INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

▲ WARNING

• ATTENTION INSTALLER: Read this manual before installing. Improper installation or maintenance may cause property damage or injury. It is recommended that installation, service, and maintenance be performed by a trained service technician. This product must be installed in compliance with all local, state, and federal codes.
• ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD: 120 volts may cause serious injury from electric shock. Disconnect electrical power to the HVAC system and ventilator before starting installation or servicing. Leave power disconnected until installation/service is completed.
• Inhalation of toxic gases or fumes can be harmful. The fresh air intake must be mounted in a location away from sources of dangerous toxic gases. All ducting systems must be separate from other household exhaust systems.
• Insufficient combustion air may cause toxic conditions. The unit must not exhaust air from an enclosed room with combustion appliances.
• Excess negative or positive pressure may cause health problems or structural damage. The airflow must be balanced after installation.

▲ CAUTION

• SHARP EDGES MAY CAUSE INJURY FROM CUTS. Use care when cutting and handling ductwork. Always wear glasses/goggles and gloves when installing the unit.
• Dropping may cause personal injury or equipment damage. Handle with care and follow installation instructions.

NOTICE

• EQUIPMENT DAMAGE MAY OCCUR IF INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED.
• Disconnect power to HVAC system during wiring to avoid electrical shorts.
• Screwing the brackets or any other hardware into any other location but the designated mount location may cause damage and invalidate the warranty.
• Do not force damper blades by hand, as damage to the product may occur.
• The fresh air duct from outside and to the house and the stale air duct from the unit to the outside must be fully insulated to prevent condensation from forming on the ductwork.

SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE 1: MODEL V22BEC SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE 2: AIRFLOW CURVE

FIGURE 1: DIMENSIONS (INCHES)

The unit dimensions are approximately 23.125 inches in length, 27.5 inches in width, and 9 inches in height. The duct ports are located on the sides.

Airflow Curve Graph Description: A line graph shows the relationship between External Static Pressure (in "w.c.) on the y-axis and Net Supply Airflow (CFM) on the x-axis. The graph shows a decreasing trend, indicating that as static pressure increases, airflow decreases. For example, at 0.1" w.c., airflow is 124 CFM, and at 1.0" w.c., airflow is 100 CFM.

CARTON CONTENTS

The carton contains the following items:

• A. Inner Pack
• B. Energy Recovery Ventilator Unit
• C. Quick Start Guide
• Mounting Hardware:
  • D. 4 Lag Bolts and Washers
  • E. 6 Mounting Bracket Screws
  • F. Mounting Bracket Brace
  • G. Left and Right Mounting Brackets
  • H. 4 Thumb Screws

FIGURE 2: CARTON CONTENTS: A visual representation of the items included in the carton, showing the ERV unit, brackets, screws, and guide.

LOCATION CONSIDERATIONS

Install Unit Indoors

It is recommended that the unit be mounted in a conditioned space. If the unit is mounted in an area where the temperature may drop below 32°F (0°C) or exceed 100°F (38°C), it is recommended that all ductwork in the unconditioned space be insulated to prevent condensation.

Mounting Options

The unit can be mounted on the floor, wall, or ceiling. Select a location with sufficient strength and stability, such as beams, ceilings, or other sturdy structures capable of fully supporting the weight of the unit (50 lbs.). The mounting bracket is predrilled for fastening to standard 16" on-center (O.C.) or 24" O.C. stud spacing.

Ensure the proper weight-bearing capacity of the chosen mounting surface and material. Insufficient strength can lead to safety hazards, vibrations, and abnormal operating noises.

Ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the air passage around the installation site. Proper airflow is essential for optimal performance.

Provide ample clearance around the unit to facilitate maintenance and service activities. Allow a minimum of 24" clearance around the access door. Allow for 12" of clearance to access duct connections, on/off switch, and wiring connections. See FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 3: SERVICE CLEARANCES: Diagram indicating required clearances: 12 inches on the sides and above/below, and 24 inches in the front for access.

