Broan HRV150S, HRV190S, and ERV180S Installer Manual

About This Manual

This manual covers multiple models (HRV150S, HRV190S, ERV180S); illustrations are typical. Pay attention to symbols:

Broan-NuTone LLC welcomes suggestions regarding this manual or unit. Contact Broan-NuTone by phone at 1-800-558-1711.

About These Units

Limitation

For residential (domestic) installation only. Installation work and electrical wiring must be performed by qualified persons according to all applicable codes and standards, including fire-rated construction codes.

Technical Data

Air Distribution (Normal Operation)

Diagram showing air flow paths in normal operation: Fresh outdoor air (blue arrows) is drawn into the unit, passes through the heat/energy recovery core, and is supplied to the building. Stale indoor air (red arrows) is drawn from the building, passes through the core, and is exhausted outside. The two air streams exchange heat/energy without mixing.

Air Distribution (Defrost Mode)

Diagram showing air flow paths in defrost mode: During defrost, the outdoor air intake is temporarily closed. Indoor air (red arrows) is recirculated through the unit and the heat/energy recovery core to melt any ice buildup. Stale air from the building is still exhausted, and fresh air supply is temporarily paused or reduced.

Defrost Cycles Tables

HRV150S Unit

ERV180S Unit

HRV190S Unit

Dimensions

HRV150S and HRV190S

Diagram showing dimensions for HRV150S and HRV190S units. The unit is rectangular, approximately 35" (891 mm) wide and 17" (432 mm) high. The main body is 30¼" (768 mm) deep. It features a motorized damper, terminal block location, door, blower assembly, and heat recovery core. Port diameter is 6" (152 mm). Power cord length is 36" (914 mm). Hooks for hanging chains are located on top.

ERV180S

Diagram showing dimensions for ERV180S unit. The unit is rectangular, approximately 39" (991 mm) wide and 17" (432 mm) high. The main body is 34" (864 mm) deep. It features a motorized damper, terminal block location, door, blower assembly, and energy recovery core. Port diameter is 6" (152 mm). Power cord length is 36" (914 mm). Hooks for hanging chains are located on top.

Specifications

Typical Installations

There are three common installation methods:

Fully Ducted System

Primarily for homes with radiant hot water or electric baseboard heating. Moist, stale air is exhausted from high humidity areas (bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room). Fresh air is supplied to bedrooms and main living areas. Bathroom fans and range hoods can supplement stale air exhaust. Homes with multiple levels require at least one exhaust register at the highest level.

Diagram illustrating a fully ducted system: The HRV/ERV unit is connected to a network of ducts. Exhaust ducts draw air from bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry. Supply ducts deliver fresh air to bedrooms and living areas. The system is independent of the furnace ductwork.

Exhaust Ducted System (Source Point Ventilation)

For homes with forced air heating. Moist, stale air is exhausted from high humidity areas. Fresh air is supplied to the cold air return or supply duct of the furnace. Bathroom fans and range hoods can supplement stale air exhaust. Homes with multiple levels require at least one exhaust register at the highest level.

Diagram illustrating an exhaust ducted system: The HRV/ERV unit draws stale air from specific points (bathrooms, kitchen) via dedicated exhaust ducts. Fresh air from the unit is then supplied into the furnace's return or supply ductwork, allowing the furnace blower to distribute it throughout the house.

Simplified (Volume Ventilation)

For homes with forced air heating. Fresh air and exhaust air flow through the furnace ducts, simplifying installation. Bathroom fans and a range hood are suggested for exhausting stale air.

Diagram illustrating a simplified (volume ventilation) system: The HRV/ERV unit is connected directly to the furnace's return and supply ducts. This allows the furnace blower to handle both fresh air distribution and stale air exhaust throughout the entire house.

Installation

Inspect the Content of the Box

• Inspect the exterior of the unit for shipping damage (door, latches, hinges, dampers, duct collars, cabinet, etc.).
• Inspect the interior for damage (fan motor assembly, recovery module, insulation, dampers, condensation tray).
• If damaged during shipping, contact your local distributor within 24 hours of delivery.

