Troubleshooting guide

26
Problem
HRV runs on
one speed only
Damaged duct
insulation jacket
Cold drafts in
living quarters
Poor air quality/
excess moisture
throughout the house
Air too dry in winter
Unusual noise and
vibrations
Possible causes and solutions
• Check all switches for malfunctions by varying
the settings.
• If unit remains on same speed, call a contractor.
• If the insulation is wet, has any ice build-up or if
there is water on the floor, replace and properly
seal the damaged insulation.
• If the insulation is not damaged, use duct tape
to repair any punctures in the jacket.
• Check for blockage of exhaust air stream.
• Check core for freezing.
• If problem persists, ask installer to provide dif-
fusers, relocate fresh air outlets, add additional
outlets, or add a preheater, as appropriate.
• Adjust dehumidistat.
• Check core for freezing.
• Reduce sources of humidity.
• Run HRV at a higher speed.
• Ensure HRV is operating properly (check
airflow using plastic trash bag technique on
pages 11 and 14).
• If problem persists, the HRV’s minimum
continuous ventilation rate may be inadequate.
Call a contractor.
• Adjust dehumidistat.
• Run HRV on lowest setting.
• Run HRV intermittently.
• Consider installing a control to run
HRV intermittently.
• Sensation of dryness may be caused by
chemicals. Control pollutant at the source.
• Consider installing a humidifier (if you do so,
make sure you clean it regularly).
• Consider installing an energy recovery ventilator
(ERV), which can help with humidity problems
(see “Energy Recovery Ventilators”, page 8). This
is a more expensive solution than any of the
above. Some HRVs can be converted to ERVs,
at less cost than installing a new unit.
• Oil the fan motors (if not self-lubricating) using
non-detergent motor lubricating oil.
• Inspect and clean fan blades and heat-exchange
core as required.
• If problem persists, call a contractor.
00-211 english booklet 3/20/03 12:00 pm Page 26