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DUCTING THE SYSTEM
A well designed ducting system will allow the HRV to operate at its maximum efficiency. Avoid the use of
undersized ducting and sharp radius bends and tees which can significantly increase the system pressure drop
and reduce the air flows.
To minimize pressure, drop and noise, galvanized metal ducts sized for the given velocities are recommended:
Keep ducting as short as possible and use a minimum of elbows and tees. Connecting sections and shorter
runs may be flexible ducting one size larger than the metal duct. Use flexible duct connectors at the HRV to
avoid noise transmission.
All duct joints must be secured with screws, rivets or duct sealant and sealed with aluminum duct tape to
prevent leakage.
General Exhaust Systems
In installations where it is satisfactory to provide general exhaust from the space, the air to be exhausted may
be taken directly from the return air plenum to the HRV as it is drawn back to the air handler. Fresh air
supplied by the HRV is then introduced directly into the return air plenum but at a location close to the air
handler. The air handler would have a constant running blower to effectively distribute the fresh air and
remove the stale air. Balancing dampers would be in both the HRV supply and exhaust ducts between the
return air plenum and the HRV.
Warm-Side Ducting – General:
Ducting from the HRV to different areas within the building should be galvanized metal whenever possible.
To minimize airflow losses in the ductwork system, all ducts should be as short as possible and with as few
bends or elbows as possible. Use 45 degree elbows instead of 90 degree elbows, whenever possible. Use Y
tees instead of 90 degree tees whenever possible.
All duct joints must be fastened securely and wrapped with a quality duct tape to prevent leakage. We
recommend aluminum foil tape.
• Flexible duct connectors should be installed between the HRV and the galvanized ductwork.
• Use fully insulated ducting with an integral vapour barrier on all runs that pass through unheated areas
to avoid condensation problems and energy losses from the air streams. Consult local codes.
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