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Questions


  1. What is the difference between a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
  2. What types of heating and cooling systems can an ERV be installed with?
  3. Is a ventilation system like the Aprilaire Model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) necessary only in a new home or are they needed in an existing home as well?
  4. What is the main benefit of an Energy Recovery Ventilator?
  5. What is the warranty on the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
  6. What is the required maintenance of the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
  7. How does the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator work?
  8. Do I need a dehumidifier if I have an Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
  9. How can I control the operation of my Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
  10. What is the warranty on the Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?
  11. How do I control the operation of my Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?
  12. What is the required maintenance of the Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?

Answers


  1. What is the difference between a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) and an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
    Heat recovery ventilators will transfer temperature only from the high temperature airstream to the low temperature airstream. Energy recovery ventilators transfer both temperature and moisture. Since transferring temperature and moisture has benefits in the winter and summer, ERV's are the better choice in climates with high humidity. ^back to top

  2. What types of heating and cooling systems can an ERV be installed with?
    An ERV can be interfaced with any forced air HVAC system. It can also be used as an independent ventilation system in homes without a forced air HVAC system. The HVAC installer will know the best method of installation for each application. ^back to top

  3. Is a ventilation system like the Aprilaire Model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) necessary only in a new home or are they needed in an existing home as well?
    An ERV can be installed in any home and become an integral part of the heating and air conditioning system. Your heating and cooling contractor can furnish specific details regarding your home and what type of ventilation system it requires. Please use our Dealer Locator on this site to find one near you. Dealer Locator. ^back to top

  4. What is the main benefit of an Energy Recovery Ventilator?
    An ERV constantly removes odors and/or indoor pollutants, such as radon, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, nitrogen dioxides, carbon monoxide and pesticides and replaces it with fresh outside air to provide a healthier indoor environment. ^back to top

  5. What is the warranty on the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
    The Aprilaire Energy Recovery Ventilator has a 5-year limited warranty on parts including the core from the date of installation, when installed by a licensed HVAC installer ^back to top

  6. What is the required maintenance of the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
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  7. How does the Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator work?
    The Aprilaire Energy Recovery Ventilator uses indoor conditioned air to pre-heat or pre-cool the incoming outside air, depending on the season. During the winter season the cross-flow design of the EnergyMax transfer core allows the incoming outside air to be pre-heated by the warm stale indoor air being exhausted from the home. This process reduces the energy required by the heating system to warm the incoming air. In the summer season outside air is pre-cooled by the warm stale indoor air being exhausted from the home. Since the outside air is warmer than the inside air it is cooled even though the inside air is also warm. ^back to top

  8. Do I need a dehumidifier if I have an Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
    The Aprilaire Energy Recovery Ventilator primary function is to remove stale polluted air from your home. It does remove moisture as it transfers the temperature from the outgoing air to the incoming air. Provided the moisture in the incoming air is lower than the moisture in the home, the humidity level in the home will be reduced. If you have moisture issues in your home we would suggest considering an Aprilaire whole house dehumidifier. Please visit http://www.aprilaire.com/index.php?znfAction=ProductsCat&category=dehumid to learn more. ^back to top

  9. How can I control the operation of my Aprilaire model 8100 Energy Recovery Ventilator?
    The Aprilaire Energy Recovery Ventilator has an on/off switch which enables continuous operation. Whenever the on/off switch is turned on your home will receive a constant supply of outside air. The newer model 8100 Aprilaire Energy Recovery Ventilators (manufactured starting in February 2012) may also be controlled with the model 8910 Aprilaire Home Comfort Control, model 8620 Thermostat or by the model 8120 Aprilaire Ventilation Control, allowing ventilation to occur on a schedule. ^back to top

  10. What is the warranty on the Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?
    The Aprilaire Ventilation Control System has a 5-year limited warranty on parts from the date of installation, when installed by a licensed HVAC installer. ^back to top

  11. How do I control the operation of my Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?
    The Aprilaire Ventilation Control System will bring outside air into your home to reduce the stale indoor air in your home. The actual rate of ventilation required is determined by the size of your home and the number of occupants. This ensures the optimum amount of ventilation will be provided so as not to over or under ventilate your home. By simply setting the dial of the ventilation control to the amount of minutes you want to ventilate, the ventilation control will open a damper and activate the HVAC system’s blower to bring outside air in for the minutes the control is set for. In addition, the ventilation control utilizes an outdoor temperature sensor. This allows the control to always know the outdoor temperature so it will not open the damper if the outside temperature is below 0F, above 100F or if opening the damper would allow the indoor relative humidity to increase to 60% RH. ^back to top

  12. What is the required maintenance of the Aprilaire model 8126 Ventilation Control System?
    The Aprilaire Ventilation Control System requires very little maintenance. The intake duct includes a vent hood located on the outside of the home which typically includes a screen in the vent hood. This intake vent hood should be inspected regularly as the ventilation control will not perform properly if the intake vent screen is clogged with debris. ^back to top