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

BRACKET ASSEMBLY AND UNIT PREPARATION

• Using 4 of the bracket screws provided, secure the left and right brackets to the bracket brace. See FIGURE 4.
• Install the 4 thumb screws into the ERV, leaving 3/16" of exposed thread (Approximately 6 turns from fully seated). See FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 4: BRACKET ASSEMBLY: Shows the left and right mounting brackets being attached to the bracket brace using screws.

FIGURE 5: THUMB SCREWS: Illustrates the placement of thumb screws on the ERV unit, with a detail showing the 3/16" exposed thread.

WALL MOUNT

• If installing to 16" on-center (O.C.) studs for a wall mount configuration, the bracket shall be oriented so the bracket brace is vertical. It is recommended to position the openings of the slots so they are open to the left for ease of reading the digital display. See FIGURE 6.
• If installing to 24" O.C. studs for a wall mount configuration, the bracket shall be oriented so the bracket brace is horizontal. The openings of the slots MUST be facing up to safely secure the unit. See FIGURE 7.
• Using the supplied lag bolts and washers, fasten the bracket to the wall in the appropriate orientation. Mount the ERV at a location and into materials suitable to handle the unit's weight (50 lbs.) and potential jostling during maintenance.
• Once the bracket is secure, hang the unit. Position the unit so the control box is facing away from the openings of the slots in the bracket.
• Slide the unit between the brackets so the exposed threads from the thumb screws fall into the slots and then into the holes.
• Once positioned, tighten the thumb screws.
• Insert and tighten two remaining bracket screws into the retention holes in the brackets to lock the unit into place.

FIGURE 6: 16" O.C. WALL MOUNT ORIENTATION: Depicts the bracket orientation for 16" stud spacing, with the brace vertical and slots facing left.

FIGURE 7: 24" O.C. WALL MOUNT ORIENTATION: Depicts the bracket orientation for 24" stud spacing, with the brace horizontal and slots facing up.

CEILING MOUNT

Determine mounting position for the unit and orient the bracket assembly appropriately for either 16" or 24" O.C. installation. Mount the ERV at a location and into materials suitable to handle the unit's weight (50 lbs.) and potential jostling during maintenance.

• Using the supplied lag bolts and washers, fasten the bracket to the ceiling.
• Once the bracket is secure, hang the unit. Position the unit so the control box is facing away from the openings of the slots in the bracket.
• Slide the unit between the left and right brackets so the exposed threads from the thumb screws fall into the slots and then into the holes.
• Once positioned, tighten the thumb screws.
• Insert and tighten two remaining bracket screws into the retention holes in the brackets to lock the unit into place.

FLOOR MOUNT

Determine mounting position for the unit and orient the bracket assembly accordingly.

• Using the supplied lag bolts and washers, fasten the bracket to the floor.
• Once the bracket is secure, place the unit into the bracket. Position the unit so the control box is facing away from the openings of the slots in the bracket.
• Slide the unit between the brackets so the exposed threads from the thumb screws fall into the slots and then into the holes.
• Once positioned, tighten the thumb screws.
• Insert and tighten two remaining bracket screws into the retention holes in the brackets to lock the unit into place.

DUCTING

DUCTWORK SPECIFICATION

1. Temporarily install two air flow measuring devices. The system will have to be balanced (BALANCING THE SYSTEM section) after all ductwork has been installed. The measuring devices are removed after the system has been balanced.
2. All flexible ductwork must meet UL safety standards for Class 1 air ducts and connectors.
3. All ductwork must be installed according to local HVAC codes and standards.
4. All ductwork located in an unheated space must be completely sealed and insulated.
5. For optimal performance and quiet operation, all duct runs should be kept as short, straight, and equal in length as possible.

