LIFEBREATH 180 ERVD-AB Heat Energy Recovery Ventilator Instruction Manual

: June 30, 2024
: LIFEBREATH

LIFEBREATH 180 ERVD-AB Heat Energy Recovery Ventilator Instruction Manual

30 ERV
130 ERVD
170 ERVD
180 ERVD
267MAX ERV

all configurations and variations of this model are included in this manual

Pre-Installation Notes

Note

Due to ongoing research and product development, specifications, ratings, and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Refer to www.lifebreath.com for the latest product information.

Attention

Do not apply electrical power to the unit until after the completion of the installation (including installation of low voltage control wiring).
Ensure the installation and wiring is in accordance with CEC, NEC, and local electrical codes.
Plug the unit into a standard designated (120 VAC) electrical outlet with ground.
The use of an extension cord with this unit is not recommended. If the installation requires further wiring, have a licensed electrician make all the electrical connections. The recommended circuit is a separate 15 A/120 V circuit.

Caution

Before installation, careful consideration must be given to how this system will operate if connected to any other piece of mechanical equipment, i.e. a forced air furnace or air handler, operating at a higher static. After installation, the compatibility of the two pieces of equipment must be confirmed, by measuring the airflows of the ERV, by using the balancing procedure found in this manual. Never install a ventilator in a situation where its normal operation, lack of operation or partial failure may result in the back drafting or improper functioning of vented combustion equipment
Unit must be installed level to ensure proper condensate drainage. Due to the broad range of installation and operational conditions, consider the possibility of condensation forming on either the unit or connecting ducting. Objects below the installation may be exposed to condensate.
Do not install control wiring alongside electrical wire.

Warning

Disconnect the power from the unit before cleaning or servicing.
To prevent electrical shock, it is extremely important to confirm the polarity of the power line that is switched by the safety (disconnect) switch. The hot line (black) is the proper line for switching. Use either a voltmeter or test lamp to confirm the absence of a voltage between the disconnect switch and ground (on the cabinet) while the door is open. This procedure must be followed, as dwellings are occasionally wired improperly. Always ensure the proper grounding of the unit.
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury or loss of life. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer or service agency.

Homeowners Warranty Information

After the installation is complete, fill out the Warranty Information page in the Homeowner’s manual.

1 LOCATION NOTES

Install the unit in a heated space that provides clearance for service access. A typical location is in either a mechanical room or an area close to the outside wall within proximity to where the weather hoods are mounted. If a basement area is inconvenient or non-existent, install the unit in a utility room or laundry room.

Leave enough clearance at the front of the access door for servicing the air filters and core. The recommended clearance is a minimum of 25 in. (635 mm) for opening and closing the door. Four straps are provided with the unit for hanging it from the basement floor joists.

Attic installations are not recommended due to:

The complexity of work to install
Difficulty of access for servicing and cleaning
Freezing conditions in the attic

If attic installation is necessary, the unit must be situated in a conditioned space.

2 SERIAL NUMBER NOMENCLATURE BREAKDOWN

Note: ENERGY STAR®

If the unit is certified ENERGY STAR®, the following applies:

This product earned the ENERGY STAR® by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by Natural Resources Canada and the US EPA. This product meets ENERGY STAR® requirements only when used in Canada.
To ensure quiet operation of the ENERGY STAR® certified H/ERV, each product model must be installed using sound attenuation techniques appropriate for the installation.
The way your heat/energy-recovery ventilator is installed can make a significant difference to the electrical energy you use. To minimize the electricity, use of the heat/energy-recovery ventilator, a stand-alone fully ducted installation is recommended. If you choose a simplified installation that operates your furnace air handler for room-to-room ventilation, an electrically efficient furnace that has an electronically commutated (EC) variable speed blower motor will minimize your electrical energy consumption and operating cost.
Installation of a user-accessible control with your product model will improve comfort and may significantly reduce the product model’s energy use.

