vanEE has restructured their residential line of heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). Although still available, venerable vanEE products will gradually be phased out in favor of the new superCompact line. It contains three models: The Solo uses the standard crossflow heat exchange core used for years by most manufacturers. The Husch "constructo" targets the contractor market with a no-frills unit, which contains a crossflow core and a less expensive cabinet. The biggest change for vanEE is the Duo.

The completely new Duo uses a thermal wheel exchanger that transfers both heat and moisture. The sturdy plastic wheel rotates between the exhaust air stream and the incoming fresh air stream. As it rotates, the wheel picks up heat and passes it to the other side.

Desiccant material cooked into the plastic wheel also transfers about 80 percent of the moisture from one air stream to the other. This is important in cold climates where wintertime ventilation can lead to air that is too dry. When too much humidity, is present indoors a bypass system guides some of the exhaust air around the thermal wheel, reducing moisture recovery to 50 percent.

The heat and moisture transfer processes reverse in summer when ventilation often brings in air that's too moist. Because most of the moisture stays in the air, the Duo needs no condensate drain.

Duo models deliver between 64 and 77 percent recovery efficiency and air flow rates between 114 and 180 cfm at 0.4 in. w.g. static (54 to 85 L/S at 100 pascals).

All three models in the superCompact line share convenient features that should please installers. First, all three are the same size and shape (16.5 x 30.25 x 17.25 inches). Second, the defrost systems recirculates air inside the unit, making electric heaters unnecessary. Finally, pressure taps and balancing dampers are built in, so installers can measure and adjust air flow at the main unit.

Contact:
Venmar Ventilation, Inc.