Locating and Mounting the Unit

Choose an appropriate location:

• Ambient temperature between 50°F and 104°F.
• Away from living areas (dining room, living room, bedroom), if possible.
• Easy access for every three months and annual maintenance, and to the control panel.
• Close to an exterior wall to limit insulated flexible duct length.
• Close to a drain; if not, use a pail to collect run-off.
• Away from hot chimneys, electrical panels, and other fire hazards.
• Allow for a standard outlet power source.

Hang the unit with the 4 chains and springs provided. Diagram shows the unit being hung from a ceiling using chains and springs, with connections for ductwork and a drain.

Planning of the Ductwork

1. Follow Section 3.4 to determine appropriate duct diameters.
2. Keep it simple: minimum bends and joints. Minimize insulated duct length.
3. Do not use wall cavities as ducts. Do not use branch lines smaller than 4" Ø.
4. Do not ventilate crawl spaces or cold rooms. Do not attempt to recover exhaust air from a dryer or range hood (causes clogging). Use sheet metal for kitchen exhaust duct.
5. Plan for at least one exhaust register on the highest lived-in level if the house has 2 floors or more.

Calculating the Duct Size

Use the table below to ensure ducts carry air flows at or under recommended values. Avoid installing ducts near maximum values, and never exceed maximum values.

Example of Calculation

PROBLEM: Installation requires two exhaust registers (kitchen, bathroom). These connect to a main duct, which connects to the unit (high speed performance 140 cfm). What size duct for the main exhaust duct and for the two end branches?

Diagram illustrating ductwork for the example: A main branch (6" Ø, 140 CFM) splits into two end branches (5" Ø, 70 CFM each) leading to registers.

SOLUTION: Simplified method (refer to ASHRAE or HRAI HANDBOOK for detailed method).

• Main duct: Table indicates a 6" Ø duct has recommended air flow 120 cfm; maximum 180 cfm. High speed air flow of 140 cfm is close to recommended (120) and far from maximum (180). Therefore, a 6" Ø duct or larger is appropriate.
• End branches: Each end branch transports 70 cfm (140 divided by 2). Table indicates a 5" Ø duct has recommended air flow 75 cfm; maximum 110 cfm. High speed air flow of 70 cfm is close to recommended (75) and far from maximum (110). Therefore, a 5" Ø duct or larger is appropriate.

Example of a Design for a Fully Ducted System for a Unit Having a High Speed Performance of 222 CFM

Diagram illustrating a complex fully ducted system with various duct diameters and CFM values. A 7" Ø main duct (222 CFM) branches into smaller ducts (e.g., 6" Ø 129 CFM, 6" Ø 93 CFM, 6" Ø 84 CFM, 6" Ø 96 CFM, 6" Ø 138 CFM) and further into 5" Ø and 4" Ø branches (e.g., 5" Ø 64 CFM, 5" Ø 65 CFM, 4" Ø 42 CFM). This shows how different duct sizes are used to manage varying airflows throughout a residential ventilation system.

Installing the Ductwork and the Registers

Fully Ducted System (as illustrated in Section 2.1)

Stale Air Exhaust Ductwork:

• Install registers in contaminant-producing areas: Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room.
• Install registers 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling on an interior wall OR in the ceiling.
• Install kitchen register at least 4 feet from the range.
• If possible, measure air velocity; if higher than 400 ft/min., replace with a larger register.

Fresh Air Distribution Ductwork:

• Install registers in bedrooms, dining room, living room, and basement.
• Install registers in the ceiling or high on walls with airflow directed towards the ceiling (cooler air mixes with room air before descending).
• If a register is floor installed, direct airflow up the wall.

Exhaust Ducted System (as illustrated in Section 2.2)

Stale Air Exhaust Ductwork:

Same as for Fully Ducted System (point 3.5.1).

