Any HVAC guys here?

[Barlow]

I'm looking for the 'best bang for the buck' HRV for a 2800sf home and would like a little more input from anyone if its available.<br /><br />I'm thermodynamicly challenged so any quality leads would be appreciated.<br /><br />

 

[funpilot]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

All the major HVAC companies make very good and reputable heat recovery ventilators. In a very tight home, they are a necessity. The key is long term maintainabilty, easy to access filters, cleanliness and tight construction, and a good control module.<br /><br />HRVs typically use about 100 to 200 Watts per hour of electrical energy. But can save 2000 to 4000 Watts per hour of heating energy. Controls include timers for scheduled ventilation, demand switches for high-speed ventilation of bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens (although a range hood is still needed), humidistats to control moisture levels in the home and various gas sensors.<br /><br />HRVs usually require their own duct system, HRV ducts are usually 6" to 8", and require sealing and insulation (like any good duct system) when outside the thermal envelope.<br /><br />My favorite HVAC equipment supplier is Lennox, and no, I don't sell or install them, so I have no axe to grind. But I would start there.<br /><br />good luck,<br />fp

 

[Barlow]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

thnx funpilot. Why Lennox? ...

 

[funpilot]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

Their Signature series is well built and engineered. The units are realisticly sized. The UV filter and hepa filter on their matching filter system is very low maintenance. The Condenser coil is sturdy, protected, and very, very quiet, as is the furnace and blower unit.<br /><br />I did take care to reduce the size of my exhaust vent because I was concerned that with the furnace no longer 'pulling' strongly the exhaust gases from my water heater would not full vent to the second floor and roof.<br /><br />Check them out.<br /><br />fp

 

[Barlow]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

thnx again funpilot. <br /><br />Picked up a months worth of reading yesterday at different dealers. . . I'll get to the bottom of this sooner or later

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

Barlow, all I can suggest is that the best units are the ones that have the least amount of bells an whistles. The fewer options is less that will go wrong. <br /><br />I would even try checking with consumer reports. They do a real good job comparing eqipment..<br /><br />Good Luck....

 

[Barlow]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

thnx SS.. <br /><br />will look into it CR also..<br /><br />I appreciate it!

 

[Snookster]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

Barlow - what part of the world do you live in & just what do you hope to accomplish w/ a HRV?<br /><br />There are several good products out there but none will work if not properly chosen & installed.<br /><br />You'll find a ton of good common sense info that deals with all parts of the US @ Buildingscience.com<br /><br />If you're working with a fossil furnce, you'll need to be mindfull of combustion air source... if you're concerened about RH (and you should be) you'll be better off with an Aprilaire whole house dehumidifier. Let me know if I can help.<br /><br />Now is also the time to visit your IAQ status.<br /><br />Dave B.

 

[Barlow]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

Hi snookster <br /><br />I live in SC Wisconsin and what I am in need of accomplishing is exactly what they are designed to do.<br /><br /> I was thinking that a simple air-exchanger would perform well also but, am looking at the efficiency values of the HRV's.<br /><br />IAQ is what its all about. Keeping fresh air coming into the house while doing it cost effectively / and efficiently.. while doing this controlling zones with larger RH fluctuations like the kitchen, baths and laundry (entire house wired/zoned).<br /><br />Aprilaire system is a must here in the winter and summer but, especially our very dry winters. The humidifier is a must here and the dehumidifier obviously gets its share of work too in the summer months.<br /><br />I'm really looking for a 'unit' that is considered tops from industry guys.. <br /><br />thnks for the help and advice ... and anything you could share.

 

[Snookster]

Re: Any HVAC guys here?

The Aprilaire 1700 is a whole house dehumidifier that utilizes your existing ductwork. It will overcome 1" static & can be plumbed to bring in the exact qty of freash air you need to restore your home to 2-10 pascals positive pressure. The control system allows for a number of combinations from cycling for testing purposes to exact RH you want to maintain - if you employ this one unit, you'll have it made in the shade.<br /><br />This is a top end product, very well made & we've installed many. I'm not crazy about the current product NOT haveing a low voltage float switch - but I understand the new vintage will have it to save on field work.