An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) controls the humidity levels in your home. Altering the humidity in your home is dependent on many factors so it is important to know when and how to do so.

Maintenance and control of your ERV

Press the power button which will activate green lights. To change the humidity level,

• Start by pressing the water droplet button
• You will see it go up in increments of ten starting with twenty percent and reaching up to sixty
• It is recommended to be at 40% most of the time

Lowering the Humidity Level

One reason to decrease the humidity level may be due to the temperature outside. If the weather gets to minus twenty (-20 degrees) or minus thirty (-30 degrees), lowering the humidity level to thirty (30%) will keep condensation out of your windows.

On your ERV, find the button that will turn the unit on low speed for twenty minutes and off for forty minutes. After
pressing the button, you will see it change to 20/40 mode.

Lowering the Speed

• Hitting the same button again, you will see the circle button turn on which means the fan is on low speed
• This will run continuously until you manually turn it off
• Removing humidity from your home quicker and removing smells are some reasons to consider putting your ERV in low speed

Turning the ERV On

Energy recovery is the lungs of your home as it brings in fresh air, expels failed air and also controls the humidity level. There is maintenance that must be done to the ERV for a thorough clean, at least twice a year. Once just before cooling, one just before heating.

ERV Maintenance

It is important to understand how to care for your energy recovery ventilator. This will ensure that it is operating properly and you will be able to notice if it is not running normally.

Removing the Filters

• To access the unit for proper cleaning you will need to open the clips on top
• There may be one on the side and the second one on the top
• Pull the door open and remove your first H filters
• Just simply slide them out and inspect them for dirt
• Rinse the filters with a hose or in the sink
• It is important not to scrub or wrinkle the filters since their durability reduces when wet
• When the filters are clean, set them aside

Removing the Core of the ERV

• Remove the core straight out, and use mild detergent to wash it with dish soap
• Rinse the core with a hose until it is clean (when the water runs through clear)
• Refrain from scrubbing across any of these, as this is where your air goes through
• It is important to make sure the airway is clear
• Set the core aside to dry

Inspecting the Drains of the ERV

The drains remove the humidity that collects which eventually goes through the tubes underneath. To inspect the drains:

• Use a wired brush to clean them
• If this drips on the floor, it is a sign that the unit was not cleaned properly
• Ensure that the holes of the drain are cleared
• Be cautious not to touch the doors or the dampers inside because they are set to bring the proper amount of air in and out

Returning the ERV to its original position

• Pick up the core and use the words on the front as a guide for which way it is put back into place
• Line up all the corners with the black rubber gasket and push it all the way in
• Pick up the first H filters you took out and put them back in the way that you found them
• Both filters are essentially the same, so the placement is not crucial
• Remember to check these filters a total of four times each to make sure they are clear
• Once the process is finished, push the door back and reinstall your clips
• If you shut it off just simply turn it on or plug it back in