RenewAire EV90 SERIES User manual

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 1
4510 Helgesen Drive, Madison, WI 53718
[phone], [phone], Fax: [phone]
[email protected] www.renewaire.com
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
90-Series
RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY.
OBSERVE ALL CODES AND THE FOLLOWING:
1. Before servicing or cleaning the unit, unplug the unit line
cord or shut off power at service switch or circuit breaker.
Make sure unit is not running before opening its door.
2. This installation manual shows the suggested
installation method. Additional measures may be
required by local codes and standards.
3. Installation work and electrical wiring must be done
by qualied professional(s) in accordance with all
applicable codes, standards and licensing requirements.
4. Any structural alterations necessary for installation
must comply with all applicable building, health, and
safety code requirements.
5. Connect this unit only to a 120VAC grounded circuit
protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker.
6. Do not install unit or controls where they can be
reached from a tub or shower.
7. This unit must be properly ducted to the outdoors.
8. Outside air inlet for this unit must be located away
from sources of hazardous air such as auto exhausts.
9. Sufcient air is needed for proper combustion and
exhausting of gases through the ue (chimney) of fuel
burning equipment that might be installed in the area
affected by this equipment. If this unit is exhausting
air from a space in which chimney-vented fuel burning
equipment is located, take steps to assure that combustion
air supply is not affected. Follow the heating equipment
manufacturer’s requirements and the combustion air
supply requirements of applicable codes and standards.
10.This unit is intended for general ventilating only. Do
not use to exhaust hazardous or explosive materials
and vapors. Do not connect this unit to range hoods,
fume hoods or collection systems for toxics.
11.When cutting or drilling into wall or ceiling, do not
damage electrical wiring and other hidden utilities.
12.Use the unit only in the manner intended by the
manufacturer. If you have questions, contact the
manufacturer.
1. To avoid motor bearing damage and noisy and/
or unbalanced impellers, keep drywall spray,
construction dust, etc., out of the unit.
2. Do not connect power to the units external control
terminals: this will damage the unit. The external
terminals are for use only with un-powered controls
designed for low-voltage operation.
Before You Begin
Read all instructions before installing the unit. Also review
supplemental instructions included with any controls that
will be installed. Carefully unpack and inspect the unit
for shipping damage.Open the access door and inspect
inside the unit. Attach the four duct collars to the unit
with the screws provided in the plastic small-parts bag.
EV90:
Painted Case
Low Voltage Controls
Line Cord
GR90:
Galvanized Case
Line Voltage
No Line Cord
EV90P:
High Performance Unit
Painted Case
Low Voltage Controls
Line Cord

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 2
Location of the Unit
Select a location so that:
• The fresh air intake vent from the outside is placed a
minimum of ten feet from any other exhaust vent, and is at
least 30” long.
• The two ducts to the outside are as short and straight as
possible for the best performance from the system. Shorter
duct runs help assure the system is balanced: the amount of
air brought in is equal to the amount of air exhausted.
• The door can be opened to allow cleaning the core and
lters. Provide clearance at front of unit for service
access to the blowers, lters and energy exchange core.
(24” minimum.)
• The exhaust outlet and fresh air inlet on the outside of the
building should be at least ten feet apart to avoid cross-
contamination. The exhaust duct should be about the same
length as the fresh air duct.
• The exhaust outlet should not dump air into an enclosed
space or into any other structure.
• Do not install the exhaust outlet and fresh air inlet through
the roof or roof soft. If these are the only available options
call RenewAire technical support for help.
The preferred mounting location for the unit is on a concrete
foundation wall because the foundation wall isolates any blower
vibration.
If a basement area is not available or practical, use other
mechanical room space such as a closet, garage, storage, or
accessible attic or crawl space.
NOTE: If you wish to install the unit in an attic or other
unconditioned space, you must insulate all of the unit’s ductwork
that is located in the attic. Use at least R-6 insulation.
RA: Room Air
OA: Outside Air
FA: Fresh Air
Inside Ductwork System
For houses without ducted heating or cooling systems – see
Schematic (B):
In most houses one or two fresh air grilles in a central part of
the house provide effective distribution of the fresh air into the
home, particularly when the stale exhaust air is picked up at
several points. Because the fresh air is usually somewhat cooler
than the household air, the fresh air supply grilles should be
located in a trafc area like a hallway or stairway rather than in
a sitting area. If you want to get fresh air into specic rooms with
high occupancy, you can split up the fresh air supply.
For houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems – see
Schematics (A), (C) and (D):
Most units are installed with the fresh air duct connected directly
to a return duct for the main heating and cooling system. Be
careful to connect the fresh air duct at least three feet from the
return plenum to minimize suction from the furnace blower. A
connection closer to the furnace may result in unbalanced ow
and associated problems.
For installations that collect stale air from specic rooms in
the home – for example, Schematics (A) and (B):
Locate stale air return grills (RA) in rooms where moisture and
odors are generated: bathrooms, the kitchen, and perhaps other
areas where contaminants are generated such as in the home
workshop. Return grills in these other areas may be dampered
so that they can be shut off when not in use. A central location
such as a hallway is also acceptable but won’t clear humidity and
odors from baths and kitchens as rapidly. Locate stale air return
grills (RA) near the ceiling on inside walls. Stale air returns are
usually easiest to install in interior partitions.
Stale Air Return Grill Sizes
Bathroom 4” X 10” or 6” X 10” - 40 to 60 sq. in.
Kitchen 6” X 10” or 60 sq. in.
MIN 3'
FURNACE
RA (FURNACE)
SA
RA
OA
EA
FA
ERV
(FROM BATHROOMS,
DINING AREA)
Separate Room Air Pick-up--
Fresh Air to Furnace Return Air Trunkline
Note: ERV blower may be operated separate from furnace blower.
FURNACE
RA (FURNACE)
SA
RA
OA
EA
FA
ERV
(FROM BATHROOMS,
DINING AREA)
Separate Return Air and Fresh Air Supply
Note: ERV blower may be operated separate from furnace blower.
*Use caution to introduce FA at low velocity and where good mixing
will occur to minimize discomfort from drafts.
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
EA: Exhaust Air
SA: Supply Air (furnace)
*EV90/P only
MIN 3'
MIN 3'
FURNACE
FURNACE RETURN
AIR PLENUM
FURNACE SUPPLY
AIR PLENUM
RA
OA
EA FA
ERV
Note: Furnace blower must be operated anytime the ERV is operated.
Use furnace fan "on" continuous low speed or optional FM control
to cycle furnace fan on with ERV.
RETURN AIR GRILL
FURNACE
FURNACE RETURN AIR PLENUM
RA
OA
EA
FA
ERV
RETURN AIR GRILL
Note: ERV blower may be operated separate from furnace blower.
FURNACE SUPPLY AIR PLENUM
FA
RA CONNECTION CLOSE TO
RETURN AIR GRILLS
BACKDRAFT DAMPER
IMPROVES PERFORMANCE
RETURN AIR BRANCH

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 3
Exhaust & Outside Air Ducts
The Exhaust Air Duct and the Outside Air Duct connect the unit to
the outside. Flexible insulated duct is typically used. See Table
under “Duct Sizes” below.
DO NOT PLACE ANY STALE AIR RETURNS IN GARAGES.
Can an ERV be used to ventilate bathrooms?
A RenewAire ERV can be used as a central exhaust system in place
of bathroom exhaust fans. Tie a grill in each bathroom directly
back to the ERV – see Schematic (A). A successful installation
should provide at least 50 CFM of exhaust per moisture producing
bathroom. When used for bathroom exhaust, the EV90/P should
be used for only one bathroom. Install a control in the bathroom
ventilated by the ERV (see Secondary Operating Controls, below).
For houses where radon is a concern:
The rst line of defense against radon should always be techniques
that prevent the entry of radon into the home, such as under-slab
suction, vented perimeter drainage, and crack sealing. However,
if moderate levels of radon continue to be present, it is important
that the unit slightly pressurize the basement, not de-pressurize
the basement.
Installation of this unit for radon mitigation is beyond the
scope of this manual. Consult a radon mitigation professional.
Duct Minimum Sizes and Type
Exhaust Air & Outside Air
(EA & OA)
6” round insulated duct
8” round insulated duct may be
used to maintain maximum airow
Fresh Air & Stale Air
(FA & RA)
6” round or 8” oval rigid
un-insulated
All ducts from unit to house in unconditioned spaces like
attics and crawl spaces MUST BE INSULATED.
Duct Sizes
Controls
For an installation in which the ERV should run continuously in
order to provide the required ventilation rate for the home,
no controls are needed. However, in most installations, control
over the unit operation is desired and this is best provided by a
Proportional Timer.
Proportional timers (PTL or FM controls for EV90/P or line voltage
controls for GR90) may be located anywhere that is convenient.
A typical location for either control is next to the home’s
thermostat. Proportional timers operate the ERV to provide
regular background ventilation of the home.
