Aprilaire 8145NC - User Manual

The Aprilaire Model 8145 and 8145NC Fresh Air Ventilators are designed to precisely introduce outdoor air into efficiently designed homes. These devices duct the inlet to an outdoor air intake and discharge to the HVAC system, providing mechanical ventilation that meets various standards such as Energy Star Certified Homes, EPA Indoor airPLUS, International Residential Code (IRC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), California Energy Commission Title 24, and ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, 2013, & 2016.

Function Description:

The ventilator's primary function is to bring in fresh outdoor air, filter it, and distribute it through the home's HVAC system. The Model 8145 includes an integral control for managing ventilation settings, while the Model 8145NC requires an external control. Both models feature an integral damper that opens when ventilation is active. The system can be configured to operate the HVAC blower during ventilation, either continuously or only when outdoor temperatures are within a set range (blend mode). Temperature and humidity limits can be set to prevent ventilation during extreme outdoor conditions, with options to make up for missed ventilation time (code setting) or prioritize comfort (cFrt setting).

Important Technical Specifications:

Airflow (CFM) and Efficacy (CFM/watt):
- At 0.0 "w.c. external static pressure: 210 CFM, 5.2 CFM/watt
- At 0.2 "w.c. external static pressure: 180 CFM, 4.4 CFM/watt
- At 0.4 "w.c. external static pressure: 150 CFM, 3.5 CFM/watt
- At 0.6 "w.c. external static pressure: 120 CFM, 2.8 CFM/watt
Voltage: 120 VAC, 1 phase, 60 Hz.
Dimensions:
- Length: 23.41 inches (overall), 19.66 inches (main body)
- Width: 13.01 inches
- Height: 12.25 inches (overall), 13.906 inches (with mounting plate)
Duct Connections:
- Inlet: Round collar for 6" diameter duct
- Outlet: Oval collar for 6" diameter duct
Weight: Approximately 15 pounds.
Power Cord: 6-foot power cord with a standard 3-prong plug (NEMA 5-15).

Usage Features:

Control Options:
- Model 8145: Features an integral control with a digital display for setting ventilation time (minutes/hr), mode of operation (Code or Comfort), and HVAC fan operation. It includes an on-board outdoor temperature sensor.
- Model 8145NC: Requires external controls such as Aprilaire IAQ Control Models (8910, 8910W, 8920W), Aprilaire Thermostat Models (8620, 8620W), or Aprilaire Model 8120X Digital Ventilation Controller. An outdoor temperature sensor may be required for these external controls to use outdoor temperature limits.
Ventilation Settings:
- Required Continuous CFM Calculation: Based on floor area (ft²) and number of bedrooms.
- Ventilation Time Setting: Calculated as (Required Continuous CFM / Measured CFM) * 60 minutes per hour.
- Temperature Limits: High and low outdoor temperature limits can be set to prevent ventilation during extreme conditions.
- Humidity Limits (cFrt mode only): High and low outdoor RH limits can be set to prevent ventilation during high or low humidity conditions.
- HVAC Fan Operation: Can be set to ON (always runs with ventilation), bLnd (runs only when outdoor temperature is outside a set range for tempering), or OFF (HVAC fan does not run with ventilation).
Test Mode: Allows verification of ventilator operation, damper opening, HVAC blower activation, and measurement of delivered airflow.
Rater/Inspector Verification: Allows display of calculated Required Continuous CFM and Measured CFM to verify settings.
Sequence of Operation:
- "CODE" Setting: Ventilation occurs for the set minutes during a one-hour cycle. If outdoor temperature exceeds limits, ventilation is skipped but made up in subsequent cycles (adjusting to 4, 8, 12, or 24-hour cycles). HVAC blower turns on if wired and set up.
- "COMFORT" Setting: Ventilation occurs for the set minutes during a one-hour cycle, but only if outdoor temperature and RH are within set limits. Missed ventilation due to limits is not made up. HVAC blower turns on if wired and set up.

Maintenance Features:

Filter Cleaning: The fresh air filter should be removed and cleaned every six months, with an initial check after three months to determine optimal frequency. To clean, flex the outside edges of the filter door to disengage it, lift the door, remove the filter, rinse with water, shake off excess moisture, and replace.
Intake Hood Screen Cleaning: The screen at the fresh air intake hood on the outside of the house should also be cleaned regularly, as a clogged screen is a common cause of reduced ventilation.
Service Access: Requires 12 inches of filter access and 24 inches of fan access for servicing.
Installation: Can be mounted in any orientation (wall, hanging from joists, between floor joists, surface mount) using provided brackets and screws. Ductwork requires 6" insulated flexible duct. Electrical installation requires a standard NEMA 5-15 receptacle.