Venmar FAE115 User manual

Installation and User Manual
Address of your installer
04423 07/04/00
Furnace Air Exchanger with
Heat Recovery
CANADIAN MODELS US MODELS
FAE115 vFAE115 uFAE115
FAE115M vFAE115M uFAE115M
INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL TO HOMEOWNER
Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-567-3855
VB0026

This manual uses the following symbols to emphasize particular information:
NOTE: Indicates supplementary information needed to fully complete an instruction.
2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
WARNING
Identifies an instruction which, if not followed, might cause serious
personal injuries including possibility of death.
!
CAUTION
Denotes an instruction which, if not followed, may severely damage
the unit and/or its components.
Venmar Ventilation Inc. or vänEE Canada warrants to the original consumer purchaser
of its products, that such products will be guaranteed against all manufacturing
defects and defective material for a period of three (3) years and a lifetime warranty
on the heat recovery core (used under normal conditions).
THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. VENMAR VENTILATION INC. OR vänEE CANADA
WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CLAIMS OVER THE ORIGINAL
PURCHASE PRICE OF A FURNACE AIR EXCHANGER WITH HEAT RECOVERY,
NOR HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE OR INCIDENT.
During the period stated above, Venmar Ventilation Inc. or vänEE Canada will, at
its opinion, repair or replace, without charge, any product or part which is found
to be defective under normal use and service. This warranty does not cover a) normal
maintenance and service, b) any products or parts which have been subject to misuse,
negligence, accident, improper maintenance or repairs made by other than Venmar
Ventilation Inc or vänEE Canada, or c) a faulty installation or installation contrary to
recommended installation instructions.
The duration of any implied warranty is limited to the 3-year period as specified
for the express warranty. Some states or provinces do not allow limitation on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
VENMAR VENTILATION INC. OR vänEE CANADA'S OBLIGATION TO REPAIR OR
REPLACE AT VENMAR OR vänEE'S OPTION, SHALL BE THE PURCHASER'S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY. VENMAR OR vänEE SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH PRODUCT USE OR PERFORMANCE.
SOME STATES OR PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION
OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION
OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which
vary from state or province to another. This warranty supersedes all prior warranties.
To contact Venmar Ventilation Inc. or vänEE Canada warranty service call
1-800-567-3855 in Canada and United States.
In order to qualify for a warranty claim, the owner of a Furnace Air Exchanger with
heat recovery must have the model and serial number along with a proof of the
original purchase date. At the time of requesting service, describe the nature of
any defect in the product or part.
In case of discrepancies between the english version of the warranty and the
french version, the english version will prevail.
WARRANTY

1.0 SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.1 Service Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.2 Parts Ordering Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2.0 TECHNICAL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2.1 Air Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2.2 Performance Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.3 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.4 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
3.0 TYPICAL INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4.0 INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4.1 Locating and Mounting the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4.2 Connecting Ducts to the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
4.3 Installing Exterior Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
4.4 Connecting the Drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
5.0 AIR FLOW BALANCING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
6.0 YOUR UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.1 Unit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.2 Heat Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
6.3 During Cold Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.0 HOW TO OPERATE THE UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.1 Instructions Regarding Wall Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.2 Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8.0 MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.1 Every Three Months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 SERVICE PARTS
4
1.0 SERVICE
1.2 PARTS ORDERING CHART
Number
1.
2.
3.
Part Description
Basic Filter
Heat Recovery Core
Damper Motor
Part Number
04432
04433 Canada/ 04455 US
04434
VL0004
2 2
1
1
3
NOTE: Unit in normal position. Can also be installed upside down.
FAE115M,
uFAE115M & vFAE115M
FAE115,
uFAE115 & vFAE115
2.0 T ECHNICAL D ATA
2.1 AIR DISTRIBUTION
VF0014
STALE AIR
FROM HOUSE
FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO HOUSE
STALE AIR
TO OUTSIDE
The Figure 1 illustrates the air flow inside units (all models).
Figure 1

