User Guide

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7 TROUBLESHOOTING
Refer to the following table for troubleshooting your HRV unit.
Table 5.1 – Troubleshooting Procedures (cont.)
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Humidity levels are too
high condensation is
appearing on the
windows
Dehumidistat is set too high
HRV is not sized to handle a hot tub,
indoor pool etc.
Lifestyle of the occupants
Moisture coming into the home from
an unvented or unheated crawl
space
Moisture is remaining in the wash
room and kitchen areas
Condensation seems to form in the
spring and fall
HRV is set at too low a speed
Set Dehumidistat lower
Cover pools, hot tubs when they are not in
use
Avoid hanging clothes to dry, storing wood
and venting clothes dryer inside. Firewood
may have to be moved outside
Vent crawl space and place a vapor barrier on
the floor of the crawl space
Ducts from the washroom should be sized to
remove moist air as effectively as possible,
use of a bathroom fan for short periods will
remove additional moisture.
On humid days, as the seasons change, some
condensation may appear, but the homes air
quality will remain high with some HRV use
Humidity levels are too
low
Dehumidistat control set too low
Blower speed of HRV is too high
Lifestyle of occupants
HRV airflows may be improperly
balanced
Set Dehumidistat higher
Decrease HRV blower speed
Humidity may have to be added using
humidifiers
Have contractor balance HRV airflows
HRV and/or ducts
frosting up
HRV airflows are improperly
balanced
Malfunction of the HRV defrost
system
Have HVAC contractor balance the HRV
Ensure damper defrost is operating during
self-test.
Note
Minimal frost build-up is expected
on cores before unit initiates
defrost cycle functions
Condensation or ice
buildup in insulated
duct to the outside
Incomplete vapor barrier around
insulated duct
A hole or tear in outer duct covering
Tape and seal all joints
Tape any holes or tears made in the outer
duct covering
Ensure that the vapor barrier is completely
sealed
Excess water in the
bottom of the HRV
Drain pans plugged
Improper connection HRV’s drain
lines
HRV is not level
Drain lines are obstructed
HRV heat exchange core is not
properly installed
Look for obstructions in the drain line
Look for kinks in the drain line
Excessive Vibration
Dirt on fan wheels
Have contractor service HRV