Have you been ignoring your Heat Recovery Ventilator? 7 simple steps to keep your HRV happy...
Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) are designed to exhaust the stale outgoing air from your home and warm the incoming fresh air. While HRVs can help make your home a clean, healthy living environment, while keeping fuel bills down, it can't do all this without your help.
The Seven Steps to a Happy HRV
Step 1: Turn Off Your HRV
First, turn off your HRV and unplug it.
Step 2: Clean or Replace Air Filters
Dirty or clogged filters can lower ventilation efficiency. Try to clean your filters at least every two months. Filters in most new HRVs can be easily removed, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then washed with mild soap and water before being replaced. Older units have replaceable filters. If your HRV is easily accessible, this is a five-minute job.
Step 3: Check Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Hoods
Remove leaves, waste paper or other obstructions that may be blocking the outside vents of your HRV. Without this vital airflow, your HRV won't function properly. During winter, clear any snow or frost buildup blocking outside vents.
Step 4: Inspect the Condensate Drain
Check to see if your HRV has a condensate drain — a pipe or plastic tube coming out of the bottom. If it does, slowly pour about two litres of warm, clean water in each drain pan inside the HRV to make sure it is flowing freely. If there's a backup, clean the drain.
Step 5: Clean the Heat Exchange Core
Check your HRV owner's manual for instructions on cleaning the heat exchange core. Vacuuming the core and washing it with soap and water will reduce dust that can build up inside the core.
Step 6: Clean Grilles and Inspect the Ductwork
Once a year, check the ductwork leading to and from your HRV. Remove and inspect the grilles covering the duct ends, then vacuum inside the ducts. If a more thorough cleaning is required, call your service technician.
Step 7: Service the Fans
Remove the dirt that has been accumulated on the blades by gently brushing them. Most new HRVs are designed to run continuously without lubrication, but older models require a few drops of proper motor lubricating oil in a designated oil intake. Check your manual for complete instructions.
Your HRV should be serviced annually. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, contact a technician accredited by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). Make sure the technician you call has been trained by the manufacturer of your HRV.
Additional Resources
For more information about HRVs, contact Natural Resources Canada at 1-800-387-2000 or visit the Office of Energy Efficiency’s website at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.
