HVAC question

9 years ago

I posted in HVAC and got one response, hoping for more here.

We are building an energy efficient 2700 sq foot ranch, open concept.

We leave the windows closed year round due to allergies. It has been suggested that I get an HRV. It has also been suggested that I get a whole house air purifier. Do I need both?

For the HRV, I have seen Lifebreath or Zehnder? Either one better, or other brands to consider?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

Oaktown

9 years ago

Hi Jenny, we have Zehnder which accommodates different filters. We use the one that is MERV 13 (standard on this is MERV 8, HEPA I think is MERV 17-20). But I think filter efficiency also is related to air flow; really best to think about your system as a whole. I would hope your builder is interested in a joint meeting with the HVAC sub so s/he can learn too :-)

Hope an expert can chime in for you here. Maybe also try GW HVAC forum, Green Building Advisor or HVAC talk?

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Comments (9)

just_janni
9 years ago
In an energy efficient house, especially for folks with allergies, indoor air quality sure ought to be part of the overall plan. If your HVAC person isn't talking to you about air exchanges and HRV/ERV's I'd get another one, or a consultant that can help you.
Jenny B
Original Author
9 years ago
Our builder isn't familiar with them, and going to his HVAC sub contractor. Maybe I should ask if I can talk to him directly?
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bry911
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It has been suggested that I get an HRV. It has also been suggested that I get a whole house air purifier. Do I need both?

Yes, an HRV (with a filter) will bring in fresh air to your home and filter that air. This improves indoor air quality significantly but will not really be effective at filtering the air that is already in the home.

An air purifier is just an HVAC filter (assuming that you are talking about a whole house purifier) on steroids and will help remove air pollutants that get into the home by means other than the HRV.

I have a Zehnder also but no real recommendations.

ETA: We also have the Lennox PureAir (I had to go look) and I have to say it is nice but wow it is expensive. I don't know that the results were worth the cost of just one of the cheaper systems. In fact, I would go with something a bit less expensive.
Jenny B
Original Author
9 years ago
bry911 - Your Lennox seems like what the Heil is quoting for us at 1095.00 He is quoting around $2500-$3500 for an HRV (lifebreath) he is waiting for word back from his HVAC guy.
Jenny B
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Oaktown - I did post on GW HVAC forum and HVAC talk as well :)
homepro01
9 years ago
Try the green building advisor forum. Are you in a heating a cooling region? I have a Lunos HRV but could have gone with an ERV instead. Fantech and Zender make both systems. A HVAC filter is separate and is usually associated with the HVAC system. If your builder is not familiar, find a HVAC consultant or contractor that is willing to provide an air calculation for your home.
Jenny B
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi homepro01 - thank you! I am in WI
homepro01
9 years ago
A HRV should be appropriate for your area. BuildingScience.com posts on the Green building advisor and they have quite a few HVAC experts. I don't know if they work in your area but maybe they can recommend a HVAC consultant or a energy efficiency consultant in WI.