With our energy recovery ventilator ratings, you can compare ERV units side by side using our Head To Head tool. You can compare the 45 different models from 17 brands in eight categories such as warranty, size, filter type & where they are made. You can also read the individual reviews of each brand below. Our simple rating system gives each brand a color code and a star rating. If the card is green, then, that is one of the top picks from HvacRepairGuy. If the card is yellow, then, that would be a budget pick from HvacRepairgGuy. If the card is red, then, the brand is not recommended by HvacRepairGuy. With our energy recovery ventilator reviews you can cut through the sales hype and find value. It truly is like you were taking a repairman shopping with you!
This brand is made in Canada and is available throughout North America but only through a limited dealer network. The units can be stand alone systems or they can be integrated with the home's ducted HVAC system but the guarantee on the units is only average when compared to other brands. The E150-TRG models have a 150 CFM capacity with independent electronically adjustable supply and exhaust blowers. The units use automatic timed recirculation defrost that is controlled by an outdoor temperature sensor. They provide for easy installation with connections on the top of the unit and east twist-in duct collars and they have MERV 6 filters to keep the air clean. The E190-TRG models have a 190 CFM capacity and come with standard washable aluminum screen filters which do not do much to clean the air but they can be easily replaced with better filters. The E280-SRG models have a 280 CFM capacity with variable speed blowers but they come with the basic aluminum screen filters.
This brand is made in the USA by Research Products Corporation and is only available through their authorized partners. The Model 8100 units use cross flow cores for maximum energy transfer and have a 150 CFM capacity but their guarantee is only average when compared to other brands. The units use basic fixed speed blower motors with basic washable aluminum filters that do not clean the air very well. The brand only offers one size of unit which will not be suitable for all homes.
This brand is available at hardware and home improvement stores but their guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands. The AI Series features Virtuo air technology for selectable airflows from 65-206 CFM and automatic system balancing. The units feature quiet and durable ECM motors and used recirculation defrost for cold weather operation. The units can be suspended from chains or wall-mounted and have a standard washable MERV 8 filter for cleaning the air.
The units are manufactured in Canada by Venmar. The units feature automatic recirculation defrost when the outdoor temperature is below 23F and they are backed by a very good guarantee. The ERVXXSVA model has a 150 CFM maximum airflow with duct connections on the top while the ERVXXSHA model has side duct connections and the ERVCRLHB model has a 198 CFM max airflow with horizontal connections. The units are only available through their authorized dealer network in the USA.
The units are manufactured in Canada by Venmar. The units feature automatic recirculation defrost when the outdoor temperature is below 23F and they are backed by a very good guarantee. The ERVXXSVA model has a 150 CFM maximum airflow with duct connections on the top while the ERVXXSHA model has side duct connections and the ERVCRLHB model has a 198 CFM max airflow with horizontal connections. The units are only available through their authorized dealer network in the USA.
This brand is available through dealers of the brands made by Daikin and Goodman Manufacturing. The units feature variable speed fan motors and the system can be balanced by adjusting the supply and exhaust fans separately. The units use an automatic advanced proportional supply fan shut-down (evacuation) defrost sequence when the outdoor temp is 23F or less. The VE30100 model has a 100 CFM capacity with vertical duct connections while the VE30160 has a 160 CFM capacity with horizontal duct connections. The VE70220 model is for larger homes with a maximum of 220 CFM and horizontal duct connections. The guarantee on the units is only average when compared to other brands.
This brand is made in the USA and is a part of Systemair. The units can be purchased online and are a backed by a very good guarantee that includes 7 years on the supply and exhaust fan motors. The brand uses backward curved fans which collect less dust and they have automatic defrost when the outdoor temperature is 14F. The VER100 model has a 125 CFM capacity with duct connections on its top, three speed operation, and basic washable electrostatic filters. The SER 150 model has a 144 CFM capacity with side connections for the ducts while the Atmo 150E model has a 160 CFM capacity with integrated air balancing taps and a MERV3 air filter to better clean the air.
This brand is made in the USA and is backed by an average warranty but is only sold through their certified contractor network. The units feature three modes of operation, variable speed fans, and evacuation defrost at 23F but they only use basic washable filters. Their Duotrol balancing allows the system airflow to be balanced by adjusting the speeds of the individual fans instead of using balancing dampers. The FC80ERV model has a 100 CFM capacity with top duct connections while the FC150ERV has a 160 CFM capacity and side duct connections. The FC200ERV model is for larger homes with a capacity of 220 CFM and side duct connections.
This brand is made in Canada by IMPERIAL MANUFACTURING GROUP and is backed by a good guarantee. The Profile Series offers models with a capacity of from 70 to 129 CFM with duct connections on the side of the unit and variable speed fans. The units use supply fan shut off (evacuation) defrost when the outdoor temperature is 14F and they have a mechanical shutoff damper to prevent air from entering when the unit is shut down. The units use backward inclined fans which collect less dust but they only use basic washable filters which do not do much to clean the air.
