Lifebreath RNC95, RNC5-TPD, RNC200, RNC10, RNC120D, RNC155 Troubleshooting, Symptom, Cause, Solution

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Cause		Solution
Poor Air Flow	•	1/4” (6mm) 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
	•	duct is restricting HRV	• check duct installation
	•	improper speed control setting	• increase the speed of the HRV
	•	HRV air flow improperly balanced	• have contractor balance HRV
Supply air feels cold	•	poor location of supply grilles, the air flow 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 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 air handler return, the air handler fan
				may need to run continuously to distribute ventilation air
				comfortably
Dehumidistat is not Operating	•	improper connection to ventilator	•	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 in Winter Condensation is appearing on the windows

•dehumidistat is set too high

.• lifestyle of the occupants

•moisture coming into the home from an unvented or unheated crawl space

•moisture is remaining in the washroom/bathroom and kitchen areas

•condensation seems to form in the spring and fall

•HRV is set at too low a speed

•set dehumidistat lower

•avoid hanging clothes to dry, storing wood and venting clothes dryer inside. Heating wood may have to be moved outside

•vent crawl space and place a vapor barrier on the floor of the crawl space

•ducts from the washroom/bathroom should be sized to remove moist air as effectively as possible, use of a washroom/bathroom fan for short periods will remove additional moisture

•timer or fan can be added to washroom/bathroom exhaust

•on humid days, as the seasons change, some condensation may appear but the home’s air quality will remain high with some HRV use

•increase speed of the HRV

Humidity Levels are too Low	•	dehumidistat control set too low	•	set dehumidistat higher
	•	blower speed of HRV is too high	•	decrease HRV blower speed
	•	lifestyle of occupants	•	humidity may have to be added through the use of humidifiers
	•	HRV air flow may be improperly balanced	•	have a contractor balance HRV air flow
HRV and / or Ducts Frosting up			• Note: minimal frost build-up is expected on cores before
				unit initiates defrost cycle functions
	•	HRV air flow is improperly balanced	• have HVAC contractor balance the HRV
	•	malfunction of the HRV defrost system	• ensure working properly.
Condensation or Ice Build Up in	•	incomplete vapor barrier around insulated duct	• tape and seal all joints
Insulated Duct to the Outside	•	a hole or tear in outer duct covering	• tape any holes or tears made in the outer duct covering
			• ensure that the vapor barrier is completely sealed
Water in the bottom of the HRV	•	drain pans plugged	• ensure O-Ring on drain nozzle sits properly
	•	improper connection of HRV drain lines	• look for kinks in line
	•	HRV is not level	• check water drain connections
	•	drain lines are obstructed	• make sure water drains properly from pan
	•	HRV heat exchange core is not properly installed
20 Minute Timer Not Working	•	Wiring	•	disconnect external controls and run unit through self test. If
	•	Faulty control		the unit runs through self test successfully, then the circuit
	•	Faulty circuit board		board is okay.
			•	check wiring connection.
			•	make sure wires are connected to proper terminals.
			•	test 20 Minute Timer, press and hold the button for 10 seconds
				then release. The unit should run on high speed and then return
				to normal operation when the button is released.

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