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Tips for Installing Your New Fresh Air Appliance (Residential HRV/ERV)
Reading time: 3 minutes
Safety
Ventilation experts break down how fresh air appliances with energy and heat recovery (ERV/HRVs) work and how to install them in your next project.
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Why Fresh Air Appliances Matter
Homeowners and businesses are increasingly prioritizing indoor air quality (IAQ). Studies show they are willing to pay a premium for improved air conditions in their homes and workplaces. Despite this, contractors and designers often overlook one of the most effective solutions for blanaced ventialtion: HRV and ERVs.
For contractors new to these products, understanding recovery ventilators and their installation is important. With growing advancements in technology and standards, these systems are simpler to install and more efficient than ever.
To help provide some clarity, we offer a comprehensive guide to HRVs and ERVs, their functionality, and how to incorporate them effectively into your next project.
What is a Fresh Air Appliance?
Fresh air appliances refer to heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) - systems that act as the lungs of a building, ensuring continuous airflow, removing contaminants, and tempering the incoming air.
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How They Work: HRVs and ERVs bring fresh outdoor air into a building while expelling stale indoor air. For those with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities, this process significantly improves IAQ. Unlike opening windows, fresh air appliances temper incoming air for greater comfort and energy efficiency. For example, with an HRV, more of the heat energy your house creates is retained, while still providing the benefit of fresh air.
Energy Efficiency: The HERO Series provides 80% sensible heat recovery. For instance, if there is a 50°F difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, an HRV can heat the incoming air up to 40°F, reducing energy loads. This is increasingly essential as energy efficiency regulations tighten under standards like ASHRAE 62.2.
Expanding Applications: Residential and Light Commercial
Fresh air appliances aren’t just for homes anymore. Offices, schools, and retail spaces can greatly benefit from HRVs and ERVs. With higher occupancy loads and varying zones, these environments demand tailored ventilation solutions:
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Offices
Address energy costs and provide balanced air for comfort during long working hours.
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Schools
Improve IAQ for better student focus and health outcomes.
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Retail Spaces
Meet code requirements while maintaining customer comfort and reducing HVAC strain.
For light commercial buildings, consider factors like higher ventilation rates, zoning challenges, and long-term maintenance ease when selecting an HRV or ERV model.
How to Easily Install Your HERO Fresh Air Appliance
Before installing your new fresh air appliance, you’ll need to determine which type of system is suits your application. Options include:
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Fully Dedicated Systems
Distribute air throughout the home or building, pulling from polluted areas to supply living or working spaces.
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Partially Dedicated Systems
Use existing ductwork for air movement while still removing pollutants.
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Simplified System
Air is supplied from the return line of furnace or heat pump and return.
6 Steps to Healthier Air
Our products are designed to simplify contractor workflows and enhance IAQ. Follow these streamlined steps for seamless installation:
Step 1
Select the appropriate size – The appropriate size is based on the size of the house, the number of rooms, and local codes and standards. Generally, refer to ASHRAE 62.2 when determining the appropriate size.
Step 2
Install the outdoor vents – Cut a hole between wall studs, insert the vent, and secure it with the proper screw. Then, seal the area using outdoor-rated caulking, attach the insulated duct from the inside, and secure it with tape.
Step 3
Screw speed bracket to the wall – If mounting is not an option, use a chain kit to hang the unit. Hang or mount the appliance. A standard chain kit includes hanging chains, screws, springs, and hooks and is sold separately.
Step 4
Make duct connections – If working with a flexible duct, slide the ducting onto the duct connection and affix with cable tie. If using solid ducting, slide duct over duct connection, screw in place and seal. The HERO includes labels with imagery to easily show where ducts connect.
Step 5
Make wire connections – Simply pull the quick connect and plug in the unit.
Step 6
Install the drain hose – Install the drain hose making a “P” trap, secure the condensate line drain to the appliance, then fill the condensate line with water.
Lessons Learned from Real Installations
The practical tips shared in this article come to life when applied to real-world projects. The following case studies explore common challenges and solutions in installing HRV and ERVs, offering valuable insights for improving indoor air quality, meeting code requirements, and optimizing energy efficiency.
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Enhancing IAQ in a Multi-Family Development
The Belmont at Eastview: This case study showcases the installation of Fantech’s FIT Fresh Air Appliances in a historic apartment complex in Central Islip, New York. The compact design of the FIT made them an ideal solution for the 206 apartments, meeting New York’s mechanical code while improving indoor air quality. We explore the installation process and benefits of HRV/ERV systems in similar residential settings.
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Maximizing Energy Efficiency in a Retail Space
The Village at Pineridge Hollow: This case study explores the successful implementation of a light commercial Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) at The Village at Pineridge Hollow, located in West Pine Ridge, MB, Canada. Designed to meet the 2010 National Building Code of Canada, the HRV ensures the main eatery, The Square, provides the necessary outdoor airflow for optimal indoor air quality. We discuss the installation process and the importance of HRV systems in meeting code requirements while enhancing comfort in busy, food-service environments.
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Optimizing Indoor Air Quality in a Sustainable Waterfront Home
Bay View House: This case study explores the Bay View House, a retirement home designed with a smaller footprint, energy savings, and water conservation in mind. The design team focused on passive energy solutions, utilizing cross-ventilation, solar gains, and low-water landscaping to minimize the home's environmental impact. A HERO fresh air appliance (HRV) was incorporated to provide continuous, filtered ventilation, improving indoor air quality while recovering 80% of heat from outgoing air to maintain energy efficiency. This project showcases how thoughtful design and energy-efficient systems can create a comfortable, sustainable living environment.
Final Tips and Tricks
As you prepare to install or specify a residential HRV/ERV, it’s important to keep a few key considerations in mind. These final tips and tricks are designed to help ensure a smooth installation, optimal performance, and long-term reliability for any HRV or ERV system:
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Balance Your System
Proper airflow balance ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. An unbalanced system can lead to uneven ventilation and higher energy costs
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Maintenance Matters
Regularly clean and replace filters to maintain indoor air quality and ensure system longevity. Neglecting maintenance can reduce efficiency and impact air quality over time.
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Keep Your Filters Fresh
Clean and replace filters as recommended to prevent dust and debris buildup. Fresh filters improve airflow, reduce strain on the system, and help maintain healthy indoor air.
Sources
ASHRAE Standard 62.2 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Residential Buildings
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Guidelines for Energy Efficiency in Ventilation Systems
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Improving Indoor Air Quality
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