Venmar FAE125 User manual

09219 rev. 02
INSTALLATION AND USER MANUAL
VB0134
FURNACE AIR EXCHANGER WITH HEAT RECOVERY
MODELS
ADDRESS OF YOUR INSTALLER
FAE125
VFAE125
FAE 125M
VFAE125M
INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH HOMEOWNER
CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE NUMBER: 1-800-567-3855

2
This manual uses the following symbols to emphasize particular information:
NOTE: Indicates supplementary information needed to fully complete an instruction.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
WARRANTY
Venmar Ventilation inc. or vänEE Canada warrants to the original purchaser of its products
that such products will be guaranteed against all manufacturing defects and defective
material for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase. The heat recovery
core is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.
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 option,
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 2-year period as specified for the
express warranty. Some jurisdictions 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
JURISDICTIONS 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 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 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.
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.

3
ABOUT THESE UNITS
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO
PERSON(S), OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
1. This unit is intented for residential installation only.
2. Installation work and electrical wiring must be done by a qualified
person(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and standards,
including fire-rated construction codes and standards.
3. This unit is not designed to provide combustion and/or dilution air for
fuel-burning appliances.
4. Do not install in a cooking area or connect directly to an appliance.
5. Before servicing or cleaning the unit, disconnect power from HVAC
system.
6. When cutting or drilling into wall or ceiling, do not damage electrical
wiring or other hidden utilities.
7. Do not use FAE125M and VFAE125M units with any solid-state speed
control device. Use only with Dehumidistat wall control provided with
the unit.
8. This unit must be installed in a weatherized location, out of direct
sunlight and protected from the elements.
9. Use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer. If you
have questions, contact the manufacturer at the telephone number
listed in the warranty.
10. When performing installation, servicing or cleaning the unit, it is
recommended to wear safety glasses and gloves.
11. Servicing shall be done by qualified service personnel.
12. When applicable local regulations comprise more restrictive installation
and/or certification requirements, the aforementioned requirements
prevail on those of this document and the installer agrees to conform to
these at his own expenses.
!
CAUTION
1. For general ventilation use only. Do not use to exhaust hazardous or
explosive materials and vapors.
2. Intended for residential installation only in accordance with the
requirements of NFPA 90B and in compliance with all local and national
codes that are applicable.
3. Be sure to duct air outside. Do not intake/exhaust air into spaces within
walls or ceiling or into attics, crawl spaces, or garage.
4. To avoid premature clogged filter, turn OFF the unit during construction
or renovation.
5. Please read the unit specification label on the product for further
information and requirements.
6. At least once a year, the unit mechanical and electronic parts (if need
be) should be inspected by qualified service personnel.
7. The FAE125M or VFAE125M must be connected to a 24-volt class 2
circuit only.

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1. S ERVICE PARTS ................................................................................... 5
2. TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................6-7
2.1 AIR DISTRIBUTION........................................................................................6
2.2 HEAT RECOVERY ......................................................................................... 6
2.3 DURING COLD WEATHER...............................................................................6
2.4 DIMENSIONS ...............................................................................................7
2.5 SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................7
2.6 PERFORMANCE CHART .................................................................................7
3. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS .......................................................................... 8
4. INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 8-10
4.1 LOCATING AND MOUNTING THE UNIT................................................................8
4.2 CONNECTING DUCTS TO THE UNIT ..................................................................9
4.3 INSTALLING EXTERIOR HOODS ........................................................................ 9
4.4 CONNECTING THE DRAIN............................................................................. 10
5. AIR FLOW BALANCING..................................................................... 10-12
6. WALL CONTROL (FAE125M AND VFAE125M ONLY) .............................. 12
6.1 INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING WALL CONTROL .................................................. .12
6.2 WALL CONTROL CONNECTION TO THE UNIT ................................................... 12
7. M AINTENANCE..................................................................................... 13
8. TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................. 14
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. SERVICE PARTS
1
3
4
5
68
7
9
10
11
12
13
2
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND REPAIRS
In order to ensure your ventilation unit remains in good working condition, you must use the manufacturer
genuine replacement parts only. The manufacturer replacement parts are specially designed for each
unit and are manufactured to comply with all the applicable certification standards and maintain a high
standard of safety. Any third party replacement part used may cause serious damage and drastically
reduce the performance level of your unit, which will result in premature failing. The manufacturer
recommends to contact a certified service depot for all replacement parts and repairs.
NO.PART NO.DESCRIPTION FAE125 OR
VFAE125
FAE125M OR
VFAE125M
1 02253 BALANCING DAMPER 22
2 02256 PORT FOR BALANCING DAMPER 22
3 18620 HEAT RECOVERY CORE 11
4 09214 FILTER 11
5 18619 DOOR ASSEMBLY (WITH SCREWS)1 1
6 18618 MOTORIZED DAMPER ASSEMBLY
(WITH DAMPER SPRING)—1
7 18682 DRAIN CONNECTOR WITH FOAM 11
8 18683 DOOR SCREWS (4 PER KIT)1 1
9 02021 PORT 22
10 09221 DAMPER SPRING 11
11 09220 HARDWARE KIT 11
12 18617 DAMPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY —1
13 10177 DAMPER MOTOR COVER —1
VL0037

