SummerAire SHRV115RD Installation instructions

Built Better To Last Longer
Residential
Central Heat Recovery Ventilator
Product Specications
and
Installation and Trouble Shooting Guide
Superventor Series
Models
SHRV115RD, SHRV130RD, SHRV190RD, SHRV240RD
APPLICATION WARNING
It is always important to assess how the
operation of any Heat Recovery Ventilator
(HRV) may interact with vented combustion
equipment (i.e. gas furnaces, oil furnaces,
wood stoves, replaces. etc.)
Never install an HRV in a situation where
it’s normal operation, lack of operation, or
partial failure may result in the back drafting
on vented combustion equipment such as
water heaters, furnaces and replaces
DO NOT ATTEMPT INSTALLING THIS HRV WITHOUT FIRST
READING THIS ENTIRE MANUAL
Summeraire Mfg.
Peterborough, Ontario,
Canada, K9J 6X6

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3
Table of Contents
Model specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 4, 5, 6
Option Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Selecting a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Weather hood installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Dedicated Duct system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Indirect Duct system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Direct Duct system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Fresh Air supply ducting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Stale Air return system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Air Flow Balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Trouble shooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Wiring Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 29
Replacement parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
NOTE: Anytime the HRV is powered on allow 20
seconds for the main control to reset prior to making
any operational changes.

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ENERGY PERFORMANCE LATENT
RECOVERY/
MOISTURE
TRANSFER
SUPPLY
TEMPERATURE
NET
AIR FLOW
SUPPLY
EXHAUST
FLOW RATIO
POWER
CONSUMED
WATTS
SENSIBLE
RECOVERY
EFFICIENCY
APPARENT
SENSIBLE
EFFECTIVENESSC° F° L/S CFM
HEATING 0 +32 30 63 1.03 80 68 82 0.01
0 +32 46 98 1.00 118 63 74 0.02
0 +32 55 118 1.00 136 61 71 0.02
-25 -13 32 69 .91 102 59 82 .04
SPECIFICATIONS HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS PERFORMANCE RATINGS
SUMMERAIRE MFG., PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO K9J 7B1
MODEL: SHRV115RD
Electrical: 120 V - 1.12 Amp
Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio: 0.04 @ 0.4 in wg. (100 Pa)
Low Temp. Reduction Factor: 17.8% Supply - 13.8% Exhaust
Low Temp. Imbalance Factor: 0.86
Home Ventilating Institute
ALL DUCT CONNECTIONS
6 IN. (152MM)
STALE AIR
TO
OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO
HOUSE
STALE AIR
FROM
HOUSE
FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE
VENTILATION PERFORMANCE
EXT. STATIC NET SUPPLY GROSS AIR FLOW
PRESSURE AIR FLOW SUPPLY EXHAUST
Pa in. wg L/S CFM L/S CFM L/S CFM
25 0.1 71 151 74 157 64 136
50 0.2 65 138 68 144 61 130
75 0.3 60 127 62 133 58 123
100 0.4 55 117 57 122 55 117
125 0.5 50 107 52 111 52 110
150 0.6 45 96 47 100 48 102
175 0.7 41 87 43 90 44 94
200 0.8 36 76 37 79 41 87
225 0.9 32 68 33 70 37 79
250 1.0 24 52 26 54 34 72
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Gross Supply
Gross Exhaust
C US
28-1/4
14 1/4
20

