Filtration and ventilation equipment

Photo: Venmar
Ventilation equipment allows the user to maintain adequate home comfort and eliminate excess humidity in order to assure improved air quality inside the home.

These devices continuously expel odours, excess humidity and pollutants contained in the indoor air and bring the equivalent of fresh air in from the outside. The inside air is thus regularly renewed. Hence the name: air exchanger!
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The choices of ventilation equipment
Characteristics to consider when buying
Ventilation machines sold by RONA
Maintenance

The choices of ventilation equipment

There are numerous types of ventilation equipment on the market. The house’s size, its heating system and its geographical location are among the factors that determine the choice of a system and its means of installation.

Air extractors

Air extractors expel air to the outside, but not the reverse. They’re very efficient when used in certain rooms. In this category, we find the kitchen ventilator, the bathroom ventilator, the dehumidifier by air filtration, the turbine, etc.

Air exchangers

This type of device operates by exchange, i.e., it expels stagnant air from the inside, while letting outside fresh air into the house to renew the indoor atmosphere. An air exchanger doesn’t recuperate heat and thus, should not be used during cold temperatures. This factor contributes to the waning popularity of this type of product.

Recuperating ventilators

There are two types of ventilators: the heat recuperator and the energy recuperator. The HRV has all the advantages of an air exchanger, as well as preheating outside air before it is introduced into the house. The ambient temperature is thus more comfortable… and heating costs are less.

Some people find that HRV’s dry the air. To solve this problem, the ERV is the equipment of choice. In fact, during exchange, this ventilation system recuperates both heat and humidity. In this way, the ambient temperature and humidity levels are of an unequalled comfort. It should also be noted that this device does not create humidity.

Filtered ventilation units

Hybrid filtration units use ventilation and filtration to assure exceptional indoor air quality. The ventilation brings in a measure of fresh air, while high performance filters, such as HEPA filters, eliminate pollutants contained in the air. New on the market, these devices create ideal air quality in our overly insulated homes. They also provide an enhanced air quality environment for sufferers of asthma or allergies.

Characteristics to consider when buying

Before buying a ventilation device, it is important to evaluate your needs and the solutions that are offered. The cost, the ventilation capacity, the recuperation rate, filter types and installation methods are important factors that must be taken into account before making a final selection.

The cost

Equipment costs vary based on the type of device; an air extractor, an air exchanger, a heat or energy recuperating ventilator or one that includes filtration. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for the machine and for options. To that price, add $30 to $60 for the wall-mounted controls that regulate the device. As well, installation parts aren’t always included. Finally, some machines can only be installed by a qualified contractor. Don’t forget to budget for the costs of such a specialist.

Ventilation capacity

The capacity of a home’s ventilation system is usually based on the number of rooms in the house. Appliance capacity is measured in litres per second (L/s) or cubic feet per minute (cfm) of fresh air provided to the home.

The following table shows how to calculate the ventilation system's capacity that suits your needs.
RoomVentilation Air Supply
Master bedroom10 L/s (20 cfm)
Unfinished basement10 L/s (20 cfm)
Others rooms5 L/s (10 cfm) each
Based on these figures, a ten-room home (unfinished basement, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, two bathrooms, a master bedroom, and two bedrooms) would require a ventilation system with a rated capacity of 60 L/s (120 cfm). To ensure adequate ventilation, the total ventilation capacity at high speed should be close to this total.

Recuperation rates

The recuperation rate is the percentage of heat transferred to the incoming air during air exchange. This rate varies based on the type of core that is used (aluminium, plastic or paper) or the machine’s dessicant wheel. The higher the rating, the more heat is recuperated from the airflow during exchange. Thus, your heating costs will be lower with a machine that offers a higher rate.

Filter types

HEPA filter
Here is a graph showing the different properties for each type of filter.
FilterCaracteristics
Aluminum filterTraps grease and other visible air impurities
Polyurethane filterArrestance of 25 % of particles at 1 micron
Carbon filterAbsorbs and traps both odors and air impurities
Average arrestance of 80 %
Pleated filterRemove impurities and contaminants such as pollen, dust, pet hair and dander
Arrestance of 30 % of particles at 0,3 micron (70 % of particles at 1 micron)
Electrostatic filterMagnetic capture of air particules
Arrestance of 95 % of particles at 0,3 micron
HEPA filterEliminates microscopic particles
Arrestance of 99.97% of particles at 0.3 micron

Installation

While there are many types of installations, two dominate: independent type and integrated type.