EV90/P installations that pull stale air from specic rooms, such
as bathrooms, should have Push-Button Lighted (PBL) Controls in
those rooms. The secondary operating controls allow the system
to be turned on from various locations in the house.
Mounting the Unit
Unit may be installed in any orientation:
Orient the unit for the simplest duct layout and connections.
Note however that the door is equipped with slide-off hinges. For
the homeowner’s convenience it is helpful to orient the unit so
that the door does not drop off when it is unlatched.
Mounting the EV90/P on a concrete foundation wall:
Mount hanging bracket to the wall with appropriate concrete
anchors. Use pre-cut foam tape from small parts bag. Remove
backing and apply two pieces of foam tape equally spaced along
the unit’s mounting ange to be held by the hanging bracket. Apply
the other two pieces of foam over two holes that will be used for
fastening, on the other ange. The tape should be applied in a “U”
shape to cushion both the front and back of the integral anges.
Lift unit and slide unit ange into the hanging bracket. Using metal
at washers, fasten ange opposite hanging bracket to structure.
Safety screws should similarly be installed passing through the
hanging bracket and ange. Make sure the screws, which you must
supply, are properly selected for the loads and substrate involved.
Mounting the EV90/P to a stud wall:
Mount unit using supplied hanging bracket kit as described for
mounting to concrete foundation wall. Note that the hole layout
on the integral mounting anges and the hanging bracket are
spaced for 16” on-center framing patterns.
Foam Tape
Metal Washer
Lag Screw or Concrete Anchor
(provided by others)
Unit Flange
Optional Washer and Screw
(provided by others)
Foam Tape
Hanging Bracket
Lag Screw or Concrete Anchor
(provided by others)
* EV90/P only.
Suspending the EV90/P from oor joists or trusses:
The unit may be screwed directly to joists or trusses using the
hanging bracket and integral ange. Mount as described for
mounting to concrete foundation wall. Note that the hole layout
on the hanging bracket is spaced for 16”on-center layouts.
Mounting the GR90:
The GR90 can be mounted similar to the EV90 however, the GR90
does not come with a hanging bracket. Using at washers provided
install screws through the holes in the anges of the unit. Make
sure the screws, which you must supply, are properly selected for
the loads and substrate involved.
RISK OF INJURY WHEN LIFTING UNIT AND INSTALLING UNIT
OVERHEAD. GET A HELPER AND WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 4
Installing Outside Air & Exhaust Air Ducts
Ducts connecting the unit to the outside must be well- insulated.
Vapor barrier is required on both inside and outside of the insulation.
Band or tape inner duct liner to inner ange of appropriate collar.
Drive a sheet metal screw through liner to secure duct spiral wire
to collar. Straighten insulation, and slide outer duct jacket onto
the outer ange of the duct collar. Secure with band or tape.
The vapor barrier should be continuous and sealed against air
and moisture leakage! If not, condensation or ice may form
in cold weather on the duct surface or in its insulation!
The inlets and outlets should be screened against insects and vermin
and shielded from the weather to prevent the entry of rain or snow.
INSTALL FRESH AIR INLET AWAY FROM SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS.
• Do not locate the fresh air inlet where vehicles may be
serviced or left idling.
• The fresh air inlet should be at least ten feet away from
any exhaust such as dryer vents, chimneys, furnace, and
water heater exhausts or other sources of contamination
or carbon monoxide.
• Never locate the fresh air inlet inside a structure.
Installing Return Air (RA) Ducts
All the stale air returns are connected by ducts to the unit.
Generally, empty stud cavities are used for returns as is often
done with cold air returns for the furnace, using standard duct
boots to connect to six inch pipe at the bottom or top of the
wall cavity. Always be sure to seal all joints with duct sealant
or tape. Some local codes may require metal ducting all the way
from the boots to the stale air grilles. Use rigid ducts to allow the
air to move freely and easily through the ducts. See chart under
System Layout to size your ductwork:
If duct runs are very long (over 30 feet of ex duct for 90 CFM) or
have excessive bends or elbows or if maximum air ow rates are
required, eight inch insulated exible duct should be used. The
outer ange of the duct collar can be used for both the inner and
outer jacket of the exible duct. Care must be taken to insure
that the duct is securely fastened and sealed to the duct collar.
Do not use more ex duct than necessary!
Flex duct is much more resistant to airow than rigid duct; longer
runs of ex duct will reduce the ventilation performance of your
system. Stretch ex duct and avoid sharp bends.
• Do not connect Dryers directly to the unit.