The Truefresh VNT5150E1000 model features simplified balancing by changing fan speeds so that balancing dampers are not required. The units have a recirculating defrost mode so that they can be used in colder climates. They have side ports for duct connections with removable collars for easier installation. The units have a 150 CFM capacity but require professional installation and only have an average warranty.
The Healthy Climate ERV5-130 units feature side ports for the duct connections, psc motors, and a 130 CFM capacity while the ERV5-150-TPD model has a 150 CFM capacity with top duct connections. The units use automatic recirculation defrost but they only have a basic washable filter which does not do much to clean the air. They are only sold through the Lennox authorized dealer network and their guarantee is only average when compared to other brands.
These ventilators are manufactured in Canada by AIRIA BRANDS INC but only have an average guarantee. The Metro XTR models are compact units with side ports, a 150 CFM capacity, and they use temperature activated supply fan shutdown for defrost. The 170 ERVD models have a 182 CFM capacity with top ports and use a recirculation damper for defrost operation. They have installer selectable high speed settings and variable speed fans for system balancing. The damper shuts off the outdoor air supply when the unit is not in use for energy savings. The units come with a standard MERV 6 filter but offer an optional MERV 13 filter which will improve the air quality.
This brand is made in Canada and features ventilators with backward curved impellers which collect less dust and MERV 6 washable filters. They have intelligent defrost at 23 F and below where the supply fan is shut off to defrost the core. The units have independent motor speed adjustments for system balancing so that balancing dampers are not required. The ES095 models have side ports for duct connections and a 96 CFM capacity while the ES115E model has a 133 CFM capacity. The Es160 model has top ports for duct connections with a 159 CFM capacity while the SE182 model has a 212 CFM capacity. It is not very easy to buy them and their guarantee is only average when compared to other brands.
This brand is made in Canada and features ventilators with standard MERV 6 washable filters and a MERV 13 option. They are low profile units with an efficient cross flow core and three speed settings. They have a built-in humidity sensor but require manual system balancing using pressure ports. The ventilators are sold through a limited dealer network and their guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands.
This brand is made in the USA and is sold through authorized manufacturer representatives. The SL75 models are compact ventilators that are designed to fit into tight spaces. They use quiet and durable EC variable speed motors with a capacity of from 30 to 130 CFM. The output of the units can be adjusted in 1 CFM increments and their Dial-A-Flow feature makes system balancing easy. The units have side ports for duct connections and come with MERV 8 filters with optional MERV 13 filters available to better clean the air. The units do not require an active defrost mode when operating above -10F but the guarantee on the units is average when compared to other brands.
These ventilators are made in Canada and sold in the USA through authorized distributors. The units use backward inclined fans which collect less dust but they only have a basic washable filter. The units can be mounted either horizontally or vertically and feature automatic fan cycled defrost. The Mini Series RERV-80 model has a 90 CFM capacity with variable speed PSC fan motors while the RERV-AB150ECM model has more efficient ECM motors. They also feature auto balancing where the fan speeds are changed instead of using balancing dampers.
This brand is only sold in Canada and is made by VENMAR which is a subsidiary of Broan-Nutone LLC. The Gold Series offers two sizes of ventilators that use the more quiet and efficient ECM motors. They have top ports for duct connections and standard MERV 6 filters for cleaning the air. They use electronic system balancing so dampers are not required while the AI Series units have automatic balancing and self adjusting technology using artificial intelligence. The AI Series offers two sizes and they have built-in LCD screens for quick and easy adjustment and system monitoring as well as MERV 8 filters for cleaning the air.
This brand is made in Canada and is a subsidiary of Broan-Nutone. The brand uses more quiet and efficient ECM motors and has MERV 8 filters for cleaning the air. They use a recirculation mode for defrost which saves energy but they are only backed by an average guarantee when compared to other brands. The ERV130 model has a 131 CFM capacity and offers an optional DIY install kit that is sold separately but it is hard to figure out where they can be purchased. They offer an optional HEPA filter to do a better job of cleaning the air but they use motorized dampers instead of fan speed control for balancing. The AI2 Series offers four sizes of units that have automatic balancing and self adjusting technology using artificial intelligence. They adjust the fan speeds for system balancing instead of using mechanical dampers.
The ComfoAir line features ventilators that use state of the art fan technology for quiet and efficient operation. Their diamond shaped heat exchanger provides a larger surface area and increased heat transfer while the temperature controlled modulating bypass provides for enhanced comfort. The units have a built-in display with many sensors for system setup, automatic balancing, and monitoring. They have a MERV 8 standard throw away filter that can be upgraded to a MERV 13 for improved filtration and enhanced indoor air quality. The guarantee on the units is not as good as other brands and it is not easy to purchase the units.
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