Independent installation requires the placement of ducts in the walls. If the house is under construction, the installation of rigid ducts is an easy matter and will favour better air circulation. If, however, it is in an existing home, flexible ducting will need to be installed in closets or in the basement ceiling. Basic installation usually needs a fresh air source in the basement and one or two air vents per floor. This procedure assures good ventilation throughout the home.

The integrated type uses the ducts of the existing heating system (furnace, thermopump, etc.). The ventilation device is connected to the thermopump or furnace and the air is exchanged between the two. Since vents all already installed in every room, the fresh air level is excellent.

Ventilation machines sold by RONA

Rona carries the Venmar line of ventilation products. These products possess the following characteristics:
  • True HEPA filter included with each unit (eliminates 99.97% of particles at 0.3 micron)
  • Up to 3,000 sq. ft. capacity
  • Whole-house HEPA air purification system
  • Two pre-filters included
  • A breeze to install
  • Pre-balanced
  • 2-year warranty


To read about the particular characteristics of each model, please consult the following table.
HEPA 1000
Filtration		HEPA 2000
Filtration
Ventilation		HEPA 3000
Filtration
Ventilation
Heat recovery

Designed exclusively to filter indoor air and eliminate microscopic particlesCombines HEPA filtration and ventilationIn addition to the benefits of the HEPA 2000, this model has a heat recovery system that preheats air from outside before circulating it throughout the home, resulting in increased comfort
Improves indoor air quality and helps reduce the symptoms associated with respiratory problemsFilters indoor air and eliminates microscopic particlesRecirculation mode available (with the C34 control model, sold separately)
Recirculates air throughout the houseEliminates excess humidity during the cold seasons and gaseous pollutants by evacuating stale air and replacing it with fresh filtered air
Basic installation kit includedRelieves the symptoms associated with respiratory problems
No exterior outlet requiredInstallation kit sold separatelyInstallation kit sold separately
Offers 270 CFM* of filtered airOffers 70-105 CFM* of fresh air
Provides a total of 270 CFM* of fresh/filtered air		Offers 70-105 CFM* of fresh air
Provides a total of 270 CFM* of fresh/filtered air
*Cubic feet per minute
†Patent Pending		*Cubic feet per minute
†Patent Pending		*Cubic feet per minute
†Patent Pending

Maintenance

With routine preventative maintenance, you can avoid unnecessary problems, ensure the effectiveness of your HRV, and prolong its life.

Here is an eleven points maintenance schedule.
Maintenance RequiredRecommended
Clean or replace air filtersEvery 1 to 3 months*
Clean or unblock outside hoods and screensEvery 1 to 3 months*
Inspect and clean heat-exchange coreEvery 6 months
Inspect and clean condensate drain and pansEvery 6 months
Service and clean fansEvery 3 to 6 months
Clean grilles and inspect ductworkAnnually
Check defrost systemAnnually
General servicing by a qualified contractorAnnually
Adjust dehumidistat controlsSeasonally
Balancing supply airflowAnnually
Blancing exhaust airflowAnnually
* You may want to alter this schedule to meet your own needs, depending on the severity of your home’s indoor and outdoor environments or the manufacturer’s recommendations. More frequent servicing may be required if your home is in a location that is dusty, has high traffic flows, etc.
Poor interior air quality and excessive humidity can cause damaging effects on the health of the occupants, as well as on the house itself. The list of contaminants and allergens is very long: humidity and mould, mites, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, household cleaner chemical fumes, etc. And the symptoms vary: headaches, chronic fatigue, aggravated allergy symptoms and asthma, etc. And then there’s damage to the house: condensation in windows, mould on walls, ceilings and window frames, basic structural damage created by humidity, etc.

Let your house “breath” with a good ventilation system... so you’ll also breath easier!
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