Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about our air exchangers.

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An air exchanger unit will not create humidity. It is used to exhaust excess humid air and replace it with dry air in winter. A humidifier may still be needed.

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In this particular case, you should contact an HVAC professional.

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Crawl space has to be vented with a separate unit. The principle is that unconditioned space air cannot be mixed with livable space air.

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The municipalities have regulations regarding home ventilation; it is important to verify which regulations your municipality applies. The municipalities are in charge of applying these on their territories.

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In summer, the humidity level in the house varies with the outdoor conditions (mainly noticeable in the basement). A dehumidifier or an air conditioning system may still be needed.

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The air exchanger is used to exhaust excess humid air in winter. Therefore, it is normal to see fog or ice on windows during cold weather. Many factors may contribute to this problem, such as: windows poor insulation quality, heating temperature, barrier in front of the windows (lack of ventilation near the windows caused by blinds, curtains, etc.), dominant winds, drastic changes in outside temperature, etc.

Do not wait to heat your home, especially in the basement. It will remove moisture that has accumulated during summer.

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HRV stands for Heat Recovery Ventilator.

 

ERV stands for Energy Recovery Ventilator.

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Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV):

The heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is the proper choice in colder climates where there is excess humidity during the heating season, since it can eliminate it.

The HRV keeps the home supplied with a steady flow of fresh outdoor air. As stale, warm air is expelled, the heat recovery core warms the incoming fresh, colder air before it is distributed throughout the home.

The result is a constant supply of fresh air, no unpleasant drafts and greater home comfort.

 

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV):

The energy recovery ventilator (HRV) is suitable for colder climates, in homes where there is no humidity excess during the heating season, as well as for warmer climates homes with high outdoor humidity.

The ERV recovers heat (like the HRV); however, it also recuperates the energy trapped in humidity, which greatly improves the overall recovery efficiency.

In conditioned homes, when it is more humid outside than inside, the ERV limits the amount of humidity coming into your home.

For homes using a humidifier, whit low humidity level in winter, the ERV limits the amount of humidity expelled from your home.

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You can ventilate bathrooms with an HRV or an ERV. You can even add timers such as: 20-minute timers, 20/40/60-minute timers or 60-minute mechanical timers (depending on the unit model chosen).

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These models have to be installed in an environment where ambient temperature is always above 10°C or 50°F.

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Each unit’s control is designed to work with its own circuit board.

 

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No, because there is not enough difference between inside and outside temperature during summer.

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These units can be installed independently or connected to your furnace duct(s).

 

Depending on the installation, the furnace blower will have to run continuously or not in order to have an adequate air circulation.

 

For further information, please refer to the installation manual of your unit.

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It is strongly recommended to balance the unit for optimum performance by a contractor specialized in heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (HVAC). An unbalanced unit could cause problems (risk of frost in the unit and ducts).

See How it works? – What is an air exchanger?

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These models are sold and installed by heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning (H.V.A.C.) contractors.

Please consult our Dealer Locator section to find an authorized installer in your region.