GRILLE AND HOOD SPECIFICATIONS

1. The living space return grille should not have less than 75 in² of free area. Grille surfaces less than this may produce excess air noise.
2. Exterior intake and exhaust hoods must be weather resistant. The hoods must also incorporate a screen to prevent unwanted debris, animals, and insects from entering the ductwork. The screen should have a maximum of 1/4" openings.
3. Caulk both hoods to prevent water leakage.
4. Intake and exhaust hoods should be above the expected snow line or a minimum of 18" above ground level, whichever is greater.

DUCTWORK CONNECTIONS-FORCED AIR SYSTEM

1. All duct collars are clearly labeled and must be connected properly.
2. Rigid ductwork should be connected to the collars with sheet metal screws.
3. It is recommended that flexible ductwork be connected with clamps or bands.
4. All duct connections should be sealed with duct tape or mastic to prevent leakage.

RETURN: FROM LIVING SPACE TO ERV

1. Stale air from the house should be pulled from one grille centrally located, such as a hallway. For multi-floor homes, the exhaust grille should be located on the same floor as the kitchen.
2. To keep the core free of grease, the ERV ductwork must not be connected to a kitchen exhaust fan duct.
3. The ERV ductwork should remain separate from bathroom exhaust fan ducts.

SUPPLY: FRESH AIR FROM ERV TO HOUSE

It is recommended that the fresh air supply duct be connected directly to the HVAC return duct with a collar, a minimum of 10 feet from the HVAC blower.

OUTDOOR: EXHAUST AND FRESH AIRCONNECTIONS

1. Insulated duct is recommended for both duct runs connecting the ERV to the outdoors. The vapor barrier must be sealed at both ends and extend from the ERV housing to the outer wall.
2. The intake and exhaust hoods must be located at least 10 feet apart to avoid cross contamination.
3. The intake hood should be a minimum of 10 feet from an appliance vent that exhausts toxic fumes. The hood should not be installed near sources of pollution and/or extreme temperatures, such as furnace exhaust, car exhaust, dryer vents, etc.
4. Do not connect the ERV exhaust to any gas appliance flue.
5. Do not connect the exhaust outlet into an attic, storage or garage space. Excess moisture could develop in these areas, possibly causing damage to the home.

DUCTWORK CONNECTIONS WITHOUT FORCED AIR

1. All the ducting connection procedures apply, with the exception of the following changes:
2. The fresh air supply can be ducted to various parts of the home, where fresh air is needed.
3. It is recommended that no more than 3 fresh air supply ducts be used to ensure adequate airflow.
4. The total free area of supply grilles should not be less than 75 in². For example: Three supply ducts would require a minimum of 25 in² of free area each.
5. Do not place a supply outlet in the same room or in the vicinity of the stale air return from the house.
6. It is recommended that the fresh air supply be in a hall or foyer to avoid drafts and blower noise in occupied areas.

SETTING AIR FLOW AND BALANCING THE SYSTEM

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

• Two Dwyer Magnahelic Differential Pressure Gauges; Series 2000, 0-0.25" w.c. (or equal). NOTE: Do not use a standard differential pressure gauge that reads above 0.25" w.c. The reading will not be accurate for the airflow provided by the ERV.
• Two airflow measuring devices, Part #5158, or airflow measuring device of your choice.
• 3/16" ID flexible tubing.
• Drill with 7/8" bit.

BALANCE PREPARATION

Before balancing the system, verify the following:

1. Make sure the energy transfer core and filters are installed correctly. The filters come in a protective plastic that must be removed before operation of the unit.
2. Check all ductwork connections to be sure they are installed and sealed properly.
3. Fasten door securely to housing.

The unit features a three-position speed switch, with 'I' or 'II' settings used for establishing continuous operation mode or the STANDBY/OFF mode. External controls can be connected to allow the unit to provide fresh air as determined by need. The 'I' setting shall be used for set up and operation of the unit. See FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 8: THREE-POSITION SPEED SWITCH: Shows a switch with positions labeled 'I', 'II', and 'STANDBY/OFF'.

