With our heat recovery ventilator ratings, you can compare HRV units side by side using our Head To Head tool.
You can compare over 40 different models from 18 brands in 8 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! These reviews are for systems that moderate the temperature of the fresh air that is brought into the home. For systems that moderate the humidity level as well as the temperature, you can check out our erv ratings.
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 H95-TRG models have a 106 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 and it uses a dedicated recirculation duct connection. They provide for easy installation with connections on the top of the unit and easy twist-in duct collars and they have MERV 6 filters to keep the air clean. The H120-TQG models have a 108 CFM capacity and use timed recirculation defrost but they do not use a separate recirculation duct. The H280-SRG model has a 284 CFM capacity and the duct connections are on the side of the unit.
This brand is available at hardware and home improvement stores and they are backed by an average guarantee. The AI Series features Virtuo air technology for selectable airflows from 35-160 CFM and automatic system balancing. The units feature quiet and durable ECM motors and use 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.
These units are manufactured by Venmar and are only sold through their authorized dealer network. The HRVCRLHB model has a 204 CFM capacity with side connections for the ducts while the HRVXXSHA model has a 160 CFM capacity. The HRVXXSVA model has a 160 CFM capacity with duct connections on the top of the unit. All of the units can be wall or ceiling mounted and are backed by a good warranty but they require an expert for system balancing.
These units are manufactured by Venmar and are only sold through their authorized dealer network. The HRVCRLHB model has a 204 CFM capacity with side connections for the ducts while the HRVXXSHA model has a 160 CFM capacity. The HRVXXSVA model has a 160 CFM capacity with duct connections on the top of the unit. All of the units can be wall or ceiling mounted and are backed by a good warranty but they require an expert for system balancing.
This brand is made in the USA by Daikin Global and the units are sold through Daikin, Amana, & Goodman HVAC dealers. The VH Series offers five sizes of units to match the size of the home and features variable speed operation where you can select the desired CFM. They have independently adjustable motors for balancing the system but their guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands.
This brand is a part of SystemAir and is made in the USA. The Atmo 150H model has a 150 CFM capacity with side duct connections and it uses evacuation defrost for cold weather operation while the Hero 150H model has top connections. The units require professional installation and balancing as it is not automatic but they are backed by a very good guarantee.
This brand is made in the USA and offers three sizes of units. The units are sold through a very limited contractor network and their guarantee is not as good as other brands. The units use Duotrol balancing where the speeds of the motors are adjusted which is quieter than using dampers. They use basic washable filters and basic controls.
This brand is made in Canada by Imperial Manufacturing Group and is backed by a very good guarantee but they are only available from a limited dealer network. The brand features variable speed operation where you can select the desired CFM and they have independently adjustable motors for balancing the system. The fans have backward curved impellers which reduces dust collection on the fan to maintain overall performance and they have standard washable MERV 8 filters for cleaning the air. The Solace Series features units with top ports for duct connection, five sizes of units to match the needs of any home and they use internal recirculation defrost. The Premier Series offers five sizes of units with side duct connections and they use an evacuation defrost cycle for cold weather operation.
This brand is made in Canada by Clairitech and is installed by authorized dealers. The HumiFresh H-120 has a 120 CFM capacity with both an ERV core and an HRV core which does not make much sense. They can be installed as a standalone system or connected to an existing duct system but their guarantee is only average when compared to other brands.
The Healthy Climate HRV4-150 units are basic ventilators with a 148 CFM capacity. They uses a balancing damper instead of variable speed motors which is noisier and less efficient and they use recirculation defrost for cold weather operation. The units are only sold and installed by Lennox dealers and their guarantee is only average when compared to other brands.
These ventilators are manufactured by Airia Brands Inc. The Max Series units have an aluminum crossflow core and a five speed motor. They have stand-alone multi-featured controls but the same functions can easily be performed with the latest in thermostat technology. The units are only sold through their limited dealer network and the warranty is not as good as some other brands. They have washable MERV 6 air filters to clean the air and use recirculation damper defrost for cold weather operation.
This brand is made in Canada and offers models (ES Series) that are designed to be easier to install. They feature independent adjustment of the two motors to balance the system which eliminates the need for mechanical dampers. This makes them quieter to operate and saves a little bit of energy. They also have intelligent defrost and are backed by a good guarantee but the warranty on the motors is not as good as some of the other brands.
This brand is made in Canada and sold throughout North America. The ventilators have ECM motors with twenty speeds for balancing the system but they use basic washable filters to clean the air. The RHRV-C100PECM model has a 150 CFM capacity and uses evacuation for defrost in cold weather but they require manually balancing the system. The RHRV-AB150PECM model has a 158 CFM maximum capacity and it has auto balancing of the system for easier and faster installation. The warranty is not as good as many other brands.
This brand is only sold in Canada and is made by Venmar which is a subsidiary of Broan-Nutone. The AI Series features Virtuo air technology for selectable airflows from 35-160 CFM and automatic system balancing. The units feature quiet and durable ECM motors and use 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.
This brand is a subsidiary of Broan-Nutone and is available in North America where the units are sold at home improvement centers but the warranty is not as good as some of the other brands. The HRV110 model has a 112 CFM capacity with quiet and efficient ECM motors and a MERV 8 washable filter to clean the air. They offer an optional HEPA air filter to improve air quality but the units require manually balancing the system. The AVS N Series models features Virtuo air technology for selectable airflows from 35-160 CFM and automatic system balancing. The units use recirculation defrost for cold weather operation.
This brand is a part of Blauberg Group and is made in Ukraine. The ventilators feature automatic defrost as well as a cross flow core but the guarantee on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. They have washable MERV 6 filters to clean the air and have backward curved impellers which reduces dust collection on the fan to maintain overall performance. The Frigate models are available in three sizes with 81, 161, or 181 CFM capacities and feature automatic balancing for easy DIY installation while the Brig models are available in three sizes with 120, 200, or 300 CFM capacities. The brand can be purchased through their website or Amazon store.
The ComfoAir Q 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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