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5
VENTILATION PERFORMANCE
EXT. STATIC NET SUPPLY GROSS AIR FLOW
PRESSURE AIR FLOW SUPPLY EXHUAST
Pa in. w.c. L/S CFM L/S CFM L/S CFM
25 0.1 98 209 100 213 92 196
50 0.2 92 196 94 199 87 186
75 0.3 86 182 87 186 82 174
100 0.4 79 169 81 172 76 162
125 0.5 68 145 70 148 70 148
150 0.6 58 124 59 126 60 127
SPECIFICATIONS HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS PERFORMANCE RATINGS
ENERGY PERFORMANCE LATENT
RECOVERY/
MOISTURE
TRANSFER
SUPPLY
TEMPERATURE
NET
AIR FLOW
POWER
CONSUMED
WATTS
SENSIBLE
RECOVERY
EFFICIENCY
APPARENT
SENSIBLE
EFFECTIVENESSC° F° L/S CFM
HEATING 0 32 30 64 83 71 82 0.01
0 32 46 97 104 67 77 0.00
0 32 61 129 117 66 73 0.00
-25 -13 31 66 95 58 79 0.03
TOTAL RECOVERY EFFICIENCY
COOLING 35 95 31 65 83 18
SUMMERAIRE MFG.,
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO K9J 6X6
MODEL: SHRV130RD
Options Installed: Defrost Internal Dehumidistat
Electrical: 120 V - 1.27 Amp
Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio: .02
Low Temp. Ventilation Reduction During -25°C Test: 20%
Maximum Unbalanced Airow During -25°C Test: 7 L/s
FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE
STALE AIR
TO
OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO
HOUSE
STALE AIR
FROM
HOUSE
36
17 3/4
20 3/4
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
20 40 60 80 100 120
Supply
Exhaust
Gross Airflow - L/s (CFM = L/s ÷.47)
Ext. Differential Pressure - Pascals
(IN W.C. = PA ÷250)

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VENTILATION PERFORMANCE
EXT. STATIC NET SUPPLY GROSS AIR FLOW
PRESSURE AIR FLOW SUPPLY EXHUAST
Pa in. w.c. L/S CFM L/S CFM L/S CFM
25 0.1 110 234 112 237 105 223
50 0.2 106 226 108 229 100 214
75 0.3 102 217 103 220 95 203
100 0.4 98 209 100 212 88 187
125 0.5 92 197 94 200 82 175
150 0.6 86 183 87 185 74 157
175 0.7 79 169 81 171 61 129
17 3/4
SPECIFICATIONS HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS PERFORMANCE RATINGS
ENERGY PERFORMANCE LATENT
RECOVERY/
MOISTURE
TRANSFER
SUPPLY
TEMPERATURE
NET
AIR FLOW
POWER
CONSUMED
WATTS
SENSIBLE
RECOVERY
EFFICIENCY
APPARENT
SENSIBLE
EFFECTIVENESSC° F° L/S CFM
HEATING 0 32 40 84 103 68 77 0.01
0 32 66 140 132 62 68 0.00
0 32 86 182 158 58 64 0.00
-25 -13 34 72 116 61 79 0.03
TOTAL RECOVERY EFFICIENCY
COOLING 35 95 42 89 104 29
SUMMERAIRE MFG.,
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO K9J 6X6
MODEL: SHRV190RD
Options Installed: Defrost Internal Dehumidistat
Electrical: 120 V - 1.27 Amp
Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio: 0.014
Low Temp. Ventilation Reduction During -25°C Test: 16%
Maximum Unbalanced Airow During -25°C Test: 14 L/s
20 3/4
FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE
STALE AIR
TO
OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO
HOUSE
STALE AIR
FROM
HOUSE
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
020 40 60 80 100 120
Supply
Exhaust
Gross Airflow - L/s (CFM = L/s ÷.47)
Ext. Differential Pressure - Pascals
(IN W.C. = PA ÷250)
36

