How To Balance Your Air Exchanger

This guide will give you a general direction on balancing your vanEE Air Exchanger.

What you will need to balance your vanEE Air Exchanger

  • A magnehelic gauge capable of measuring 0 to 0.25 inch of water (0 to 62.5 Pa) and 2 plastic tubes.
  • Two ”Flow Measuring Stations” or two flow collars (the size will vary depending on the duct diameter).
  • This is available as a kit from Eden Energy Equipment. You can order it by calling 1-800-665-3336 or online here

First Steps before balancing your Air Exchanger

  • Seal all the unit ductwork with tape. Close all windows and doors.
  • Turn off all exhaust devices such as range hood, dryer and bathroom fans.
  • Make sure all filters are clean (if it is not the first time you balance the unit).
  • Make sure the balancing dampers are fully open (F and G in figure below).
  • Choose appropriate locations for the 2 flow collars (or flow measuring stations), according to figure below:
  • On the exhaust air duct (first measuring location, marked (A) on vanEE drawing below )
  • On the fresh air distribution duct (second measuring location, marked (B) on vanEE drawing below )
  • At least 36” away from the unit; at least 12” before or after a 90° elbow; at least 12” away from a register.


How to Balance an Air Exchanger

INSTALLATION OF FLOW COLLARS OR “FLOW MEASURING STATIONS”

If you are using Flow Collars: Insert the flow collars in the duct at each location. Make sure their arrows are pointing in the direction of the airflow. Tape collars in place temporarily.

If you are using “Flow Measuring Stations”: Cut a 1” (25.4 mm) diameter hole in the duct at each location. Insert the “Flow Measuring Stations”. Make sure their arrows are pointing in the direction of the airflow. Tape the “Flow Measuring Stations” in place temporarily.

Air Exchanger Balancing Procedure

  • Set the unit to high speed. Make sure that the furnace blower is ON if the installation is in any way connected to the ductwork of the cold air return. If not, leave furnace blower OFF. If the outside temperature is below 0°C / 32°F, make sure the unit is not running in defrost while balancing. (By waiting 10 minutes after plugging the unit in, you are assured that the unit is not in a defrost cycle.)
  • Place the magnehelic gauge on a level surface and adjust it to zero.
  • Connect tubing from gauge to flow collar (or “Flow Measuring Station”) in exhaust air stream at location A. Be sure to connect the tubes to their appropriate high/low fittings. If the gauge drops below zero, reverse the tubing connections.

NOTE: It is suggested to start with the exhaust air flow reading because the exhaust has typically more restriction than the fresh air, especially in cases of fully ducted installations and exhaust ducted installation.
Place the magnehelic gauge upright and level. Record the readings.
VP0003

  • Move tubing to FRESH air flow on the other side of the unit (location B) and note readings.
    Adjust the fresh air balancing damper F until the reading at B is approximately the same as the reading at A. If the reading at B is less than the reading at A, then go back and adjust the exhaust balancing damper G to equal the fresh air flow.
  • Secure both dampers in place with tape or with a fastening screw.
  • If you are using flow collars, remove them, reconnect the duct and seal with duct tape. If you are using “Flow Measuring Stations”, remove them and seal the holes with duct tape. Write the required air flow information on a label and stick it near the unit for future reference (date, maximum speed air flows, your name, phone number and business address).

NOTES: The Flow Measuring device sold by Eden Energy Equipment enables you to convert magnehelic gauge readings to equivalent cfm values.

The unit is considered balanced even if there is a difference of ±10 cfm (± 0.015 inch w.g.) between the two air flow readings. If you are only using one flow collar or one “Flow Measuring Station”, then, after completing the first reading, transfer this measuring device to the other side of the unit and take the second reading.

Fully Ducted Exhaust Ducted
Simplified Installation Closet Installation
 
Compact Bathroom Install  
How Does An Air Exchanger Work: Proper ventilation is key to a healthy and good quality indoor air quality.

Should I Choose an ERV or an HRV? There is alot of confusion between an energy recovery ventilator and a heat recovery ventilator and which one to use. Learn the difference.

Why Do I Need to Ventilate My Home? Find out why you need a vanEE Air Exchanger and its importance to your quality of life.

Why should I choose a vanEE Air Exchanger? vanEE Is an industry leading manufacturer, learn why you want to choose a vanEE Air Exchanger.

Can I Get a Medical Tax Credit? You may be able to get a medical tax credit after having a vanEE Air Exchanger installed.

 

 

 

 

 

Service Parts & Technical Assistance: If you are looking for service parts for your vanEE Air Exchanger or technical assistance on a product you bought from us.


How Air Exchangers Work: Learn how HRV & ERV Air Exchangers work and how they are installed.


Contractor Pricing & Support Eden Energy Equipment provides superior technical support and discounted pricing to HVAC contractors. Call us at 1-800-665-3336

Literature & Technical Specs: If you are not sure which product will work best or simply need a price let us help you.
 
Eden Energy Equipment
Eden Energy Equipment is a leading supplier of vanEE Indoor Air Quality products. We have over 30 years experience improving your home comfort with vanEE products.
Contact Us
Phone: 1-800-665-3336
Fax: 1-866-329-3336

FacebookTwitterYoutube