6
2. TECHNICAL DATA
2.1 AIR DISTRIBUTION
The figure below shows the air flows inside the units.
EXHAUST AIR
TO OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
FROM OUTSIDE
FRESH AIR
TO BUILDING
EXHAUST AIR
FROM BUILDING
VF0047
2.2 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
EXHAUST AIR FROM BUILDING
60°C/140°F
(DURING HEATING MODE)
FRESH AIR TO BUILDING
35°C/95°F
FRESH AIR FROM OUTSIDE
0°C/32°F
EXHAUST AIR TO OUTSIDE
25°C/77°F
2.3 DURING COLD WEATHER
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.
CAUTION
When the outside temperature is under -7°C (19°F), the furnace must operate
intermittently in heating mode to prevent frost accumulation inside the unit.

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2. TECHNICAL DATA (CONT'D)
2.4 DIMENSIONS
2.5 SPECIFICATIONS
MODELS FAE125, VFAE125 FAE125M, VFAE125M
WEIGHT 28 LB. (12.7 KG)
PORTS DIAMETER 6 INCHES (152 MM)
DRAIN DIAMETER 1/2 INCH (12 MM)
INSTALLATION CHAINS (PROVIDED WITH THE UNIT)
POWER SUPPLY N/A 24 VAC
POWER CONSUMPTION N/A 6 WATTS
6” typ.
19 ¹³/16”
24¼”
9 5/8”
20 5/16”
22” *
VK0069A
* 22” height for FAE125M and VFAE125M models only.
2.6 PERFORMANCE CHART
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 Sections 3 and 4 for more details.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40
FURNACE STATIC PRESSURE (in. w.g.)
Airflow (cfm )
Fresh air from outside
Stale air to outside
VG0084A

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3. TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS
The figure below illustrates a typical installation. The fresh air intake hood must be located
at least 6’ away from the outdoor exhaust hood (measurement A), the fresh air from outside
duct must be at least 6’ away from the furnace (measurement B) and the stale air from inside
duct must be at least 18” from the furnace (measurement C). Ducts connected to outdoor
hoods must be insulated.
VH0080
4. 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.
Slightly bend all 4 hooks located on both port
sides of the unit in order to hang it to ceiling
joists with the 4 chains provided (see figure at
right).
VD0233
CAUTION
Make sure the unit is level.

9
VD0034
4. INSTALLATION (CONT'D)
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.
CAUTION
Make sure that the vapor barrier on the insulated ducts does not tear during
installation.
a)
VJ0001 VJ0002 VJ0003 VJ0004 VJ0005
b) c) d), e) f)
4.3 EXTERIOR HOODS INSTALLATION
Choose an appropriate location for the exterior hoods installation:
• At a minimum distance of 6 feet between the hoods to avoid cross-contamination
• At a minimum distance of 18 inches from the ground
Make sure the intake hood is at least 6 feet 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 below for connecting the insulated duct to the hoods. An “Anti-Gust Intake
Hood” should be installed in regions where a lot of snow is expected to fall.
EXHAUST
HOOD
INTAKE
HOOD
18"
6" Ø
OPTIONAL DUCT
LOCATION
18"
6"
18"
6"

