Lifebreath 200MAX RX, 155ECM Symptom Cause Solution, Troubleshooting your HRV/ERV System

Troubleshooting your HRV/ERV System

SYMPTOM	CAUSE	SOLUTION
Poor Air Flows	• 1/4” (6 mm) mesh on the outside hoods is plugged	• clean exterior hoods or vents
	• filters plugged	• remove and clean filter
	• core obstructed	• remove and clean core
	• house grilles closed or blocked	• check and open grilles
	• dampers are closed if installed	• open and adjust dampers
	• poor power supply at site	• have electrician check supply voltage at house
	• ductwork is restricting HRV/ERV	• check duct installation
	• improper speed control setting	• increase the speed of the HRV/ERV
	• HRV/ERV airflow improperly balanced	• have contractor balance HRV/ERV
Supply air feels cold	• poor location of supply grilles, the airflow may irritate	• locate the grilles high on the walls or under the baseboards,
	the occupant	install ceiling mounted diffuser or grilles so as not to directly
		spill the supply air on the occupant (eg. over a sofa)
	• outdoor temperature extremely cold	• turn down the HRV/ERV supply speed. A small duct heater
		(1kw) could be used to temper the supply air
		• placement of furniture or closed doors is restricting the
		movement of air in the home
		• if supply air is ducted into furnace return, the furnace fan
		may need to run continuously to distribute ventilation
		air comfortably
Dehumidistat is not Operating	• improper low voltage connection	• check that the correct terminals have been used
	• external low voltage is shortened out by a staple or nail	• check external wiring for a short
	• check dehumidistat setting it may be on OFF	• set the dehumidistat at the desired setting
Humidity Levels are too High	• dehumidistat is set too high	• set dehumidistat lower
Condensation is appearing on the windows	• HRV/ERV is undersized to handle a hot tub, indoor pool, etc.	• cover pools, hot tubs when they are not in use
	• lifestyle of the occupants	• avoid hanging clothes to dry, storing wood and venting clothes
		dryer inside. Heating wood may have to be moved outside
	• moisture coming into the home from an unvented or	• vent crawl space and place a vapour barrier on the floor
	unheated crawl space	of the crawl space
	• moisture is remaining in the washroom and kitchen areas	• ducts from the washroom should be sized to remove moist
		air as effectively as possible, use of a bathroom fan for
		short periods will remove additional moisture
	• condensation seems to form in the spring and fall	• on humid days, as the seasons change, some condensation
		may appear but the homes air quality will remain high with
	• HRV/ERV is set at too low a speed	some HRV/ERV use
		• increase speed of the HRV/ERV
Humidity Levels are too Low	• dehumidistat control set too low	• set dehumidistat higher
	• blower speed of HRV/ERV is too high	• decrease HRV/ERV blower speed
	• lifestyle of occupants	• humidity may have to be added through the use of humidifiers
	• HRV/ERV air flows may be improperly balanced	• have a contractor balance HRV/ERV airflows
HRV/ERV and / or Ducts Frosting up		• Note: minimal frost build-up is expected on cores before
		unit initiates defrost cycle functions
	• HRV/ERV air flows are improperly balanced	• have HVAC contractor balance the HRV/ERV
	• malfunction of the HRV/ERV defrost system	• ensure damper defrost is operating during self-test
Condensation or Ice Build Up in Insulated Duct to	• incomplete vapour barrier around insulated duct	• tape and seal all joints
the Outside	• a hole or tear in outer duct covering	• tape any holes or tears made in the outer duct covering
		• ensure that the vapour barrier is completely sealed
Water in the bottom of the HRV/ERV	• drain pans plugged	• ensure O-Ring on drain nozzle sits properly
	• improper connection of HRV/ERVs drain lines	• look for kinks in line
	• HRV/ERV is not level	• check water drain connections
	• drain lines are obstructed	• make sure water drains properly from pan
	• HRV/ERV heat exchange core is not properly installed

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