HRV Service

What is an HRV Unit?

An HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) is a crucial element in modern homes, designed to enhance indoor air quality significantly. Its primary purpose is to circulate fresh air throughout the home while efficiently expelling stale air outside. What makes HRVs particularly remarkable is their ability to introduce fresh air even on the coldest days. They achieve this by transferring heat from the outgoing air to the incoming cold air, ensuring a comfortable environment without sacrificing energy efficiency.

HRVs excel at eliminating odors much more effectively than homes without them. Whether it's lingering cooking smells or bathroom odors, an HRV works quickly to improve the air quality in your home.

Another significant advantage of having an HRV is its ability to manage humidity levels. If you often find moisture accumulating on your windows, it may indicate excessive humidity in your home. An HRV can address this issue by maintaining optimal humidity levels, thereby enhancing comfort and preventing potential damage from mold or mildew.

How HRV Works:

The HRV system works by drawing in fresh air from the outside and exhausting stale air from the inside simultaneously. However, before the two air streams exit or enter the home, they pass through a heat exchanger. This component allows the warm exhaust air from the home to transfer its heat to the incoming cooler air during winter, or vice versa during the summer months, without the two airflows mixing directly. This energy-efficient process reduces heating and cooling costs by limiting the amount of energy needed to condition incoming air.

HRV Issues: What You Need to Know

When your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) system malfunctions, it can be both frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, Quality Heating has extensive experience with HRV systems and can assist you in navigating these challenges.

Common Problems with Venmar and VanEE Units:

• Motor failures

• Board failures

• Damper failures

• Control stat issues

• Timer issues

• lose wires

What Should You Do If You Suspect an Issue with Your HRV?

Contact us by calling or sending an email. To assist you effectively, we will need specific information.

Please note that there are several versions of HRV units from multiple manufacturers, including Venmar, VanEE, Lifebreath, and others. To streamline the diagnostic process, please provide us with your unit's model and serial number, which can typically be found on the side or exterior of the unit.

Helpful Tips for Diagnostics:

If possible, provide us with photos or, even better, a short video demonstrating what the unit is doing, along with a description of the suspected issue. This information will significantly enhance our ability to diagnose the problem efficiently.

Limited information about the unit's behavior can prolong the diagnostic process and may lead to higher diagnostic fees.

We recommend being upfront and honest about the situation. While our HRV maintenance services are designed to address routine maintenance, any significant issues discovered during maintenance that require extensive diagnostics may result in a diagnostic bill rather than a maintenance charge.

For prompt and professional service, please call us or email us to schedule an appointment to repair your unit.

Model and serial number placard Loose Wire, caused short Wall controller flashing none stop

Maintenance of HRV Units

Introduction:

Quality Heating is a professional HRV service company that specializes in the repair, installation, and maintenance of HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators). We’ve developed thorough maintenance practices aimed at preventing malfunctions and ensuring long-term efficiency.

Section 1: Filter Cleaning Process

Our first step during HRV maintenance is to check the basic operational function of your unit. Before any detailed work begins, we ensure your HRV is functioning properly. Once verified, we proceed with the cleaning process.

We start by removing all the filters within your HRV. Typically, this includes two smaller filters, such as the Venmar 02300, and the main core filter, often referred to as the heat exchanger. The core filter is vital to your HRV's function, as it's where fresh and stale air exchange heat.

Cleaning Detail:

Our cleaning process involves basic cleaning, typically vacuuming any major debris from the filters. While a more thorough cleaning, involving soap and water and a soak in a cleaning solution for up to four hours, is recommended, this level of service can be costly. In many cases, it’s more practical for homeowners to follow manufacturer instructions for deep cleaning, as it can be more cost-effective.

Section 2: System Testing and Evaluation

After the cleaning and reinstallation of filters, we flush the condensation lines with warm water to remove debris. Once this step is complete, we begin testing the unit’s key systems.

We carefully observe the damper motor, the main assembly motor, the control board, and the transformers, ensuring everything is functioning as expected. We also make sure all wires are securely fastened on the terminal blocks. This ensures safety and prevents loosening over time due to vibration.

Final Testing:

Lastly, we test the control stat and timers. If you have any concerns or would like more information about how to use or troubleshoot your control stat, we are happy to provide additional guidance.