5
These following curves illustrate the air volume through the units for a typical
installation. A typical installation is close to an exterior wall, in order to shorten
the insulated duct length. On the warm air side (between the unit and the
furnace), use steel rigid ducts. It is strongly recommended to minimize the
number of elbows to ease air flow. See Section 3.0 and 4.0 for more details.
2.2 PERFORMANCE CHART
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
5040 60 80 100 1209070
Flows (cfm)
Pressure (in. water gauge)
VG0031A
Stale air Fresh air
0.05
0.15
0.25
110
2.3 DIMENSIONS
VK0028
22.562”
(573 mm)
27.250”
(692 mm)
1.500’’
(38 mm)
2.225”
(57 mm)
20.000”
(508 mm)
14.500”
(368 mm)
6.000”
(152 mm)
NOTE: Typical illustration; dimensions are the same for all models.
* For models FAE115M, uFAE115M and vFAE115M only.
Weight 35.3 lbs (16 kg) 40.6 lbs (18.4 kg)
Port diameter 6 inches (152 mm) 6 inches (152 mm)
Drain diameter 1/2 inch (12 mm) 1/2 inch (12 mm)
Installation Chains (provided with the unit) Chains (provided with the unit)
Electrical supply* 24 Volts, AC 24 Volts, AC
Power consumption* 6 Watts 6 Watts
Models FAE115 & FAE115M uFAE115 & uFAE115M
vFAE115 & vFAE115M
2.4 SPECIFICATIONS

6
3.0 TYPICAL INSTALLATION
The Figure 2 below illustrates a typical installation. The fresh air intake hood
must be at least 6’ (1.8 m) away from the outdoor exhaust hood (measurement A),
the fresh air from outside duct must be at least 6’ (1.8 m) away from the furnace
(measurement B) and the stale air from inside duct must be at least 18” (457mm)
from the furnace (measurement C). Ducts 1, 2and 3must be insulated.
VH0012
6'
6'
18"
Figure 2
4.0 INSTALLATION
4.1 LOCATING AND MOUNTING THE UNIT
Choose an appropriate location for the unit:
•So as to provide easy access to the interior cabinet.
•Close to an exterior wall, so as to limit the length of the insulated flexible duct to
and from the unit.
•Close to a drain. (If no drain is close by, use a pail to collect run-off.)
•Away from hot chimneys, electrical panel and other fire hazards.
•Allow for a power source (120 Volts AC) (For models FAE115M, uFAE115M and
vFAE115M only).
Hang the unit to ceiling joists with the 4 chains (See Figure 3).
Make sure the unit is level.
VD0033
Figure 3
A1
2
3
C
B

7
4.2 CONNECTING DUCTS TO THE UNIT
Insulated flexible ducts:
Use the following procedure for connecting the insulated flexible ducts to the ports on the
unit (exhaust to outside and fresh air from outside).
a) Pull back the insulation to expose the flexible duct.
b) Connect the interior flexible duct to the opening using a duct tie.
c) Carefully seal the connection with duct tape.
d) Pull the insulation over the joint and tuck it between the inner and outer rings of double collar.
e) Pull the vapor barrier over the insulation and over the outer ring of the double collar.
f) Apply duct tape to the joint making an airtight seal. Avoid compressing the insulation
when you pull the tape tightly around the joint. A compressed insulation loses its R value
and also causes water dripping due to condensation on the exterior surface of the duct.
a) b) c) d), e) f)
VJ0001
VJ0002
VJ0003
VJ0004
VJ0005
CAUTION
Make sure that the vapor barrier on the insulated ducts does not tear
during installation.
4.3 INSTALLING EXTERIOR HOODS
Choose an appropriate location for installing the exterior hoods:
• A distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 m) one from the other
• A distance of 18 inches (457 mm) from the ground
Make sure the intake hood is at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from any of the following:
• dryer exhaust, high efficiency furnace vent, central vacuum vent
• gas meter exhaust, gas barbecue-grill
• any exhaust from a combustion source
• garbage bin and any other source of contamination
Refer to Figure 4 for connecting the insulated ducts to the hoods. An “Anti-Gust Intake
Hood” should be installed in regions where a lot of snow is expected to fall.
VD0034
Figure 4
Exhaust hood
Optional duct
location
Intake
hood
6ӯ
(152 mm)
18”
(457mm)
18” (457mm)
18” (457mm)
6’ (1.8m) 6’ (1.8m)