Fresh Air Distribution:

Two methods for connecting the unit to the furnace:

Method 1: Supply Side Connection

• Cut an opening into the furnace supply duct at least 18 inches from the furnace.
• Connect this opening to the fresh air distribution port of the HRV/ERV (use metal duct). Diagram shows a metal duct connecting the HRV/ERV to the furnace supply duct, with a minimum distance of 18 inches from the furnace. The HRV/ERV duct forms an elbow inside the furnace ductwork.
• If desired, interlock (synchronize) furnace blower operation with HRV/ERV operation (See Section 5).

Method 2: Return Side Connection

• Cut an opening into the furnace return duct not less than 10 feet from the furnace (A+B).
• Connect this opening to the fresh air distribution port of the HRV/ERV. Diagram shows a metal duct connecting the HRV/ERV to the furnace return duct, with a total distance (A+B) of not less than 10 feet from the furnace.

Simplified Installation (as illustrated in Section 2.3)

Two methods for connecting the unit to the furnace ducts:

Method 1: Return-Supply

Diagram shows the HRV/ERV unit connected to the furnace. The stale air intake connects to the furnace return duct (minimum 10 feet from furnace). The fresh air distribution connects to the furnace supply duct (minimum 18 inches from furnace). Both connections use metal duct.

Method 2: Return-Return

Diagram shows the HRV/ERV unit connected to the furnace. Both the stale air intake and fresh air distribution connect to the furnace return duct. The stale air intake connection is not less than 10 feet from the furnace, and the fresh air distribution connection is not less than 3 feet from the furnace.

Stale Air Intake:

• Cut an opening into the furnace return duct not less than 10 feet from the furnace.
• Connect this opening to the stale air intake port of the HRV/ERV.

Fresh Air Distribution:

Same instructions as for Method 1 or Method 2, section 3.5.2.

For Method 2 (Return-Return), ensure a distance of at least 3 feet between the 2 connections to the furnace duct.

Connecting the Ducts to the Unit

Insulated Flexible Ducts

Procedure for connecting insulated flexible duct to unit ports (exhaust to outside and fresh air from outside):

1. Pull back insulation to expose flexible duct and place it over inner port ring.
2. Install good quality aluminum duct tape on flexible duct to prevent potential water leakage.
3. Attach flexible duct to port using tie wrap.
4. Pull insulation over the joint and tuck it between inner and outer rings of the double collar.
5. Pull down vapor barrier (shaded part in illustrations) over outer ring to cover it completely. Fasten vapor barrier using port strap (included in unit parts bag). Insert one collar pin through vapor barrier and first strap hole, then insert other collar pin through vapor barrier and center strap hole, and close loop by inserting first collar pin in last strap hole.

Diagram illustrating the steps for connecting flexible ducts: 1. Flexible duct is placed over the inner port ring. 2. Aluminum duct tape is applied. 3. Tie wrap secures the duct to the port. 4. Insulation is pulled over the joint. 5. Vapor barrier is pulled down and secured with a collar pin and strap, showing the collar pin inserted through the vapor barrier and strap holes.

Rigid Ducts

To prevent potential water leakage, use good quality aluminum duct tape to connect rigid ducts to ports.

Diagram showing the unit's ports with balancing dampers. Ensure both balancing dampers are left in a fully open position before connecting the Fresh air to building port and Exhaust air from building port.

Installing the Exterior Hoods

Choose appropriate location for exterior hoods:

• Minimum 6 feet between hoods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Minimum 18 inches from the ground.

Diagram illustrating exterior hood installation: Shows an exhaust hood and an intake hood on an exterior wall. They are separated by a minimum of 6 feet horizontally. Both hoods are at least 18 inches from the ground. Ductwork connects to the hoods, with tape and duct ties used for sealing. Caulking is applied around the hoods for weather sealing. An optional duct location is shown for reference. An "Anti-Gust Intake Hood" is recommended in snowy regions.

Connecting the Drain

HRV Units

Diagram showing HRV drain connection: Two sections of plastic tube (minimum 12" long) attach to inner drain fittings under the unit. These join to a "T" junction and then to a main tube. This setup prevents unpleasant odors from the drain source. The main tube runs to a floor drain or alternative drain pipe/pail. If using a pail, the tube end should be approximately 1" from the top of the pail to prevent water from being drawn back up into the unit.

