ASHRAE Standard 84 specifies methods of testing the thermal performance of air-to-air heat exchangers and energy recovery ventilators (ERV/HRV).
Scope
It covers the apparatus, instrumentation, and calculation procedures needed to determine sensible and latent effectiveness of recovery devices under defined conditions.
What you get
A repeatable, lab-grade effectiveness number you can compare across North American manufacturers, independent of marketing claims.
Metrics reported
| Metric | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sensible effectiveness | Heat recovered / max possible |
| Latent effectiveness | Moisture recovered / max possible |
| Air leakage | Supply-to-exhaust carryover |
Relation to rating
ASHRAE 84 provides the test method; rating standards such as AHRI 1060 reference it to publish certified performance.
How to use it
Request the ASHRAE 84 test report and confirm the rating conditions match your design before accepting a quoted effectiveness.