6
7
SPECIFICATIONS HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS PERFORMANCE RATINGS
ENERGY PERFORMANCE LATENT
RECOVERY/
MOISTURE
TRANSFER
SUPPLY
TEMPERATURE
NET
AIR FLOW
POWER
CONSUMED
WATTS
SENSIBLE
RECOVERY
EFFICIENCY
APPARENT
SENSIBLE
EFFECTIVENESSC° F° L/S CFM
HEATING 0 32 46 97 176 69 86 0.00
0 32 67 141 222 70 84 0.01
0 32 100 213 400 64 80 0.01
-25 -13 41 88 213 66 87 0.03
SUMMERAIRE MFG.,
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO K9J 6X6
MODEL: SHRV240RD
Options Installed: Defrost Internal Dehumidistat
Electrical: 120 V - 3.7 Amp
Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio: 0.05
Low Temp. Ventilation Reduction During -25°C Test: 16.9%
Maximum Unbalanced Airow During -25°C Test: 15.6 L/s
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
Supply
Exhaust
Gross Airflow - L/s (CFM = L/s ÷ .47)
Ext. Differential Pressure - Pascals
(IN W.C. = PA ÷ 250)
ALL DUCT CONNECTIONS
6 IN. (152MM)
STALE AIR
TO
OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO
HOUSE
STALE AIR
FROM
HOUSE
FRESH AIR
FROM
OUTSIDE
34-1/2
16
25-7/8
VENTILATION PERFORMANCE
EXT. STATIC NET SUPPLY GROSS AIR FLOW
PRESSURE AIR FLOW SUPPLY EXHUAST
Pa in. w.c. L/S CFM L/S CFM L/S CFM
75 0.3 125 265 133 283 138 294
100 0.4 121 257 129 274 131 279
125 0.5 118 251 126 268 125 266
150 0.6 116 246 123 262 119 254
175 0.7 113 240 120 256 114 243
200 0.8 110 235 118 251 110 234
225 0.9 106 226 114 241 102 217
250 1.0 100 212 106 226 96 205
275 1.1 94 200 101 214 92 196
300 1.2 86 183 92 195 86 182

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OPTIONAL CONTROLS
20 Minute Remote Timer Touch Pad
Model ECPBT
This 20-Minute Touch Pad MUST be connected to the
“CT” terminals on the HRV exterior. This control will not
function if connected to PBT connection points.
Install using 18/2-thermostat wire. Maximum number of
ECPBT controls per HRV is eight.
Maximum cumulative lead length is 2000 lineal feet.
Touch pads are typically installed where 20 minutes of
high speed ventilation may be desired.
Once activated by a momentary push of the SELECT
button on the Touch Pad (approximately 3 seconds),
the HRV is switched to high speed ventilation and the
Touch Pad LED will illuminate. The HRV will reset to
the previously selected mode of operation once the 20
minutes have expired. To cancel the selection, depress
the SELECT button on the 20-minute Touch Pad for
a minimum of 3 seconds. The selection can also be
cancelled at any other optional control by momentarily
depressing the SELECT button.
NOTE: This control will not respond while a crank timer
is operational.

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OPTIONAL CONTROLS
Remote Timer Touch Pad
Model -PBT
Touch pads are typically installed in any room where
20/40 or 60 minutes of high-speed ventilation may be de-
sired, i.e. bathrooms and/or kitchens. Once activated by a
momentary push, these buttons illuminate to indicate high
speed activation. If more than one touch pad is installed
in the system then all will illuminate upon activation until
the timed sequence has expired. The display LEDS on the
touch pad will illuminate to represent the time remaining.
To cancel a selection simply continue to push the select
button until it turns off. Maximum number of touch pads
per HRV is eight (8) and 2000 lineal ft of 18/2 thermostat
wire.
Wall Mount Dehumidistat
Model - SRDEH
This control is typically installed in an area of the home
where humidity may require automatic monitoring. This
could be a central location (i.e. near furnace thermostat)
or in a specic room (i.e. kitchen, laundry etc.). When
wall mount dehumidistats are used, set the HRV internal
dehumidistat to OFF. Connect to HRV using 18/2 thermo-
stat wire.
Scout Control
This standard control is detachable from the HRV. Once
removed from the HRV, only the power (ON/OFF)
remains at the HRV. By positioning the SCOUT remotely
to the HRV, you can adjust fans speeds, turn the fan off,
select AUTO/OFF, intermittent or turn the main HRV
control Off. When the HRV has been turned off using
the SCOUT, power still remains on at the HRV ON/OFF
switch, however all external controls such as touch pads
and dehumidistats will not function. Intermittent- In this
mode the ventilation fan will run at low speed for 20 min-
utes and turn off for 40 minutes. This cycle will continue
until cancelled. External devices are active.
The optional Scout installation kit is required for remote
mounting. Maximum number of Scout controls per HRV
is one (1) with up to 400 lineal ft. of 18/2 thermostat wire.