ERV Unit

Diagram showing ERV drain connection: A water trap loop is formed in the tube to prevent unpleasant odors from the drain source. The tube runs to a floor drain or alternative drain pipe/pail. A drain plug is inserted into the alternate drain fitting on top of the unit. If the drain will not be used, a second drain plug is inserted into the drain fitting underneath the unit. If using a pail, the tube end should be approximately 1" from the top of the pail to prevent water from being drawn back up into the unit.

Controls

Integrated Control

All units have an integrated control on the electrical compartment front. Use the push button (1) to control the unit. The LED (2) indicates the unit's mode.

Table for operating the unit using its integrated control:

If a problem occurs, the integrated control LED (2) will blink. Color indicates error type. Refer to Section 9 Troubleshooting (pages 19-20).

Boot Sequence

Similar to a computer boot sequence. Each time the unit is plugged in or after a power failure, it performs a 30-second booting sequence. During booting, the integrated control LED lights GREEN (normal defrost) or AMBER (extended defrost) for 5 seconds, then off for 2 seconds. Then, RED lights for the rest of booting. During RED light phase, unit checks and resets motorized damper position. Once set, RED light turns off, and booting is done.

Setting Extended Defrost

Unit is factory set to normal defrost. In cold regions, extended defrost may be necessary. During the first 5 seconds of booting (while LED is GREEN), press the push button until LED turns AMBER (about 3 seconds).

Diagram shows the integrated control with a push button (1) and an LED indicator (2).

Electrical Connection to Optional Wall Controls

For convenience, units can be controlled using an optional main wall control.

Use the terminal connector included in the installation kit for electrical connection. Check if all wires are correctly inserted (a wire is correctly inserted when its orange receptacle is lower than another one without wire). Diagram shows correct (A) and incorrect (B) wire insertion into a terminal block.

Once wall control(s) connections are made, insert the terminal connector into the electrical compartment front face.

Electrical Connection to VT7W Main Wall Control

Diagram showing the wiring connections for the VT7W main wall control. The terminal block has connections labeled NO, C, NC, I, OC, OL, Y, R, G, B. The VT7W control unit is shown with its display and buttons.

Electrical Connection to VT4W Main Wall Control

Diagram showing the wiring connections for the VT4W main wall control. The terminal block has connections labeled NO, C, NC, I, OC, OL, Y, R, G, B. The VT4W control unit is shown with its rear view, indicating G and B terminals.

Electrical Connection to VT6W Main Wall Control

Diagram showing the wiring connections for the VT6W main wall control. The terminal block has connections labeled NO, C, NC, I, OC, OL, Y, R, G, B. The VT6W control unit is shown with its display and buttons, branded BROAN.

Electrical Connection to Optional Auxiliary Wall Controls

Diagram showing the wiring connections for optional auxiliary wall controls (59W and VB20W). The terminal block has connections labeled NO, C, NC, I, OC, OL, Y, R, G, B. Both 59W and VB20W units are shown connected to this terminal block.

Electric Connection to the Furnace

For a Furnace Connected to a Cooling System:

On some older thermostats, energizing "R" and "G" terminals at the furnace also energizes "Y", turning on the cooling system. If this type of thermostat is identified, use the ALTERNATE FURNACE INTERLOCK WIRING.

Standard Furnace Interlock Wiring

Diagram showing standard furnace interlock wiring. The unit terminal connector (with terminals O, C, O, L, Y, G, R, B) connects to the furnace's 24-volt terminal block (with terminals R, G, Y, W, C). Four wires connect the unit to the thermostat terminals, and two wires connect for cooling system. This setup is for heating only.

Alternate Furnace Interlock Wiring

Diagram showing alternate furnace interlock wiring. The unit terminal connector (with terminals NO, C, NC, I, OC, OL, Y, G, R, B) connects to the furnace's 24-volt terminal block (with terminals R, G, Y, W, C). Four wires connect the unit to the thermostat terminals, and two wires connect for cooling system. This setup is for heating only, with wiring nuts for connections.