3 SIMPLIFIED INSTALLATION (RETURN/RETURN METHOD)

Installation Notes:

The ERV must be balanced.
Unit should be balanced on high speed with the furnace blower on.
It is mandatory that the furnace blower run continuously or ERV operation be interlocked with the furnace blower.
The duct configuration may change depending on the ERV model.
A backdraft damper is recommended in the exhaust air duct to prevent outdoor air from entering the unit.
The airflow must be confirmed on site using the balancing procedures found in this guide.

Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
Install the Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on the “Stale Air to Outside Collar”

Warning

Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents outdoor air from entering the ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

4 PARTIALLY DEDICATED SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Installation Notes:

The ERV must be balanced.
Unit should be balanced on high speed with the furnace blower on.
It is recommended that the furnace blower run continuously or ERV operation be interlocked with the furnace blower. Refer to building code.
The duct configuration may change depending on the ERV model.
A backdraft damper is recommended in the exhaust air duct to prevent outdoor air from entering the unit.
The airflow must be confirmed on site using the balancing procedures found in this guide.

Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
Install the Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on the “Stale Air to Outside Collar”

Warning

Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents outdoor air from entering the ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

5 FULLY DEDICATED SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Installation Notes:

The ERV must be balanced.
When balancing, all external exhaust systems should be turned off (i.e. range hood, exhaust, bathroom vents).
All exhausting appliances should have their own make-up air, as this is not an intended use for the ERV system.
The duct configuration may change depending on the ERV model.
The airflow must be confirmed on site using the balancing procedures found in this guide.

Spring-Loaded Backdraft Damper (recommended):
There is a location for an optional Backdraft Damper with the leaf hinge vertical. The damper is installed on the “Stale Air to Outside Collar”

Warning

Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Applications such as greenhouses, atriums, swimming pools, saunas, etc. have unique ventilation requirements which should be addressed with an isolated ventilation system.
Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance.
Backdraft dampers are recommended for the stale air to outside air duct. This damper prevents outdoor air from entering the ERV during the operation of the furnace/air handler while the ERV is in standby, off, or recirculating.

6 MOUNTING (30ERV) AND PLUGS

Mounting the 30ERV
(1) Mounting Points

Locate the four mounting tabs on the left and right sides of the unit, at the front and back.
Using a flat/pan head screwdriver, bend out the four tabs to approximately 45 degrees.
Once the tabs have all been bent outwards, insert the “S” hooks through the four holes on the tabs.
Install the unit to the structure. Refer to Hanging Straps.

Optional Plug Installation
(1) Plugs
1. Install the plugs (from the ERV manual bag) into the 2 holes located in the bottom tray of the ERV. They must be inserted from the inside of the unit to ensure the holes are fully sealed.

Caution

A drain is required; however, the use of a drain is optional in climates where the outdoor temperature remains above -25°C (-13°F) combined with an indoor humidity less than 30%.

Attention

Do not drill additional holes in the ERV

7 HANGING STRAPS

The hanging straps are designed to reduce the possibility of noise, resonance and harmonics.

Attention

The washer must be wider than the eyelet of the grommet on the hanging strap.
Must push up on the bottom of the ERV when pulling the hanging straps.
The unit must be mounted level for proper drainage of the condensate pans.

8 GRILLES

Installation Notes:
Adjustable grilles should be used to balance the flow rates into and out of various rooms. The grilles should not be adjusted after balancing the unit.

Grilles or diffusers should be positioned high on the wall or in the ceiling. Kitchen exhaust should never be connected to the range hood. They should be installed at least 4 ft (1.2 m) horizontally away from the stove.

Field supplied balancing dampers should be installed external to the unit to balance the amount of stale air being exhausted with the amount of fresh air being brought into the house. Refer to airflow balancing section.

The Kitchen Grille
The Kitchen Grille includes a removable grease filter. Most building codes require that kitchen grilles are equipped with washable filters.

Part# 99-10-002, 6 in x 10 in

The TechGrille
The TechGrille is a round, fully adjustable grille, which provides quiet air distribution.
• Part # 99-EAG4, 4 in (100 mm)
• Part # 99-EAG5, 5 in (125 mm)
• Part # 99-EAG6, 6 in (150 mm)
• Part # 99-EAG8, 8 in (200 mm)

9 GRILLE FITTINGS

Caution

Do not mount exhaust grille within 4 ft (1.2 m) (horizontally) of a stove to prevent grease from entering the unit.