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9
WATCHMAN CONTROL
The WATCHMAN is an optional
intermediate remote control. It permits the
following function selections;
SYSTEM OFF- In this position all internal
and external controls are disabled.
FAN OFF- Ventilation fan is off, cold
exhaust port is closed, external devices are
active.
FAN SPEED- Low, Medium or HIGH can
be selected.
INTERMITTENT- In this mode the
ventilation fan will run at low speed for 20
minutes and turn off for 40 minutes. This
cycle will continue until cancelled. External
devices are active.
AUTO/OFF-In this mode the ventilation
fan remains off until activated by either the
internal dehumidistat or an external control
such as a touch pad or dehumidistat.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY- By rotating the
control dial you can select desired levels of
indoor humidity. Humidity reduction will
only occur during the heating season. Should
the set point be below the indoor relative
humidity the HRV will automatically switch
to high speed. Multiple controls may be
connected to the HRV. Typically, connection
leads would be distributed from a central
location and connected at the HRV with
a single 18/2 lead. Maximum number of
Watchman or Sentinel controls per HRV is
four (4) with a total of 1600 lineal ft. of 18/2
thermostat wire.

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SENTINEL CONTROL
The SENTINEL control is the deluxe control
using a digital LCD display to indicate HRV
status. The top line of the display indicates
the current mode of operation, the lower
left side indicates the ventilation fan status
and the lower right hand side indicates the
current relative humidity. The following
option selections are available in addition to
those offered by the WATCHMAN; TIMED
HIGH SPEED- 20/40 or 60 minutes of
high speed ventilation can be selected or
cancelled. FILTRATION- In this mode the
HRV fan runs continuously recirculating
indoor air through the HRV lters. During
this cycle the outdoor cold air port is closed
and no fresh air is introduced. CLEAN
FILTER INDICATOR- Every thirteen weeks
this control will display on the LCD the
need to clean the lters and core. Refer to
the maintenance section of the User manual
for the method advised. Maximum number
of Watchman or Sentinel controls per HRV
is four (4) at a maximum range of 1600
lineal ft. of 18/2 thermostat wire.
SCOUT / WATCHMAN Indications
MODE SCOUT WATCHMAN
Intermittent Fan Off Auto Off, Blink Intermittent LED ON, Blink Auto Off
Intermittent Fan Low Low, Blink Intermittent LED ON. Blink Low
Filtration Default fan speed, Slow Blink Default fan speed, Slow Blink
Summer Switch
on Temp <5deg˚F
System Off, Blink System Off, Blink
Note: Up to 2000 lineal ft. of 18/2 thermostat wire may be used in any
conguration per HRV with up to eight (8) push button timers.Up to 2000
lineal ft. of 18/2 thermostat wire may be used in any conguration per
HRV to service up to four (4) Watchman or Sentinel controls.

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Installation Options
1. Selecting a location
Typically the HRV is located in the
mechanical room with close proximity
to an outside wall. Other installation
locations are acceptable provided that
the ambient air temperature does not
fall below freezing. This is to prevent
the condensate drain lines from freezing.
Standard Ventilation Optional Ventilation
Filtration
Air In
Filtered
Air Out
Warm
Exhaust
Warm
Supply
Cold
Supply
Cold
Exhaust
Cold
Exhaust
Cold Fresh
Air Supply
Warm
Supply
Warm Stale
Exhaust
Model SHRV 130RD
Illustrated

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2. Mounting the HRV
The RD series of HRV’s may be rotated 180 degrees to permit the connection
of the outside air streams to either the left or right hand side. They are factory
supplied to be installed with the cold air streams on the right. To install this HRV
in the reverse conguration simply remove the plastic drain hole plugs from the
top of the cabinet and insert into the drain holes in the bottom. Included with
the HRV are four (4) laminated rubber hanging straps. These are to be secured at
each of the four corners of the HRV using the screws provided. The other ends
of the straps should be secured to the oor joists using large head screws. To
ensure proper condensate ow, HRV must be installed level in both directions.
3. Condensate Drain hose installation
Two (2) drain spigot assemblies are provided. These are to be installed through
the drain pan holes provided. Simply install the spigot through the openings
and secure in place by installing the nylon washer and nut on the outside of
the cabinet. Ensure that the drain holes that are not used are plugged with the
drain plugs installed in the cabinet. Once installed, attach 1/2” plastic tubing
(not supplied) to the spigots. Create a trap by forming a loop in the tubing.
This will prevent the cross contamination of the air streams through the tubing.
Ensure that the condensate drain tubing is not exposed to freezing temperatures.
Typically the drain line is connected into a oor drain, sink or stand pipe.
Drain Opening Plugs
Create Trap

