Please help: confused about ERV, DOAS for LEED, Passive House
Can someone help me make sense of this? “ERVs and DOAS play key roles in the most stringent green-building standards and certifications. For example, they’re required by LEED, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR, Net Zero, Passive House, PHIUS, Living Building Challenge, HVI, AHRI and WELL Building Standard, to name a few.”
1. Is it technically true that an ERV or DOAS is required for the above-mentioned green-building certifications? My understanding is it could be difficult to achieve without, but this is the first time I’ve read that it is required.
2. Aren’t HVI and AHRI certifications for product only? If so, how does it make sense as written above?
3. I thought Passive House and PHIUS were the same thing. Does one denote product certification and the other whole building?
Apologies for questions so basic but I didn’t know where else to turn. Thanks!
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Replies
I will ask a question to give your post a bump.
Are these questions all theoretical, or are you trying to solve a project-related problem?
The quote sounds like advertising bumf from a ventilation systems manufacturer or distributor.
1. Yes, ERVs are basically required in Passive House (both PHI and PHIUS versions), and many other systems, but they're effectively required in any airtight building. It's about as useful to say those rating systems require walls and roofs, too.
2. yes, AHRI and HVI are certification bodies, specifically for mechanical equipment. The building standards you list refer to them for efficiency ratings, etc.
3. PHIUS is the American version of Passive House, adapted from PHI's European version. Both are whole-building certification systems, but they have component certification elements for things like windows and H/ERVs.