Residential HRV/ERV
13
Locating the Exhaust Air Grilles or Registers (in systems with dedicated
exhaust ducting)
The exchanger has at least one exhaust air intake register. Exhaust air registers should be
placed where the humidity level is high, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
However, do not install in areas of extreme humidity such as steam showers, jacuzzi rooms,
indoor pools and solariums. Kitchen exhaust grilles must never be connected to the range
hood. Do not install an exhaust grille ducted to the HRV/ERV in a cooking area, defined by
the area above or inside a 45-degree angle projected outwards from the cooking element
closest to the exhaust grille. See figure below.
45°
45°
Cooking
Equipment
Floor
Do not install above or
inside this area
Normally, the exhaust air intake register would be located on the first floor between the
bathroom and the kitchen, or in the basement near the bathroom. Avoid placing it in the
same room as a combustion device, such as a fireplace or furnace. The vent should be
installed high on the wall or in the ceiling. If installed on the wall, it should be placed at least
12 inches (30 cm) from the ceiling.
Adjustable grilles can be used to balance the flow rates. Field supplied balancing dampers
can be external to the unit to balance the amount of stale air being exhausted. These grilles
should not be adjusted after balancing the unit.
Locating the Supply Air Grilles or Diffusers
The fresh air diffusers should be installed in hallways, near the primary return for the forced air
system, or in larger common areas. Fresh air should not be distributed directly to bedrooms
as this increases the likelihood for discomfort in cold or humid weather. Diffusers should be
located in regions with reasonable distance from the exhaust registers to promote circulation
of the fresh air throughout the dwelling. The supply diffusers should be installed high on the
