PLANNING / SELECTION / HANDOVER
Before choosing the equipment
Tell the designer about occupancy, moisture complaints and existing exhaust systems. Ask why an ERV is preferred to an HRV for this particular building and how it will be controlled.
What belongs in the quote
The scope should identify ductwork, outdoor terminals and balancing. Request filter and core access instructions and an explanation of what the system can and cannot do for humidity control.
Think about the surrounding system
Describe the actual concern: moisture, stale rooms, particles, odours or an exhaust requirement. These are different problems. Ask the designer to explain what the proposed equipment addresses, what remains outside its scope and how the result will be measured. Include filter access and regular maintenance in the plan.
Three questions for your contractor
- Why is an ERV appropriate here?
- How does it coordinate with existing exhaust?
- What ongoing maintenance is required?
Prepare a useful first conversation
Bring the site location, building use, equipment model details and photographs of accessible equipment. Describe the problem or planned change and any access or shutdown constraints. Ask the contractor to identify design assumptions, excluded work, required approvals and who will commission the finished system.
This is a project-planning guide. Final equipment selection and installation details need a qualified contractor or designer familiar with the site.
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Natural Resources Canada — heating, cooling and ventilation ↗Independent background reading. Manufacturer references illustrate equipment categories; HVACR.tv does not claim a dealer relationship or recommend a specific model.