Planning the Install
A heat recovery ventilator moves both supply and exhaust air, so placement and ducting decide whether it performs. Put the unit where short, straight ducts can reach an outside wall on both the intake and exhaust sides, and leave access for filter and core service.
Steps
Mount the unit level and seal all duct joints to prevent air leakage that would bypass the core. Connect intake and exhaust through separate, well-insulated ducts with the correct terminal locations so stale air is drawn from wet or polluted zones and fresh air delivered to occupied space. Route the condensate drain for enthalpy units to a trapped floor drain.
| Step | Check |
|---|---|
| Mount | Level, accessible |
| Duct | Sealed, insulated, separated |
| Drain | Trapped, clear |
| Power | Dedicated circuit, wired per manual |
Electrical and Controls
Wire the unit to a dedicated circuit and connect any modulated bypass or summer bypass per the manual. Set the controller to the design schedule so the unit ventilates when the building is occupied and economizes when outside air alone can do the job.
Commissioning
After install, balance supply and exhaust airflow, confirm the core is seated, and verify recovery by comparing supply and exhaust temperatures. A correct install typically recovers 55 to 70 percent of ventilation energy with payback under three years.
Sizing and Selection Checklist
| Task | Check |
|---|---|
| Location | Short, straight ducts |
| Sealing | No bypass leakage |
| Drain | Trapped for enthalpy units |
| Balance | Supply equals exhaust |
Common Pitfalls
A frequent error is long, leaky ducts that bypass the core, destroying recovery. Another is forgetting the condensate drain on enthalpy units, causing water damage. Leaving the bypass uncontrolled lets the unit over-recover in mild weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install it myself?
A competent HVAC technician should install and balance it; incorrect ducting or wiring removes most of the benefit.
How long does install take?
For a typical unit with prepared duct connections, install and balancing take a day or less, longer if ductwork must be built.
Summary
Correct placement, sealed ducts, drainage, and commissioning turn the unit into a measured, documented saving.
Next Steps for Installation
Confirm the duct route before ordering, since short, straight runs determine whether the core performs.
- Mark intake and exhaust terminal locations for shortest practical ducts.
- Engage a technician for sealed, insulated, and balanced ductwork.
- Schedule commissioning to verify airflow balance and recovery.
Correct installation is what converts the specified core into the energy saving on the label.
Cost, Payback and Upkeep
A ventilator is a moderate capital item whose payback is the ventilation energy it recovers plus the comfort and code compliance it delivers. Most of the cost risk is in poor installation, so spending on correct ducting and commissioning protects the return.
- Capital: unit plus ductwork, bypass, and controls.
- Payback: under three years where ventilation hours are high.
- Upkeep: filter changes and periodic core cleaning, plus drain checks on enthalpy units.
A correctly installed and commissioned unit holds near-design recovery for years with little service.
Key Takeaways
A ventilator only performs if installed and balanced correctly: use short, sealed, insulated ducts so air does not bypass the core, balance supply and exhaust to design, and commission the unit to confirm recovery. Most lost savings come from poor ducting, not the hardware itself.
- Seal and insulate ducts to prevent bypass leakage.
- Balance supply and exhaust airflow.
- Commission and verify recovery before handover.