HRV/ERV Help?

[Gooch]

When we purchased our house it came with an HRV/ERV(Sumeraire 130RD)

It however wasn't wired up with the HVAC system, I'm curious how this thing should operate and be wired in with the HVAC system. If anyone is familar with these units I can come up with more info if needed.

 

[fstbusa]

An erv/Hrv is an energy recovery ventilator/heat recovery ventilator. It's used to supply fresh air to the house. They are usually set to run a certain amount of time when the furnace is off and run when the furnace runs.

They are required by alot of jurisdictions now with new construction because building are built alot tighter than 30 years ago. They essentially exhaust air out of your house and extract the heat out of it and preheat the fresh air so your furnace doesn't have to ha dale that extra load.

I'm an HVAC engineer so let me know if you want any more detailed info.

Here is a basic diagram on how they work.

 

[ringneck]

These are frequently installed with a stand alone wall controller, allowing it to operate based upon humidity or manually. A quick google search will find you a number of options.

Some thermostats have facilities to manage whole house ventilation (like an IAQ), and will manage ventilation based upon the size of your home and exchange rate desired. I prefer this option, as it is automatic.

The typical thermostat does not have any facility to manage a ventilator. Without replacing the thermostat, you will have to add the stand-alone contoller, or tie the call for ventilation to the furnace blower so it comes on when the blower is on.

There are likley more options, but these are fairly typical.

 

[ringneck]

I believe the Sumeraires can be controlled by a panel right on the unit (on/off/fan speed). You could just set it on low, and leave it on all the time.

You will lose some heat/cooling, while running. If it is an ERV it will typically preserve 70-80% of that energy.

My apologies for the second post....