• Do not connect Range Hoods to the unit.
NOTE: Seal all duct collars at unit to minimize air leakage.
Electrical Connections
NOTE: DISCONNECTION MEANS. Most electrical codes require
that the unit be disconnected for service. Depending on local
codes, an electrical outlet (for EV90/P) or an on/off switch
available for the unit (GR90) may satisfy this requirement.
Power supply connection to GR90 is made in its electrical box
through the hole in the end pan. Pull out the unit electrical box
and connect the power wire conductors to the terminal block
inside the electrical box. The terminal block inside the electrical
box is conveniently marked for connection of eld power wiring.
After connecting the power wire conductors to the terminal
block re-install the electrical box in the unit.
RenewAire offers the EV90/P with a line cord for connection to
an electrical outlet. If an EV90/P with a line cord is installed and
the installer desires to convert to eld power wiring, should local
codes permit, simply remove the line cord from the terminal
block and connect eld wiring as described above.
Installing Controls
The EV90/P is offered with a control board for connection to external
controls. The GR90 runs continuously whenever power is supplied to it.
Optional Controls:
RenewAire offers a variety of controls specically designed to
work with the EV90/P. These include: PTL (a two wire proportional
timer), FM (a six wire proportional timer that interconnects to
the furnace blower), and PBL (point of use push button control).
Other controls that throw an unpowered switch may also be used.
The GR90 is a line voltage unit that may be controlled with any
line voltage control switch
Typical Control Schematic:
Various wiring designs can be used to properly control the unit
and meet safety and code concerns. Consult your electrician for
an electrical design to meet your needs. The schematic below
shows a typical control system: a PTL proportional timer plus two
PBL push-button controls.
See installation manuals for the control(s) you select for wiring
diagrams and specic instructions.
If NOT connecting controls to the EV90/P:
Make a jumper out of a short piece of wire. Connect the jumper
wire to the screw connections of the terminal strip on the outside
of the unit. ERV runs full-time once its power cord is plugged in.
Starting Up the Unit
• Inspect your installation to be sure all duct work is correctly
installed and sealed, that lters are in place, and controls
(if any) are connected.
• Shut and latch the door to the unit.
• Provide 120 VAC power to the unit. It may start immediately.
• Use control, if any, to turn on the unit. Check operation of
the control(s).
• Check that the unit’s safety interlock switch turns off the
unit when the door is opened.
Up to (6) PBL Controls, wired in parallel, may be used.
ERV PTL PBL
1
R
C
PB
PB
PBL
2
PBL
3
* EV90/P only (not GR90)
DANGER OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHEN SERVICING AN
INSTALLED UNIT.
ALWAYS UNPLUG UNIT BEFORE CONNECTING OR
SERVICING CONTROLS.
(2) PBL Controls can be directly connected to the PTL Control.
Use pigtails leads for up to (6) PBL Controls, wired in parallel.

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 5
Service Parts
A
L
K
JB
C
H
D
E
G
F
EV90 SERVICE PARTS
ADoor Assembly
BInterlock Switch
CControl board with standoffs (EV90 only)
DBlower Assembly
E Motorized Blower
F Mounting Bracket (EV90 only)
G Duct Collar (sold singly; 4 per unit)
HEnergy Exchange Core
JFilter (set of two)
KFilter Clip (sold singly; two per unit)
LLatch set (both parts)
90 Series Service Parts GR90 EV90 EV90P
ADoor Assembly 3 3 3
B Interlock Switch 3 3 3
C Control Board with Standoffs 3 3
DBlower Assembly 3 3 3
E Motorized Blower 3 3 3
F Mounting Bracket 3 3
G Duct Collar (sold singly, 4 per unit) 3 3 3
H Energy Exchange Core 3 3 3
J Filter (set of 2) 3 3 3
K Filter Clip (sold singly, 2 per unit) 3 3 3
L Latch Set (both parts) 3 3 3
Representative of 90 Series Unit

90-Series Due to continuing product development, specications are subject to change without notice. © 2013 RenewAire LLC
102779_002 90SeriesMan_Sept13.indd Revised 09/2013 www.renewaire.com Page 6
Maintenance Requirements
There is no known safe level of cigarette smoke. Any
ventilation system may provide noticeable improvement
in spaces where cigarettes are smoked, but it cannot be
expected to protect against the severe long-term health
hazards of exposure to cigarette smoke.
DO NOT WASH THE ENERGY EXCHANGE CORE.
Clean only as described above. The energy exchange
core can be replaced but is expensive.