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4. Outside Weatherhoods and Ducting to the outside.
The outside weather hoods must have built in bird screens to prevent birds and
rodents from entering the duct system. Minimum mesh size of 1/4” must be
used. Smaller mesh size will result in restricted air ows with increased potential
for the development of blockages.
Vent hoods with gravity dampers must not be used.
Weather hoods should be installed:
a) A minimum of 6 ft. apart from each other.
b) At least 18” above ground level
c) Away from sources of contaminates such as automobile exhaust
fumes, gas meters, garbage cans.
d) Locate away from prevailing winds whenever possible.
The size and design of the weather hoods shall be selected to ensure adequate
free area to minimize air ow restrictions.
It is recommended that 6” insulated ducting with a integral single piece vapour
barrier be provided. Due to the high air ow restrictions in insulated ex duct
it is recommended that run lengths be kept to a minimum, stretched tightly and
with as few elbows as possible, if length greater 25 ft. use 7” insulated duct.
Minimum RSI value of 0.75 (R4) is required.
Weather hood collar should be screwed to inner surface of sill plate and sealed
with high quality caulking or aluminum faced tape. Both the inner and outer
liners of exible ducting should be securely attached to the weather hood
tubing and collar and to the HRV collar. A good bead of high quality caulking
(preferably acoustical sealant) should be used prior to clamping the liners. It is
very important to ensure that the fresh air intake line is well sealed and that the
vapour barrier is sealed.
InsulationInner Liner
Collar Clamp Vapour Barrier
Weatherhood

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5. Installation Methods
Dedicated Duct System.
In this arrangement the HRV is installed with a dedicated duct system. All
applicable rooms are exhausted and provided with fresh supply air as required.
The main advantage of this type of installation is it provides the ability to
balance the exhaust and supply air streams from each serviced room.
The HRV system operates independent of the home’s heating system.
Please refer to g I. below.
g. I
Fresh
Air In
Fresh Air
Exhaust Air
Stale Air
Exhaust

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Indirect Duct System
Safety Warning
Some Building Code and Combustion Appliance Installation Codes do not allow
location of return air grills or any opening such as a breather ‘T’ in an enclosed
room with spillage susceptible combustion appliances. If combustion appliances
are used, and not yet enclosed in a room, locate the grill or breathing ‘T’ outside
any future wall locations and a minimum distance of 6 feet from the combustion
appliance.
This method of installation permits localized exhaust of indoor air and uses the
existing forced air system to distribute fresh air.
Although independent room balancing of exhaust air can be achieved with the
indirect duct system, the distribution of fresh supply air cannot be balanced.
Where required by local codes, the HRV/ERV supply duct may be directly
connected to the furnace return air duct. The supply duct shall be positioned as
shown on the attached drawing. In this application no opening such as a breather
‘T’ is used.
Also, where permitted by local codes, the HRV/ERV supply duct may be
indirectly connected to the furnace return air duct using a breather ‘T’. In this
application, the breather ‘T’ in installed into the HRV/ERV supply duct before
the connection to the return air duct. Leaving a gap in the ventilation supply
duct in place of the breather ‘T’ is acceptable but not recommended. In this
installation, a grill is placed in the furnace return air duct and the HRV/ERV
supply duct is pointed at this grill at a minimum distance of 100mm (4”) but not
greater than 300mm (12”). The free area of the grill shall not be less than the
free area of the supply duct. Call backs have occurred because it was thought
that something had been accidently left out of the installation.
This method of installation requires that the forced air circulation fan be
operated when the HRV is in use.
Please refer to g II. below.
g. II
Stale Air
Exhaust
Fresh
Air In
Fresh Air
Supply
Minimum 36"
Stale
Air Out
Breathing "T"

