This document is an installation and operation manual for Reversomatic HRV/ERV Compact Series units, specifically the RHRV-C100PECM (Polypropylene Core) and RERV-C100ECM (Enthalpy Core) models. These devices are designed for residential ventilation, facilitating the exchange of indoor stale air with outdoor fresh air while recovering heat or humidity.
Function Description:
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) units are designed to improve indoor air quality by continuously exhausting stale, polluted air from the home and supplying fresh, filtered outdoor air. HRVs are particularly suited for colder climates as they recover heat from the exhaust air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air, reducing heating costs. ERVs are ideal for warm, humid climates as they recover both heat and humidity, helping to maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels and reduce cooling loads. The manual emphasizes that published efficiencies are based on balanced airflows for both supply and exhaust.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual provides a parts list for both RHRV-C100PECM and RERV-C100ECM models, detailing components such as the HRV/ERV lid and pan assembly, 5" diameter polypropylene collars, polypropylene or enthalpy cores, 7" x 12" MERV-4 filters, temperature sensors, 5" polypropylene backdraft dampers, ECM motors, adjustable door latches, drain spout assemblies, core locking brackets and nuts, safety switches, main control boards (Superior ECM), main control board brackets, door hinges, and mounting brackets. Optional parts include a "T" connector, webbing/brackets/ladder locks, chains/springs/brackets, drain pipe, and motorized damper spring returns (120V, and built-in by factory).
The units feature ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) motors, which are known for their energy efficiency and quiet operation. The control board is a Superior ECM model (9361-ECM). The physical dimensions for both RERV-C100ECM and RHRV-C100PECM are listed as 20" (A), 21" (B), and 9¼" (C), likely referring to length, width, and height or similar dimensions for installation.
Wiring diagrams are provided for various accessories, including timer switches (TC100, TC100-120, TC100-120P, TC150-5V), wall switches, dehumidistats, and master ON/OFF switches. These accessories typically operate on low voltage (5V or 120V depending on the switch type) and connect to the main control board. The system can be interlocked with a furnace, fan-coil, or heat pump, ensuring coordinated operation. Standard and alternate interlock wiring diagrams are detailed, with a crucial warning against connecting a 120-volt AC circuit to low voltage interlock terminals.
Airflow balancing is a critical aspect, with a table showing CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) values for 5" and 6" duct diameters based on velocity pressure in inches. For example, a 5" duct with 0.010" velocity pressure yields 50 CFM, while a 6" duct with 0.004" velocity pressure also yields 50 CFM.
Usage Features:
The units can be installed in various configurations:
- Fully Ducted System: A standalone system not connected to a forced air system, drawing stale air from key areas (bathroom, kitchen) and supplying fresh air to main living areas.
- Furnace Return Air-duct Connection (Semi-Ducted System): Stale air is drawn from poor air quality areas (washrooms & kitchen) and exhausted, while fresh air is supplied to the furnace return air duct for distribution throughout the house. This setup recommends continuous furnace blower operation or interlock with the HRV/ERV.
- Horizontal/Vertical Installation: Instructions are provided for both orientations, including details on damper positioning and strapping systems for easier installation. A 32" clearance is recommended for core cleaning and servicing.
- Single Vent & Access Door Installation: Details on wall caps, grilles, and caulking for intake and exhaust vents, emphasizing minimum 5 feet distance between vents to prevent recirculation.
- Drain Connection: HRVs require a drain connection for condensation during defrost cycles. The manual specifies hand-tightening the plastic drain spout and creating a P-trap to prevent odors. ERVs generally do not require a drain, but it is recommended in areas with extreme cold.
- Air Flow Balancing: The manual stresses the importance of balanced airflows for maximum efficiency and proper defrosting. It outlines a balancing procedure using a Pitot tube and magnehelic gauge to measure velocity pressure and adjust fan speeds.
- Climate Zone Selection: HRVs are recommended for colder climates, while ERVs are designed for warm-humid climates with long cooling seasons, aligning with the U.S. Department of Energy climate zones map.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides detailed instructions for regular and annual maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the unit.
