How to Find an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) Installation Contractor

BY CHRISTINE G. CROCKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAINE INDOOR AIR QUALITY COUNCIL

Installing a balanced, ducted, recovery ventilation system in your home is a critical strategy for removing pollutants that can make you sick, and bringing in fresh air for you and your family. But how do you find both the right equipment to meet your needs, and a capable, competent contractor who can install the equipment properly? Here are some suggestions:

Research Equipment Options: A simple internet search for Energy Recovery Ventilators (which are preferred for most applications in this climate), will return a vast array of equipment options. While daunting, it’s worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with ventilation equipment terminology and identifying products that interest you. Like a car search, different brands have their strengths and weaknesses, such as size, optimal installation location, cold temperature tolerances, warranties, energy efficiency ratings, etc.
Contact Manufacturer Representatives: Manufacturer representatives for the products you are interested in have lists of contractors with experience installing their products. Many reps will work directly with the contractor to purchase the right size unit and may even meet with you and the contractor at your home to discuss the installation to ensure the best fit.
Due Diligence: Maine has no contractor licensing or requirements for education, certification or baseline experience of construction professionals, so it’s extremely important that homeowners do their homework. Here’s a quick checklist of what to ask:

Education and Experience

Does the contractor have construction-related education or hold any building-related certifications? Do they attend courses regularly and from whom? Are they involved in professional organizations for education and networking? It’s worth noting that the best available training for ventilation system design and installation is offered by HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Institute of Canada), but only a handful of ventilation contractors in Maine hold HRAI certification.
Will they give you references from past installations? If yes, call them.
Do they carry insurance? Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Design of the System

Where will the fresh air intake be placed? Fresh air intakes should NOT be located near dryer vents, furnace/boiler/hot water heater exhaust; car/ driveway/garage; over a BBQ grill; under a deck; in front of a house if on a dirt road; or near exterior flood lights.
Will the system deliver fresh air to the areas of the home where people spend the most time (bedrooms, living room) or which generate the most pollutants (bathroom, kitchen, basement)?
Where will the diffusers be located? Will they be placed in areas that won’t negatively impact your comfort? (Not over beds, not near couches or regular seating areas)
Does the design ensure good mixing of air across the space (in one side and out the other) to ensure air flow for provision of good air and exhaust of bad air throughout?
How will the system be controlled? Many options are available, each of which should be discussed with the contractor: speed control, percent run time, push button timer, CO2 sensor.

Install According to Available Standards

Maine does not have any adopted standards for proper design and installation of balanced, ducted systems, but Canada does. Ask your contractor what they know about the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard F326, and whether they might be willing to install your system in accordance with this standard.

Learn more about indoor air quality in Building Science 101: Ventilation.

Have questions about indoor air quality in your home? Visit www.maineindoorair.org or call the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council directly at 207-626-8115.