8
4.4 CONNECTING THE DRAIN
a) Attach the 2 plastic drain fittings to the
unit using the gaskets and nuts as shown.
b) Cut 2 sections of plastic tubing, about
12”(305 mm) long and attach them to
each drain fitting.
c) Join these 2 short sections to the “T”
junction and main tube as shown.
d) Make a water trap loop in the tube to
prevent the unit from drawing unpleasant
odors from the drain source. Make sure
this loop is situated BELOW the “T” as
shown. This will prevent water from being
drawn back up into the unit in case of
negative pressure.
e) Run the tubing to the floor drain or to an
alternative drain pipe or pail. Be sure
there is a slight slope for the run-off.
f) Plug the other drain holes not used with
two (2) caps and O-rings provided in
installation kit.
12"
VO0004
VO0008
VO0006
VO0005
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
to drain

9
5.0 AIR FLOW BALANCING
• A magnehelic gauge capable of
measuring 0 to 0.25 inches water
gauge (0 to 62.5 Pa) and
2 plastic tubes.
• Two flow collars (6” diameter).
What you Need to Balance the Unit
Preliminary Stages for Balancing the Unit
Insert the flow collars in the duct at each location. Make sure their arrows are pointing in
the direction of the airflow. Tape collars in place temporarily.
Installation of Flow Collars
VP0005
VP0008
A
36¨(914mm)
12¨(304mm)
OR
B
12¨(304mm)
F
G
Flow collar
Seal all the unit ductwork with tape. Close all windows and doors. Turn off all exhaust
devices such as: range hoods, dryers and bathroom fans. Make sure balancing dampers are
fully opened (F and G in Figure 5 below).
Choose appropriate locations for the 2 flow collars according to Figure 5:
•On the exhaust air duct (first measuring location, A)
•On the fresh air distribution duct (second measuring location, B)
•At least 36”(914 mm) away from the unit; at least 12”(304 mm) before or after a
90°elbow; at least 12”(304 mm) away from a register.
Figure 5

10
1. Set the furnace blower to high speed.
2.Place the magnehelic gauge on a level surface and adjust it to zero.
3.Connect tubing from gauge to flow collar in exhaust air stream at
location A (Figure 5 on page 9).
Be sure to connect the tubes to their appropriate
high / low fitting.
If the gauge reading drops to below zero, reverse the tubing
connections.
Note: it is better to start with the exhaust air flow reading
because the exhaust typically has more restriction than the
fresh air.
Hold or place the magnehelic gauge upright and level. Record the
reading.
4.Move tubing to the other side of the unit (location B in Figure 5
on page 9) and note reading. Adjust the fresh air balancing
damper F until the reading at B is approximately the same as the
reading at A.
If the reading at B is less than the reading at A then go back and
adjust the exhaust balancing damper G to equal the fresh
air flow.
5.If the furnace has a low speed option, select the low speed option
and check if the fresh air flow and the stale air flow are still
balanced.
6.Remove flow collars, reconnect the duct and seal with duct tape.
Write the required airflow information on a label and stick it near the unit for future
reference: (date, maximum speed airflows, your name and phone number and business
address).
NOTES:
• Most flow collar kits provide a conversion chart situated on the collar which enables you
to convert magnehelic gauge readings to equivalent cfm values.
• A difference of ± 10 cfm ( ± 0.015 inches water gauge) between the 2 readings is
considered balanced.
• If you are using only one flow collar, then, after completing the first reading, transfer this
measuring device to the other side of the unit and take the second reading.
Balancing procedure
LOW HIGH
FLOW
VP0003
LOW HIGH
FLOW
VP0004

11
6.1 UNIT DESCRIPTION
6.0 YOUR UNIT
VL0004
1. Basic filter
2. Heat recovery core
3. Damper system (only on FAE115M, uFAE115M and vFAE115M units)
1
2 2
31
Unit in normal position. Can also be installed upside down.
FAE115,
uFAE115 & vFAE115
FAE115M,
uFAE115M & vFAE115M
6.2 HEAT RECOVERY
This unit is equipped with a heat recovery core, specifically designed to
reduce ventilation costs by recovering the heat energy from the exhaust air,
and using that same heat energy to warm the fresh air being supplied. This
heat recovery process is accomplished in such a way that the stale air is never
mixed with the fresh air.
Example (in winter):
VF0015
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
STALE AIR TO OUTSIDE 25°C/77°F
FRESH AIR FROM OUTSIDE 0°C/32°F
FRESH AIR TO BUILDING 35°C/95°F
STALE AIR FROM BUILDING 60°C/140°F
(During heating mode)
When the outside temperature is below the freezing point, heat recovery
creates frost in the module. If the furnace blower is set to operate
intermittently, the heat coming from the stale air will prevent unit frosting.
6.3 DURING COLD WEATHER
CAUTION
When the outside temperature is under -10°C (14°F), the furnace must
operate intermittently in heating mode to prevent frost accumulation
inside the unit.

