ERV
BR70 AND BR130
RENEWAIRE.COM
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
1.800.627.4499
10
INSTALLATION
INSTALLING OUTSIDE AIR AND EXHAUST AIR DUCTS
For duct hung applications, the exhaust outlet and fresh air inlet on the outside of the building should be
at least ten feet apart to avoid cross-contamination. Keep the length of the two flexible ducts roughly
equal and as short and straight as possible. Normally, six inch insulated flexible duct is used. Band or tape
inner duct liner to inner flange of appropriate collar. Drive a sheet metal screw through liner to secure duct
spiral wire to collar. Straighten insulation, and slide outer duct jacket onto the outer flange of the duct
collar. Secure with band or tape.
If duct runs are exceedingly long (over 10 feet of flex duct for 130 CFM) or have excessive bends or
elbows or if maximum air flow rates are required, eight inch insulated flexible duct should be used. The
outer flange of the duct collar can be used for both the inner and outer jacket of the flexible duct. Care
must be taken to ensure that the duct is securely fastened and sealed to the duct collar. Ducts connecting
the unit to the outside must be insulated with sealed vapor barrier on both inside and outside of the
insulation.
The inlets and outlets should be screened against insects and vermin and shielded from the weather to
prevent the entry of rain or snow. The exhaust outlet should not dump air into an enclosed space or into
any other structure.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
INSIDE DUCTWORK SYSTEM (FOR WALL MOUNTED UNITS ONLY)
Collect Stale Air from the House
Locate stale air return grilles (RA) in rooms where moisture and odors are generated: stale air returns
(which pick up stale household air to be exhausted) should be located in bathrooms and the kitchen. A
central location such as a hallway is also acceptable but won't clear humidity and odors from baths and
kitchens as rapidly.
Connect Fresh Air from the Unit to the House
Use a five foot section of flexible insulated duct to connect the unit to the return air duct at the port
labeled Fresh Air (FA). Note that the flex duct is not required for the room air connection (RA). This will cut
noise transmitted from the unit. Stretch the flex duct tightly in order to maintain good airflow.
For houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems
Most units are installed with the fresh air duct connected directly to a return duct for the main heating
and cooling system. Be careful to connect the fresh air duct at least three feet from the return plenum to
minimize suction from the furnace blower. A connection closer to the furnace may result in unbalanced
flow and associated problems.
For houses without ducted heating or cooling systems
In most houses one or two fresh air grilles in a central part of the house provide effective distribution of
the fresh air into the home, particularly when the stale exhaust air is picked up at several points. Because
the fresh air is usually somewhat cooler than the household air, the fresh air supply grilles should be
located in a traffic area like a hallway or stairway rather than in a sitting area.
CAUTION
INSTALL FRESH AIR INLET
AWAY FROM SOURCES OF
CONTAMINANTS.
• Do not locate the fresh air
inlet where vehicles may be
serviced or left idling.
• The fresh air inlet should be at
least ten feet away from any
exhaust such as dryer vents,
chimneys, furnace, and water
heater exhausts or other
sources of contamination or
carbon monoxide.
• Never locate the fresh air inlet
inside a structure.