10 LIFEBREATH WEATHER HOODS

Fixed covered weather hoods have a built-in bird screen with a 1/4 in. (6 mm) mesh to prevent foreign objects from entering the ductwork.

Installation Notes:

The inner and outer liners of the flexible insulated duct must be clamped to the sleeve of the weatherhoods (as close to the outside as possible) and the appropriate port on the ERV. It is very important that the fresh air intake line be given special attention to make sure it is well sealed. A good bead of high-quality caulking (preferably acoustical sealant) will seal the inner flexible duct to both the ERV port and the weatherhood prior to clamping.
The flexible insulated duct that connects the two outside weatherhoods to the ERV should be stretched tightly and be as short as possible to minimize air flow restrictions.
Twisting or folding the duct will severely restrict airflow.
Hard (rigid) ducting which has been sealed and insulated should be used for runs over 10 ft (3.3 m). Refer to your local building code.

Figure Callouts:
(1) Thermal Collar
(2) 12 in. long Galvanized Sleeve
(3) Exterior Wall
(4) 1/4 in. (6mm) Mesh Screen

Installation Steps:

Thermal collar slides over galvanized sleeve to ensure vapor barrier is 100% sealed to wall plate.
Fasten thermal collar to belt.
Slide the insulated flexible ducting over galvanized sleeve and fasten it to the thermal collar.
Weatherhood is hinged to allow for easy access for cleaning of mesh screen.

Attention
• Weather Hood Requirements: Check local codes/authority having jurisdiction for acceptance and space requirements for weatherhoods. Do not locate in garage, attic, or crawl space.
i) Intake: Should be located upstream (if there are prevailing winds) from the exhaust outlet. Not near dryer vents, furnace exhaust, driveways, oil fill pipes, gas meters, or garbage containers.
ii) Exhaust: Not near a gas meter, electric meter or a walkway where fog or ice could create a hazard.

11 LIFEBREATH DUAL HOOD

The Lifebreath Dual Hood only requires one 6 in. opening for intake and exhaust. The Lifebreath Dual Hood can be used up to a maximum airflow of 140 cfm.

Available Units:
• 99-194 – 4 in. Dual Hood (not shown)
• 99-190 – 5-6 in. Dual Hood

Caution
• Sealant must be applied as per instructions or leakage and condensation may occur.
• Insulate the Fresh Air Suppl and Stale Air Exhaust duct work back to the unit.

Attention
• Contact your local building authority before installation of the Dual Hood to verify compliance with local building codes.

Note

Tested by: National Research Council Canada
Program: Building Regulations for Market Access Report Number: A1-007793
Report Date: 15 February 2016
Found to comply with requirement as set in the NBC.

12 TERMINAL BLOCKS

Each unit has a Terminal Block. The Terminal Block will either be Type A or Type B, shown below.

13 MAIN CONTROL INSTALLATION (99-DXPL02 / 99-DXPL03)

The 99-DXPL02 and 99-DXPL03 wall control must be surface mounted onto a wall. Only one main control should be installed into a ventilation system.

Attention

Use care when separating or attaching the face plate to avoid damaging the contact pins.

14 MAIN CONTROL INSTALLATION (99-BC02, -BC03, -BC04)

The 99-BC02, 99-BC03, 99-BC04 ventilation controls may either be installed onto a flush mounted electrical switch box or surface mounted onto a wall. Only one main control should be installed into a ventilation system.

Attention
• Use care when separating or attaching the face plate to avoid damaging the contact pins.

15 INTERLOCKING THE ERV

Interlocking the ERV to an Air Handler or Furnace Blower
Connecting the ERV as shown below will ensure that the air handler/furnace blower motor is operating whenever the ERV is venting.

The ERV must be interlocked to the furnace/air handler with a Simplified Installation (Return/Return Method).
The ERV should be interlocked to the furnace/air handler with a Partially Dedicated System Installation.

Air Handler/Furnace Blower Connections with Type A Terminal Block

Air Handler/Furnace Blower Connections with Type B Terminal Block

Caution