16
17
Direct Duct System
Safety Warning
Some Building Code and Combustion Appliance Installation Codes do not allow
location of return air grills or any opening such as a breather ‘T’ in an enclosed
room with spillage susceptible combustion appliances. If combustion appliances
are used, and not yet enclosed in a room, locate the grill or breathing ‘T’ outside
any future wall locations and a minimum distance of 6 feet from the combustion
appliance.
This method of installation is used primarily when it is not reasonable to install
dedicated duct runs from the HRV to the various rooms of the dwelling. In this
installation the warm exhaust and warm supply duct runs from the HRV are
connected directly to the forced air heating system ductwork.
This method of installation does not permit source capture of the indoor air nor
does it permit room balancing.
Where required by local codes, the HRV/ERV supply duct may be directly
connected to the furnace return air duct. Where both the exhaust and the supply
duct are installed into the return air duct the exhaust air duct shall be positioned
upstream at a distance of not less than 1 meter (or 3 feet) from the supply duct.
The supply duct shall be positioned as shown on the attached drawing. In this
application no opening such as a breather ‘T’ is used.
Also, where permitted by local codes, the HRV/ERV supply duct may be
indirectly connected to the furnace return air duct using a breather ‘T’. In this
application, the breather ‘T’ in installed into the HRV/ERV supply duct before
the connection to the return air duct. Leaving a gap in the ventilation supply
duct in place of the breather ‘T’ is acceptable but not recommended. In this
installation, a grill is placed in the furnace return air duct and the HRV/ERV
supply duct is pointed at this
grill at a minimum distance
of 100mm (4”) but not greater
than 300mm (12”). The free
area of the grill shall not
be less than the free area of
the supply duct. Call backs
have occurred because it was
thought that something had
been accidently left out of the
installation.
The Direct Duct System
method of installation requires
that the forced air system
circulation fan be operated
when the HRV is in use.
Please refer to g. III.
Stale Air
Exhaust
Fresh
Air In
Fresh Air
Supply
Minimum 36"
Stale
Air Out
Breathing "T"
g. III

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6. Interior Ducting
Ducting to the central forced air ductwork system, or if used, a dedicated duct
system, should be made of galvanized metal whenever possible.
To minimize airow losses, runs should be kept as short as possible using 45
degree elbows instead of 90 degree. Whenever possible use “Y” ttings instead
of “T” ttings.
All joints must be fastened with screws, rivets or duct sealant and wrapped
with a quality duct tape to prevent leakage. If standard grills are used, it is
recommended that wall grills of not less than 6” x 12” and oor grills of no less
than 4” x 10” be used to minimize air ow restrictions.
7. Fresh Air Supply Ducting
Fresh air supply ducting to the living space may be either a dedicated or an
indirect duct system. Please refer to gures I and II.
Should the indirect method be used it is suggested that at the point of
connection to the HRV that a short length of ex duct be used to electrically
isolate the two systems.
Fresh air supply grills may be either wall or ceiling mounted. Avoid locating
these grills where room occupants may be exposed to the fresh air supply as this
air temperature may be slightly less than the room air temperature.
Also, it is recommended that adjustable grills such as round “Tech Grills” be
used to permit balancing of the ventilation by room application.
It is recommended that a breathing “T” be installed in the fresh air duct between
the HRV and the central distribution system. This will maximize efciency, but
hard connection is acceptable.