12
7.1 INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING WALL CONTROL
(FAE115M, UFAE115M AND VFAE115M ONLY)
7.2 WIRING DIAGRAM
• Major renovation work • Sanding of gypsum joints
• House building • Varnishing
During very heavy snow storm, the unit should also be turned off to avoid
problems caused by snow entering the unit, if it is not equipped with an anti-gust
intake hood.
Connect transformer wires to unit terminals 1 and 3 and connect wall control
wires to unit terminals 1 and 2, as shown below.
7.0 HOW TO OPERATE THE UNIT
CAUTION
Some activities create dust or vapors wich may damage your unit.
You must turn off your unit and unplug it in the following situation:
If you owns a FAE115,a uFAE115 or a vFAE115 model, this Section doesn’t
concern your unit. Please refer to the next Sections.
This wall control works with a dehumidistat that allows you to select the
desired humidity level according to your needs. If the selector is set above the
click, the unit will close its damper and stop air exchange with outside. If the
selector is set below the click, the unit will open its dampers and allow air
exchange with the outside until the desired humidity level has been reached.
Venmar part number: #11297, vänEE part number: #200694.
VE0014A
BLACK
BLACK
BLUE
BLUE
Damper
Actuator
Class 2 Transformer
Not supplied
24 Vac
Class 2 120 Vac
Field wiring
not supplied
1
2
3
Wall
Control

13
1. Set the wall control to 80%.
(FAE115M, uFAE115M and
vFAE115M only)
2. Unlatch the door. Lift the panel
towards you. Hold it firmly and hit on
the right side of the pannel. The door
should slide to the left.
3. Clean the
filter
• Remove filter.
• Vacuum to remove most of the dust.
• Wash with a mixture of warm water and mild soap. You may add bleach if you
wish to disinfect
(one tablespoon per gallon or per 4 liters). Rinse thoroughly.
Shake filter to remove excess water and let dry.
NOTE: Washing the filter in the top tray of the dishwasher is possible, but the
aluminum frame might tarnish.
4. Remove and clean the heat recovery core.
• Let it soak in a mixture of cold or
lukewarm water and mild soap
(dishwashing liquid).
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Shake the core to remove excess
water and let it dry.
5. Clean the condensation tray with a damp
cloth.
NOTE: Unit shown is in reverse position but the unit can be installed in either
the “normal” or “reverse” (upside down) position.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE:
8.1 EVERY THREE MONTHS
Regular maintenance should be performed every 3 months.
8.0 M AINTENANCE
VO0007
WARNING
We take great care to keep sharp edges to a minimum, but please be
careful when handling components.
!
CAUTION
Handle the heat recovery core with care.
VD0035
VO0009

14
8.1 EVERY THREE MONTHS (cont’d)
6. Reinstall the components:
• Heat recovery core
• Filter
• Door (The door is secured when you hear a click.)
7. Check the exterior
air intake hood :
• Make sure there are no leaves, twigs, ice or snow that could be drawn into
the vent.
• Clean if necessary.
8. Set the wall control to its previous position (FAE115M, uFAE115M and
vFAE115M only).
CAUTION
Even a partial blocking of this air vent could cause the unit to
malfunction.
TYPE OF PROBLEM TRY THIS...
1 Nothing works. • See if the transformer is plugged in.
(models FAE115M, uFAE115M • See if the transformer is receiving
and vFAE115M only) power from the house circuit breaker.
2 Condensation on windows. • Adjust the humidity control knob as
(Air too humid.) per instructions (see Section 7)
(FAE115M, uFAE115M and vFAE115M
models only).
• Leave curtains half-open to allow air
circulation.
• Store all firewood in a close room
with a dehumidifier or in a well
ventilated room, or store the wood
outside.
• Keep the temperature in your house
above 18°C (64°F).
3 Air too dry. • Adjust your humidity control over
the click (FAE115M, uFAE115M and
vFAE115M models only).
• Temporarily use a humidifier.
9.0 Troubleshooting
If you think your unit is malfunctioning, check some of the following.