Keep your ERV performing at its best by cleaning it as described below:
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR INJURY.
• Before servicing or cleaning the unit, unplug the
unit line cord.
• Make sure unit is not running before opening its
door. Blower wheels are sharp and can cut.
• Do not disable the interlock switch: it is there for
your safety.
Service lters regularly:
Service lters every three months when the unit is in regular use
or as needed to keep them reasonably clean.
1. Release cam latches and carefully swing access door open.
Remove the door by sliding to one side.
2. Remove lter clips and pull out the lters.
3. Vacuum core and lters with a hose attachment.
4. Re-install lters and lter clips, (see above).
5. Re-install door, and fasten cam latches.
NOTE: The lters should be replaced after they have been
cleaned several times. The primary contact for replacement
lters for your RenewAire unit is the installing contractor. As an
alternative, you may wish to produce your own lters.
Filters may be cut from a sheet or roll of ¾” - 1” rm, spun
polyester lter media or material, similar to the existing lter in
the residential unit.
The size of each lter (2 required per unit) is as follows:
EV90/GR90 - 9 ½” x 10 ½”
EV90P - 21 ¾” x 10 ½”
NOTE: Filters must be used or the face of the energy exchange
core will become blocked by dust. The lters supplied in the unit
are usually able to keep the energy exchange core clear for many
months. Finer lters can be used but must be cleaned more often.
Clean the face of the energy exchange core yearly:
1. Remove the lters (see above).
2. Vacuum the exposed faces of the energy exchange core with
a soft brush attachment.
3. After servicing the lters, re-install them (see above).
4. Vacuum out dust from the rest of the unit case.
Dust collects only on the entering faces of the energy exchange
core. The interior of the energy exchange core stays clean even
if the core faces are dust covered.
The blower/motor package needs no lubrication:
Vacuum clean the blower wheels at the same time you clean the
face of the energy exchange core.
Purpose of an Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) System
Many modern homes are built air-tight for energy efciency and
comfort. The result is that natural air inltration rates are often
too low to provide acceptable indoor air quality. The solution is
to use an ERV to remove gaseous pollutants such as odors, winter-
time excess humidity, formaldehyde, smoke, radon, vapors from
cleaning products, and other chemicals. Removal of dust and
other small particles from your home is not the function of an ERV.
When should you use your ERV?
Use the ERV when windows are closed and ventilation is needed.
When the outdoor air is warmer or cooler than comfortable, the
ERV allows a quieter, more secure home with the windows closed
and also saves energy.
Using an ERV with air-conditioning:
An ERV works very well with air-conditioning because its
“enthalpy-transfer” energy-exchange core reduces the amount
of moisture in the outside air that is brought in. ERVs are the
preferred way to ventilate while air-conditioning because it
brings in less moisture than any other ventilation method.
Controlling excess humidity during cold weather:
When the ERV is rst turned on at the beginning of the heating
season (or when rst installed), it will have to run full-time for
several days to reduce indoor humidity levels. A properly set
dehumidistat will do this automatically. If your control is the
proportional timer type (PTL or FM), it should be set to “100%”
for several days whenever you have a problem with excess
humidity during cold weather.
How much ventilation is right for you?
Always reference applicable codes and standards for ventilation rate.
Different households require different rates of ventilation, depending
on the pollutants found in each home. Most people use one of two
methods to control the operation of their ventilation systems:
1. Provide a daily average of 0.35 Air changes per hour (ACH) for
your entire home. A proportional timer is the primary operating
control that allows you to reliably achieve this ventilation rate.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), this ventilation rate will
provide good air quality in most homes for most people.
At this rate, you will be changing the air in your home over
eight times per day. Most ERV systems are generally designed to
provide at least this ventilation rate.
Be sure to provide at least 15 CFM per person in the home. In
small homes this may mean more than nine air changes per day.
2. Ventilate enough in the winter to keep indoor humidity low.
Run the unit more to lower humidity.
In the winter, water vapor inside your home mostly comes from
people –breathing, showering, and cooking. When the outside air
is 40 degrees F or less, an ERV will reduce indoor humidity. This
helps to prevent condensation on windows.
High wintertime humidity generally means you need more ventilation
to control other indoor-air pollutants, like cooking odors.
Use your judgment:
These guidelines are a starting point. As long as the pollutants
you are concerned with are detectable (like water vapor or
odors) your nose can be a good guide, and you may nd that
fewer hours of operation will be sufcient.
For households with smokers:
Smokers will need at least double the usual ventilation rate to
satisfy non-smokers in the same household.