MEASURING AIRFLOW

1. Drill a 7/8" hole in the return and supply ducts.
2. Install the two airflow measuring devices in the duct using the drilled holes and seal with tape. Verify the airflow arrows are pointed in the direction of airflow. The measuring devices should be a minimum of 2-1/2 feet from the damper in a 5 foot section of straight duct. See FIGURE 9.
3. Set up the pressure gauges so that they are vertical and level and adjust to zero.
4. Connect the tubing from the airflow measuring devices in the ducts to the pressure gauges. See FIGURE 9. The high pressure tap on the airflow measuring device must be connected to the high pressure tap on the pressure gauge. Similarly, connect the low pressure tap on the measuring device to the low pressure tap on the pressure gauge.
5. Turn off the HVAC system blower and any other exhaust fans.
6. Plug in and turn on the unit to 'I' setting.
7. Read the pressure gauges. If the values are the same, the system is balanced, and the air flow can be set to either gauge. If the values are different, make note of the lower of the two, as this is what will be used to set the airflow.
8. Using the appropriate gauge reading, locate that value in TABLE 3 on page 9, and compare it to the desired airflow.
9. If the measured airflow matches the desired airflow and the two gauge readings are equal, then set-up of the blower speeds is complete.
10. If the measured airflow does not match the desired airflow or is not balanced, then adjustment will be required. See ADJUSTING BLOWER SPEEDS section.

FIGURE 9: SET-UP FOR BALANCING AIRFLOW: Diagram illustrating the setup for airflow measurement, showing airflow measuring devices in ducts connected via tubing to pressure gauges. It indicates a minimum 5-foot duct section and 2.5 feet clearance from the damper.

ADJUSTING BLOWER SPEEDS

Both the supply and exhaust fan speeds can be adjusted individually.

• The controller circuit board is equipped with a digital indicator and buttons labeled <KEY1>, <KEY2>, and <KEY3>. These buttons are used for setting the operation mode and editing operation parameters. To access the set-up menu, press <KEY1>. Navigate the menu using the <KEY2> and <KEY3> buttons. The display indicates the current setting for the menu item. Menu items available are:
  • ALL - Changes the speed equally for both the supply and exhaust air streams. The display shows the air speed as a percentage of motor speeds and ranges between 1%-100% of maximum CFM.
  • SPL - Changes the speed of only the supply air stream. The display shows the supply air speed as a percentage of motor speeds and ranges between 1%-100% of maximum CFM.
  • EHT - Changes the speed of only the exhaust air stream. The display shows the supply air speed as a percentage of motor speeds and ranges between 1%-100% of maximum CFM.
  • dEF - Resets blower speeds to factory default settings.
  • Cor - Used to calibrate the temperature sensor correlation at the factory.
  • Prg - Displays the software version.

TO ADJUST BLOWER SPEEDS

1. Reference TABLE 3 and determine what gauge reading corresponds to the desired airflow for your installation. Make a note of the desired pressure gauge reading.
2. Access the set-up menu by pressing <KEY1>. Using the <KEY2> and <KEY3> buttons, navigate to ALL.
3. When ALL is displayed, press <KEY1> to enter the ALL setting. This will display the current fan setting percentage. While observing the pressure gauge readings on the Magnahelic Differential Pressure Gauges, press the <KEY2> and <KEY3> buttons to change the blower speed until the lower of the two pressure gauge readings matches the desired pressure gauge reading from TABLE 3.
4. Press <KEY1> to exit the ALL speed set up menu.
5. Determine if the higher pressure gauge reading is in the supply air stream or the exhaust air stream. If the higher reading is in the supply air stream, then the SPL speed will need to be adjusted. If the higher reading is in the exhaust air stream, then the EHT speed will need to be adjusted.
6. Once it has been determined which air stream needs to be adjusted, using the <KEY2> and <KEY3> buttons, navigate to either SPL or EHT depending on which needs to be adjusted.
7. When the correct menu, either SPL or EHT, is displayed, press <KEY1> to enter the setting. While observing the readings on the Magnahelic Differential Pressure Gauges, press the <KEY2> and <KEY3> buttons to change the higher value to match the lower value.
8. Press <KEY1> to exit the speed set up menu.
9. Once this is complete, both pressure gauge readings should be equal and should match the desired pressure gauge reading from TABLE 3. The unit is now balanced at the desired airflow.

