximizes airflow. In symmetrical layouts, the goal is to design ductwork that avoids unnecessary crossover or complicated paths.

Long, winding ducts can lead to increased air resistance, reducing the overall efficiency of the ventilation system. Streamlining the ductwork design helps ensure the system runs efficiently and reduces the strain on the system (ASHRAE, 2020).

Pro Tip: To minimize crossover and optimize airflow, design duct layouts that keep runs as short and direct as possible. Avoiding sharp bends and using flexible ductwork where feasible can also help improve overall system effectiveness.

Balanced Ventilation and Maintaining Consistent Indoor Air Quality

Balanced ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ). In symmetrical spaces, engineers need to ensure that both supply and exhaust air are evenly distributed across the entire area. Achieving this balance prevents pressure imbalances that can lead to poor ventilation or unwanted airflow between units. Proper placement of ERV systems is key to ensuring balanced ventilation (ASHRAE, 2019).

Pro Tip: When designing for balanced ventilation, pay close attention to the placement of intake and exhaust vents. Positioning these vents strategically ensures fresh air is brought in without cross-contaminating exhaust air from other spaces.

Designing for Easy Servicing

Maintenance accessibility is an important consideration in the design phase for ensuring long-term system reliability. ERVs need to be easily accessible for routine tasks like filter changes, cleaning, and servicing. Systems should be placed where technicians can easily access them with minimal disruption to the occupants' daily activities (ASHRAE, 2019).

For multi-story buildings, ERVs designed to fit in ceilings between floors can provide an effective solution while keeping the units out of sight and maximizing usable space. Centralized systems are ideal for installation in shared mechanical or utility rooms where they are still easily accessible for service.

Pro Tip: When planning for servicing, prioritize locations that allow for easy technician access while minimizing disruption to the residents. FIT Series ERVs, placed in ceiling spaces between floors, can be serviced with minimal disruption to daily activities.

Maximizing Usable Living Areas

Space is a premium in modern building design, particularly in high-density environments. Integrating ERV systems into areas not directly occupied, such as ceiling spaces between floors or utility rooms, can significantly optimize usable living areas without compromising ventilation performance.

By locating systems in utility rooms, ceiling voids, or other shared spaces, engineers can minimize the systems' impact on floor plans and preserve valuable square footage for living or working spaces (EPA, 2020).

Pro Tip: To make the most of the available space, select compact and efficient systems. FIT Series ERVs fit seamlessly into ceiling spaces between floors, while centralized systems like Geniox and Topvex are designed for installation in utility or laundry rooms, preserving floor space and ensuring high-performance ventilation without taking up valuable living area.

Minimizing Sound Transfer

Noise control is a crucial factor when placing ERV systems in floor plans. Poor placement can lead to sound traveling between spaces, disturbing occupants.

When installing in multi-story buildings, consider placing systems in quieter, isolated areas, such as ceilings between floors or mechanical rooms. Ceiling installations can help reduce sound transmission, as they keep the units out of high traffic living areas (ASHRAE, 2017).

Pro Tip: Position ERV systems away from bedrooms or other quiet areas to minimize sound transfer. Use noise-dampening materials in ducts and ensure systems are installed in locations that provide both effective ventilation and minimal impact on living comfort.

Meeting Ventilation Codes and Energy Efficiency Requirements

Compliance with local ventilation codes and energy efficiency standards is essential when designing ERV systems. These codes vary between regions, but they typically mandate specific airflow rates, energy recovery efficiency, and ventilation requirements for different types of spaces (ASHRAE, National Building Code of Canada).

Pro Tip: Always double-check local building codes and energy efficiency standards before finalizing your design. Ensuring your system meets these regulations from the outset will save time and avoid potential issues down the line.

Integration with Other Systems: Coordinating HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical

When designing ERV placements, it's important to consider how these systems integrate with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components. Ensuring proper coordination between these systems helps optimize energy performance, minimize conflicts, and improve overall operational efficiency ensuring a balanced solution. Effective integration can also prevent issues such as system interference or excessive noise.

Pro Tip: To minimize conflicts and maximize efficiency, carefully plan the layout of your ventilation system alongside HVAC and electrical components. For specialized spaces like laundry rooms or bathrooms, consider using solutions like the DEDPV-705 (US) or DPV22.2 (Canada) for laundry ventilation, or explore our bathfan product line for efficient bathroom ventilation. These targeted products help meet specific airflow needs without compromising overall system performance.

For multi-family projects with symmetrical layouts, the FIT® Series ERVs provide an ideal ventilation solution. Designed for compact installation, the FIT Series offers up to 129 CFM at 0.4” w.g., delivering balanced ventilation and year-round comfort. Its slim profile and ceiling bracket allow for easy installation in ceiling voids or utility spaces, maximizing floor space while maintaining efficient heat and moisture recovery. With options for both hardwired and corded installations, the FIT Series adapts to different design requirements, making it a flexible and effective choice for multi-family applications.

For resources like BIM objects and CSI specifications, be sure to visit our product page.

Sources:

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). (2017). ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). (2019). ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). (2020). ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Energy Recovery Ventilators.

National Building Code of Canada. (2019). National Building Code of Canada (NBC).