Wall surface or panel mount HRV / ERC recommendation?
Hi all, I’m looking for a wall mounted ERV/HRV for a 1200sf condo. There are no soffits or other convenient places to mount a hidden unit.
It would be great to find a unit that can be mounted between 16in on center studs. I cannot use a direct unit to outside unit. I see they are quite common.
The Panasonic FV-04VE1 is almost perfect, although the manual says it cannot be mounted with the outlets pointing vertically for some reason. Does anyone know why? Maybe gravity dampers? I do not have an opportunity to inspect in person. I need to install a unit in a 2×6 wall, so mounting the FV-04VE1 with the outlets pointing down in a deal breaker as I need to vent to the roof. The detailing through the roof allows this.
Any other suggestions appreciated!
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One thing to consider on the FV-04VE1 (I have one) is that it is not very efficient and at cold temps, spends a lot of time in exhaust mode only. I would heed their climate zone recommendations closely and not use it climate zones 6 or greater.
I've measured that unit at less than 50% sensible efficiency at around 32F. This means that air entering the home will likely only be at 10F over ambient in cool temps which for sure is noticeable. Also, note that supply air (fresh into the home) is 30 CFM, tops.
As far as the vertical issues, the intake air uses a powered damper, but exhaust is not, so if you mount it vertically, I'd just remove the unit's exhaust damper and use an exhaust hood with a flap.
All of that said, it's hard for me to recommend the smaller unit over say the FV-10VE2 with a few ducts to separate the inside supply and return zones. Yes, you may have to frame in a housing for it, but the end result would be significantly better performance.
Did you look at something like this?
https://uniluxvfc.com/wc-shop/hrv-erv/
https://uniluxvfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Unilux-VerticalStackFanCoilIntegrated-HighRezWeb3.pdf
I don't know the product, it is just something I found while searching the internet. It has an enclosure and they indicate that it is designed for condos.
Thank you all for the suggestions.