Regular Maintenance (Steps 1-5):
- Power Disconnection: Turn off the unit and disconnect the power supply.
- Access: Unlatch and lift the door panel, sliding it to the left.
- Cleaning Interior: Clean the inside of the door and drain pan with a damp cloth.
- Filter Cleaning (Twice a Year): Remove filters, vacuum dust, wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
- Damper and Sensor Check: Oil/grease defrost damper levers and hinges. Check airflow sensors twice a year for lint/dust accumulation and clean with a lint-free cloth if necessary, ensuring they are returned to their original positions.
Annual Maintenance (Continuing from Regular Maintenance Steps):
- Core Cleaning:
- HRV Core: Remove filters, loosen the core locking bracket, remove the core, and clean dust with a vacuum cleaner or rinse with cold water. For deeper cleaning, soak and rinse in warm soapy water.
- ERV Core: Remove dust using a vacuum cleaner.
- Warning: Do not use cleaning solutions, pressure washers, dishwashers, bleach, or chlorine on the core.
- Motors: Motors are maintenance-free and permanently lubricated.
- Drain Tube and Pipe Inspection: Inspect the drain tube, drain pipe, and P-trap for blockages, mold, or kinks. Flush with warm soapy water and replace if worn or damaged.
- Duct Work Cleaning (Annually): Wipe and vacuum ducts to remove dirt. Contact a heating/ventilation company if needed.
- Fan Cleaning: Fans may accumulate dirt, causing imbalance, vibration, and reduced airflow.
- Open the service door, remove the core, disconnect fan motor wires, remove screws, pull out the fan assembly, check for accumulation on blades, and clean with a small brush (scrub individual blades, vacuum, wipe).
- Reassemble components, reconnect power, and turn on the unit.
- Warning: Disconnect power before servicing to prevent electrical shock.
- Exterior Fresh Air Supply Hood Check: Ensure no leaves, twigs, grass, ice, or snow block the vent, as partial blockage can cause malfunction.
- Reassembly: Reassemble filters and door (secured with a click).
- Power Reconnection: Reconnect power and turn on the unit.
Troubleshooting:
The manual includes a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Low Airflow: Possible causes include improper balancing, clogged filters/cores, blocked fresh air supply, duct restrictions, or low power supply. Solutions involve professional balancing, cleaning components, inspecting ducts, and checking voltage.
- Cold Air from Supply: Could be due to a blocked exhaust hood, improper balancing, or extremely cold outdoor temperatures. Solutions include cleaning the hood, balancing the unit, checking furniture placement, or installing a duct heater.
- Water in HRV Bottom: Indicates clogged drain pans, drain tube, drain pipe, or P-trap. Solutions involve checking for blockages, kinks, connections, and ensuring proper drainage.
- Timer Switch Light Issues: Loose connections, defective switch, or turned-off HRV/ERV breaker. Solutions include checking connections, replacing the switch, or resetting the main controller.
- Unit Not Defrosting Properly: May be caused by a frozen fresh air duct, improper airflow balancing, or a defective temperature sensor. Solutions include removing ice, balancing the unit, or replacing the sensor.
- Timer Switch LEDs Blinking (All 3): Indicates a control board error or lost communication. Solutions involve referring to problem 4 (timer switch light issues) and checking wire connections.
- LEDs Flashing (0.5 sec On/Off pattern):
- Pattern 1 (3 flashes): Exhaust fan open circuit (motor burned or overheated) or damper obstructed, or exhaust fan jam/over-current. Solutions include replacing the motor/fan, checking the backdraft damper, or replacing the fan.
- Pattern 2 (4 flashes): Supply fan open circuit (motor burned or overheated) or damper obstructed, or supply fan jam/over-current. Solutions include replacing the motor/fan, checking the backdraft damper, or replacing the fan.
- Pattern 3 (7 flashes): Temperature sensor failure (both motors shut off). Solution is to replace the temperature sensor.
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