10
4. INSTALLATION (CONT'D)
4.4 CONNECTING THE DRAIN
Cut 2 sections of the plastic tube, at least 16” long,
and attach them to each inner drain fitting, located
under the unit.
Join both short sections to the “T” junction and
main tube as shown.
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 located OVER the
“T” as shown. Run the tube to the floor drain or to
an alternative drain pipe or pail.
IMPORTANT
If using a pail to collect water, locate the tube end
approximately 1” from the top of the pail in order
to prevent water from being drawn back up into
the unit.
VO0177A
16” 16”
VD0232A
± 1”
TIE WRAP
5. AIR FLOW BALANCING
What you need to balance the unit:
• A magnehelic gauge capable of measuring 0” to 0.25”
water gauge (0 to 62.5 Pa) and 2 plastic tubes.
• Two flow collars (6” diameter).
VP0005
FLOW COLLAR

11
5. AIR FLOW BALANCING (CONT'D)
Preliminary Stages for Balancing the Unit:
Seal all the unit ductwork with duct tape. Close all windows and doors. Turn off all exhaust
devices such as: range hood, dryer and bathroom fan(s). Make sure balancing dampers are
fully opened (Fand Gin figure below).
Choose appropriate locations for the 2 flow collars according to figure below:
• On the exhaust air duct (first measuring location, A).
• On the fresh air distribution duct (second measuring location, B).
• At least 36” away from the unit; at least 12” before or after a 90° elbow; at least 12” away
from a register.
12”
12”
36”
OR
VP0018A
B
F
G
A
Flow Collars Installation:
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.
Balancing Procedure:
1. Set the furnace blower to maximum 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(see figure above). 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 Bin
illustration above) and note reading. Adjust the fresh air
balancing damper Funtil the reading at Bis approximately
the same as the reading at A.
If the reading at Bis less than the reading at Athen go back
and adjust the exhaust balancing damper Gto equal the fresh
air flow.
LOW HIGH
FLOW
VP0003
LOW HIGH
FLOW
VP0004

12
5. AIR FLOW BALANCING (CONT'D)
CAUTION
Some activities create dust or vapors wich may damage your unit.You must
turn off your unit by disconnecting it in the following situation:
• Major renovation work • Sanding of gypsum joints
• House building • Varnishing
Balancing Procedure (cont'd):
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 ducts 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.
6. WALL CONTROL (FAE125MAND VFAE125MONLY)
6.1 INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING WALL CONTROL
The 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. The wall control part number for FAE125M unit is 11297, and the wall control part
number for VFAE125M unit is 200694.
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.
6.2 WALL CONTROL CONNECTION TO THE UNIT
Connect one damper actuator wire to one transformer wire. Connect the second transformer
wire to one wall control wire. Connect the second wall control wire to the second damper
actuator wire. See below.
VE0211A
Damper
Actuator
Compartment
Class 2 Transformer
Not supplied
24Vac
Class 2
120
Vac
Field wiring
Not supplied
Wall
Control
Wire Nuts
Included
Wire Nut
Not included

13
7. M AINTENANCE
WARNING
We take great care to keep sharp edges to a minimum, but please be careful
when handling components.
!
Regular maintenance should be performed every 3 months.
BSet the wall control to 80% (FAE125M or VFAE125M units only).
CRemove both door lower screws
no. 8-32 x 1” (A) and set aside.
Open and lift out the door (B).
DSlide out the filter and 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).
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.
ESlide out and wash 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.
FClean the condensation tray with a damp cloth.
GReinstall the heat recovery core and the filter. Reinstall the door by reversing operations in
step C.
HCheck 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.
ISet the wall control to its previous position (FAE125M and VFAE125M units only).
CAUTION
The heat recovery core must be handled with care.
CAUTION
Even a partial blocking of this air vent could cause the unit to malfunction.
AB
VO0178
VO0179

14
If you think your unit is malfunctioning, check the following:
PROBLEMS TRY THIS
1
Nothing works
(models FAE125M
and VFAE125M only).
• See if the transformer is plugged in.
• See if the transformer is receiving power
from the house circuit breaker.
2
Condensation on windows
(air too humid).
• Adjust the humidity control knob as per
instructions (see Section 6) (FAE125M
and VFAE125M models only).
• Leave curtains half-open to allow air
circulation.
• Store all firewood in a closed 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
(FAE125M and VFAE125M models only).
• Temporarily use a humidifier.
8. TROUBLESHOOTING