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8. Stale Air Return System
The stale air return system is used to extract humid, stale air from the areas
of the dwelling where the worst air quality conditions might exist. These may
include areas such as laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Note that C.S.A.
Standard F326 requires that air be exhausted from each room with a forced air
furnace.
Wall stud spaces can be used as ducting for high wall returns provided that they
are lined with galvanized metal.
Note: Check local code compliance before implementing.
Adjustable “Tech Grills” are recommended for use in the return air system. They
can be wall or ceiling mounted thereby permitting balancing of the air being
exhausted. Stale air return grills should be located at opposite ends in the room
to the fresh air grills to ensure good air exchange.
Please note that the exhaust air stream from a kitchen area must never be
connected to the kitchen range hood. Instead an exhaust grill should be mounted
high on the wall as required by local codes so as not to extract cooking by
products.
9. Air Flow Balancing
READ THE APPLICATION WARNING AT THE FRONT OF THIS MANUAL.
A magnehelic gauge and pilot tube ow measuring system is used for
easy and accurate air ow measurement
Upon completion of the installation it is necessary that the Ventilation System
be balanced. This is necessary to ensure that the volume of air being exhausted
from the dwelling is equal to the volume of air being supplied. Balancing will
also ensure that the HRV is operating at it’s maximum efciency.
Detailed check list to be carried out prior to balancing.
a) Install air ow station in each of the warm air streams.
b) Ensure that all ductwork is secured and sealed.
c) Drain connections are in place and drain trap lled with water.
d) Dwelling vapour barrier is complete and intact.
e) Fireplace dampers, windows and doors are closed.

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f) Clothes dryer off, (if vented to the outdoors)
g) Furnace, hot water heater, (non direct vent) are turned off.
h) All other exhaust fans are off.
i) Ensure that HRV lters and core are in place and integral balancing dampers
are wide open.
j) Power up HRV and set to high speed.
k) Adjust all branch tech grills and registers to desired air ows.
l) After taking readings at both the stale air being exhausted and the fresh
air supply air stream, damper down the higher air ow stream with the
integral balancing damper to equal the lower volume air stream.
m) Once the air ows are balanced lock the balancing dampers in place.
n) While it is necessary to ensure that both air streams are balanced within
10% of each other, a near balanced condition should be possible.
o) Upon completion, return the fan speed selection to the normal speed of low.
A positive pressure situation within the dwelling may drive moist air into
the external walls of the dwelling where, in cold weather, it may condensate,
potentially causing structural damage.
A negative pressure within the dwelling may have severe undesirable effects.
In some geographic locations, radon gas may be drawn into the living space.
A negative condition may also cause back drafting of vented combustion
appliances such as replaces and furnaces.
When it is possible for excessive pressurization or depressurization of a dwelling
to occur it may be necessary to perform a House Pressure Test. This test is most
important where fuel red devices are installed that are susceptible to spillage.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE IF THE “HOUSE
PRESSURE TEST” IS REQUIRED.

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Summeraire HRV Air Flow Balancing
A. Preliminary Procedures:
1. Seal all the unit’s ductwork with foil tape.
2. Close all windows and doors and replace damper, turn off all exhaust
devices (range hoods, clothes dryer, bath fan, etc.), make sure all lters are clean.
3. Set build-in balancing dampers fully open. Tap 1/8” hole in ductwork for
pitot tube insertion.
B. Balancing Procedures:
1.Set HRV to high speed. Make sure that the furnace blower is ON if the
installation is in any way connected to the ductwork of the furnace. If not,
leave the furnace blower OFF. Adjust air ow in branch lines if using source
point exhaust and/or supply.
2. If outside temperature is below -3°C (26°F), make sure defrost light is not
on while balancing.
3. Place magnahelic gauge on a level surface and adjust it to zero. Insert pitot
tube into exhaust air ductwork with tip aligned with ductwork, pointing away
from HRV, into air ow. Record the reading on gauge.
4. Move kit to other air stream HRV, insert pilot tube into fresh air ductwork
with tip aligned with ductwork, pointing towards HRV , into air ow.
Record reading on gauge. Adjust fresh air balancing damper until reading is
approximately the same as in exhaust air ductwork. If the reading in the fresh
air ductwork is less than in the exhaust air, go back and adjust the exhaust
balancing damper to equal the fresh air ow.
5. Secure dampers in place with fastening screw. Duct tape over pitot tube
holes.Convert FPM reading on gauge to CFM with conversion chart and
record on balancing sticker and afx to HRV near label.
6. Note: Unit is considered balanced if readings are within +/- 10%.