TABLE 3 - AIRFLOW APPROXIMATIONS: AIRFLOW IN A 6" DUCT AS MEASURED USING MAGNAHELIC DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE GAUGES

NOTES:

1. If airflow is restricted by more than 20% (see bold values in TABLE 3), check ductwork and connections to increase flow.
2. The pressure reading from the pressure gauges should only be used to translate into CFM per TABLE 3 - it does NOT measure duct static pressure.

DEFROST OPERATION

The unit has a defrost operation that prevents freezing of the recovery core in the cold season. This function is activated automatically and cannot be manually turned on or off. The ventilation unit periodically switches from normal operation mode to the special defrost mode (the exhaust fan runs on high speed and the supply fan is off) and vice versa according to the signal from the supply air stream temperature sensor. The temperature conditions for this mode are described in TABLE 4.

TABLE 4: DEFROST CONDITIONS

SYSTEM START-UP

The unit features a three-position speed switch, with 'I' or 'II' settings used for establishing continuous operation mode or the STANDBY/OFF mode. External controls can be connected to allow the unit to provide fresh air as determined by need. The 'I' setting shall be used for set up and operation of the unit. See FIGURE 8.

There are also provisions for connection to the AprilAire Thermostat with IAQ Control, AprilAire Model 8120X Ventilation Controller, or any third-party 24 VAC, dry contact, normally open external control to allow the unit to provide fresh air in accordance with the ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010. The standard uses home size and the number of bedrooms to determine the required ventilation rate.

CONTINUOUS OPERATION

1. Plug in the power cord to a 120 VAC grounded outlet.
2. Turn the switch to setting I.

OPERATION WITH AN APRILAIRE THERMOSTAT WITH IAQ CONTROL

1. Locate the terminals for connection to an external controller.
2. Run 2-wire cable (18-24 AWG) from the ERV to the AprilAire Thermostat with IAQ Control.
3. Connect one wire to the terminal block for the position marked VENT.
4. Connect the other wire to the terminal block for the position marked VENT.
5. Connect the other end of the 2-wire cable to the VENT terminals of the AprilAire Thermostat with IAQ Control.
6. Reference the AprilAire Thermostat with IAQ Control Installation Instructions to set the ventilation timing.
7. Plug in the ERV.
8. Ensure the switch is in the STANDBY/OFF position.

OPERATION WITH AN APRILAIRE MODEL 8120X VENTILATION CONTROLLER OR THIRD-PARTY CONTROL

1. Locate the terminals for connection to an external controller.
2. Run 2-wire cable (18-24 AWG) from the ERV to the ventilation controller.
3. Connect one wire to the terminal block for the position marked VENT. See FIGURE 10.
4. Connect the other wire to the terminal block for the position marked VENT.
5. Connect the other end of the 2-wire cable to the A/A terminals of the Model 8120X Ventilation Controller. If using a Third-Party Control, reference the Third-Party Control Installation Instructions to connect to the control.
6. Reference the AprilAire Model 8120X Ventilation Controller Installation Instructions or Third-Party Control Installation Instructions to set the ventilation timing.
7. Plug in the ERV.
8. Ensure the switch is in the STANDBY/OFF position.

FIGURE 10: EXTERNAL CONTROLLER WIRING: Diagram showing terminal connections for external controls, labeled VENT and VENT, with connections to an AprilAire Thermostat or a Third-Party Control (24 VAC, DRY CONTACT, NORMALLY OPEN).

TROUBLESHOOTING