I am looking for a ductless HRV unit that I can install inline with the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. We are trying to eliminate extra ducting as we are installing in-floor radiant heating in a concrete slab floor. We are designing in Ontario, Canada so it must comply with our regulations.
Is there such a product or is there something similar that would work?
Thanks.
Replies
There are ductless HRV units that install like a window air conditioner.
What you're talking about is a ducted unit, but you should never run the kitchen range exhaust through any HRV or AC or heat pump, as the grease will destroy it. A kitchen exhaust hood must be ducted directly outdoors.
You can run the bathroom vent into the HRV exhaust ducting but you don't need an extra fan, as the HRV has its own balanced intake and exhaust fans and balanced flow is essential for proper operation. Most HRVs are designed to boost the flow rate when a switch is flipped in the bathroom (or when a dehumidistat senses excess humidity) during showering.
But it's often better to seperately duct the bath fans directly outside for intermittent moisture removal during showering and use the HRV for what it's intended - to supply a constant controlled air exchange (min. 0.35 ACH) to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
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Edited 1/14/2009 5:58 pm ET by Riversong