Wiring Diagram

Detailed wiring diagram for the HRV/ERV unit, showing both a logic diagram and a physical wiring diagram. It includes connections for 120V, 60Hz line and neutral, fan motors (HI, MED, LOW speeds), damper motor, defrost temperature sensor, electronic assembly, door interlock switch, and various terminal blocks (J1, J2, J3, J4, J6, J8, J9, J10, J11, J12, J13, J14). The diagram also shows the fuse (F1), capacitors, and optional remote control connections. Color codes for wires are provided: BK (BLACK), BL (BLUE), BN (BROWN), OR (ORANGE), R (RED), W (WHITE), GY (GRAY), Y (YELLOW), GN (GREEN). Notes indicate UL/CSA certification, wire replacement, compliance with codes, remote control availability, and furnace fan circuit requirements.

Balancing the Unit

What You Need to Balance the Unit

• A magnehelic gauge capable of measuring 0 to 0.5 inch of water (0 to 125 Pa) and 2 plastic tubes.
• The balancing chart of the unit.

Diagram showing a magnehelic gauge with a dial indicating pressure readings in inches of water and Pascals, and two ports for connecting plastic tubes.

Preliminary Stage to Balance the Unit

• Seal all unit ductwork with tape. Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off all exhaust devices (range hood, dryer, bathroom fans).
• Ensure integrated balancing dampers are fully open.
• Ensure all filters are clean (if it's the first time the unit is balanced).

Diagram showing a balancing damper with an adjustment screw and a scale, indicating its open position.

Balancing Procedure

1. Set the unit to high speed. Ensure furnace/air handler blower is ON if connected to cold air return ductwork; otherwise, OFF. If outside temperature is below 32°F, ensure unit is not in defrost (wait 10 minutes after plugging in).
2. Place the magnehelic gauge on a level surface and adjust to zero.
3. Connect tubing from gauge to EXHAUST air flow pressure taps. Connect tubes to appropriate high/low fittings. If gauge drops below zero, reverse connections.
   NOTE: Start with exhaust air flow reading as it typically has more restriction than fresh air, especially in fully ducted or source point ventilation.
   Place gauge upright and level. Record equivalent AIR FLOW from reading according to balancing chart.
4. Move tubing to FRESH air flow pressure taps. Adjust fresh air balancing damper until FRESH air flow is approximately the same as EXHAUST air flow. If FRESH air flow is less than EXHAUST air flow, go back and adjust exhaust balancing damper to equal FRESH air flow.
5. Secure both dampers in place with a fastening screw.
6. Write required air flow information on a label near the unit (date, maximum speed air flows, your name, phone number, business address).
7. Install 4 pressure taps plugs (included in parts bag).

Diagram illustrating air flow balancing: Shows the unit with EXHAUST AIR FLOW and FRESH AIR FLOW ports. Arrows indicate air movement and pressure taps for connecting the magnehelic gauge. The diagram shows how to measure HIGH and LOW pressure points for both exhaust and fresh air flows.

Service Parts

Exploded view diagram of the HRV/ERV unit showing various components with numerical labels. Key components include: Hinge assembly, Damper supply port assembly, Damper system actuator, Thermistor, Capacitor, Electronic board, Transformer, Double collar port, Blower assembly, Square damper kit, Magnet switch, Door assembly, Door latches, Diffuser, Filter kit, Core, Balancing damper, and Balancing double collar port.

Parts list table:

* Not shown.

Replacement Parts and Repairs

To ensure proper unit function, use only Broan-NuTone LLC genuine replacement parts. These parts are designed to comply with certification standards and maintain safety. Third-party parts may cause damage and reduce performance. Broan-NuTone LLC recommends contacting a certified service depot for all replacement parts and repairs.

Troubleshooting

If the integrated control LED flashes, unit sensors detected a problem. See list below:

• LED flashes GREEN (double blink): Thermistor error. Replace thermistor kit.
• LED flashes AMBER: Damper error. Go to point 8.