Stale Air Return System

The stale air return system is used to draw air from the points in the building where the worst air quality prob- lems occur. Balancing dampers and/or adjustable grilles are recommended on all return air lines which are used during installation to help balance the "draw" from different areas of the building. Note that the installation schematics show balancing dampers and/or adjustable grilles on all return air lines coming back to the unit.

Alternately, the stale air may be drawn directly from the return air duct. When this system is used the air han- dler's blower will need to operate constantly when ven- tilation is required. The exhaust takeoff connection must be at least a meter from a directly connected HRV supply duct if both are connected to the same duct run.

NOTE: See the INSTALLATION WARNING under "The Integrated HVAC System" on page 16

A damper located just prior to the HRV is required to balance the stale air exhausted with the fresh air supply entering the building.

Return air suction points should be located at the opposite side of the room to the fresh air inlet. The inlets may be located in the ceiling or high on the walls and fitted with inlet grilles.

Many commercial activities produce air contaminants in the form of dusts, fumes, mists, vapours and gases. Contaminants should be controlled at the source so that they are not dispersed through the building nor allowed to increase to toxic concentration levels. The heat recovery ventilator allows for economical opera- tion of the HVAC system while effectively removing contaminants from the space. In designing the exhaust portion of the system the exhaust grilles are placed so as to remove the contaminants while not allowing them to enter the breathing zone of the occupants.

For contaminants that are lighter than air, grilles should be located high on the wall. If contaminants are heavier than air, a lower placement of the grilles will be required. Information on a contaminants specific gravity and toxicity should be available from the chemical data sheets.

Fresh Air Supply System

The fresh air supply ductwork from the HRV may be directly connected to the return air duct of the forced air system. When directly connected it is recommend- ed that the air handler blower be in constant operation to move the fresh air about the building (see

Installation Warning under "The Integrated HVAC System" on page 16). Also, it is advisable to include a short length of fabric flex duct or other non-metallic connector in this hard ducted line in order to keep the HRV acoustically isolated and separately grounded (electrically) from the air handler. This will avoid a possible shock hazard to service people if a short to ground develops in one of the devices. It may be nec- essary to install a separate fresh air supply ductwork system if the heating is other than forced air.

When installing an HRV, the designer and installer should be aware of local codes that may require smoke detectors and/or firestats in the HVAC or HRV ductwork. Because an HRV is designed to bring fresh air into the building, structures may require a supply voltage interrupt when smoke or flame sensors are triggered or central fire alarm system is activated.

Supply air grilles may be ceiling or high wall mounted. Avoid locating incoming fresh air grilles that could cause a direct draft on the occupants as the incoming air may be below room temperature. A reheat duct heater can be installed to improve occupant comfort. Information on electric or hydronic heaters is available through Nutech.

The use of balancing dampers or adjustable grilles as supply air diffusers and air exhaust grilles are recom- mended. TECHGRILLES™ are round, efficient, sound absorbing devices available in 4", 5", 6" and 8" (100, 125, 150 and 200mm).

AIR FLOW

SUPPLY

AIR FLOW

TECHGRILLE

EXHAUST

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2500EFD, 2500IFD specifications

The Lifebreath 2500EFD and 2500IFD are advanced energy recovery ventilation units designed to enhance indoor air quality while maximizing energy efficiency. These systems are particularly beneficial for residential and commercial structures, offering a sustainable solution to manage indoor environments.

One of the standout features of the Lifebreath 2500 series is its Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) technology. This innovative system allows for the transfer of heat and moisture between the incoming and outgoing air streams. As a result, during winter months, the ERV preconditions the incoming cold air with the warmth of the outgoing air, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive energy expenditure. Conversely, during summer, it helps to draw the humidity out of the incoming air, leading to a more comfortable living space.

The Lifebreath 2500EFD model is designed with a direct drive motor that operates quietly and efficiently, providing superior performance with minimal maintenance. The high-efficiency filter systems ensure that the air circulated indoors is free of dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants, significantly improving the overall air quality. Both models also incorporate a digital control system, allowing for precise adjustments and easy monitoring of indoor air parameters.

Another significant characteristic of the Lifebreath 2500IFD is its integrated filtration technology. It features MERV 8 filters that capture fine particles, effectively reducing allergens and improving health for occupants. The unit runs quietly, ensuring that it does not disrupt daily activities while providing constant ventilation.

The Lifebreath units are also built with durability in mind. Constructed from robust materials, they are designed to withstand various environmental conditions while ensuring longevity. The compact design makes them suitable for both new constructions and retrofitting existing spaces, making them versatile solutions for improving ventilation in diverse building types.

In summary, the Lifebreath 2500EFD and 2500IFD systems combine advanced energy recovery technology with efficient air filtration, quiet operation, and a user-friendly control system. By prioritizing indoor air quality and energy efficiency, these ventilation units are essential tools for creating healthier, more comfortable living and working environments.