Gravenhurst Plumbing, Heating & Electric

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.’s )

Residential Products

1. What is an “HRV or ERV”?

A – An “HRV” or “ERV” provides ventilation for your home by exchanging fresh outdoor air with stale indoor

air, with the advantage of “Heat Recovery” or “Energy Recovery” to ensure heating/cooling energy is not

lost.

2. Which HRV is best for my home?

A – Your contractor will be able to suggest the best model based on the size of your home, and the

individual features best for you.

3. How do I find a Lifebreath Contractor in my area?

A – Please take advantage of the “DEALER LOCATOR” on our website, www.lifebreath.com to find a Dealer

closest to you.

4. How do I operate my HRV unit?

A – Refer to the operation manual provided when your unit was installed. If you have lost your manual, a

replacement is available on our website. See the “Literature and Manuals” tab on our website at

www.lifebreath.com, and refer to the manual specific to your model number.

5. What speed or mode should I run my HRV on?

A – Your HRV unit’s main purpose is to provide a continuous supply of fresh air for your home. Select the

fan speed or mode selection (options vary by model), that meets your unique needs.

6. My HRV always runs on high speed, what should I do?

A – Consult your HRV manual regarding controls operation. If your unit doesn’t appear to be working

properly, speak to your contractor for service and/or repair.

7. Lately my HRV runs for about 3 minutes and then goes back off. Why does this happen?

A – When it is below freezing outdoors, it is normal for your unit to occasionally operate a defrost cycle.

8. My HRV isn’t operating?

A – Check to be sure the unit is plugged into a powered electrical outlet, and that your HRV control is set to

operate. If your unit still doesn’t work it may be best to call your service contractor for service and/or

repair.

9. My house is so dry, what do I do?

A – It is important to have a working humidifier in your home for the dry season(s) of the year. Lifebreath

offers a unique electronically pulsed Flow-Thru Humidifier that reduces water consumption. See

www.lifebreath.com and click on “Products” for more information.

10. How do I measure my home’s indoor humidity?

A – You can use a hydrometer – weather station, with an indoor humidity gauge (available at most

hardware stores for $10-25).

11. Can I use my HRV in the summer?

A – Yes, our HRV’s are designed to be used for ventilation purposes year-round. Where excess humidity

exists for short periods in the summer, it is important to have an additional appliance that provides

dehumidification or cooling in the summer months. For excessively humid climates where the Cooling

season is particularly long (ie. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana), an ERV may be more

suitable. Your local contractor can recommend the best product for your home and location.

12. My home is very humid. What can I do?

A – The dehumidistat dial on a HRV (if you purchased this option), should only be used during dry seasons

of the year. You should use a dehumidifier and/or proper cooling unit.

13. My HRV has a drain but there is no water coming out; is there anything wrong?

A – Your HRV occasionally will have some condensation come out at the bottom. However, most

condensation is usually blown through to the outdoors with the exhaust air.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.’s )

Residential Products

14. What maintenance is required for my HRV?

A – Minimal maintenance is needed. Twice a year, remove the aluminum core and rinse clean in just a few

minutes. Vacuum dust from inside the unit and check outdoor weather hoods for leaves and other debris.

Please consult your owner’s manual for more information. If there is something you don’t understand or

are not sure of, it would be best to call a professional contractor.

15. Where can I get a manual for my unit?

A – Visit www.lifebreath.com and click the tab called “Literature and Manuals”, then “Lifebreath Heat

Recovery Ventilators” or other product tab as relevant for your needs. There you can review, download or

print a manual for current manufactured models, as well as many older models.

16. My HRV has frozen up, what should I do?

A – Unplug your unit and call your contractor for service and/or repair.

17. Can you come and service our unit?

A – No, we are the manufacturer. However, there are many service contractors available for servicing.

18. Where can I buy your products?

A – A limited number of our products can be purchased on our website at www.lifebreath.com, see the “Buy

Online” tab. For more specialized products, you can contact a dealer in your area using the “Dealer

Locator” section of our website.

19. Can I add a humidifier to my HRV?

A – No, a humidifier should never be attached to a HRV unit. A humidifier should be installed properly on a

forced air furnace or be a console model designed for your application.

20. How much make up air does your HRV provide?

A – Our HRV units should not be used as make up air units, but for balanced fresh air only. If you need

make up air for a particular appliance, please consult with that appliance manufacturer for their

recommendations of make up air.

21. I want to install the HRV myself, what duct size do I use?

A – You should consult a professional contractor for duct sizing.

22. Can I order your equipment or controls in a different colour?

A – No, all Lifebreath equipment comes standard as appliance white.

23. Will the appliance I choose be approved for a rebate?

A – Numerous incentive programs are available, and change frequently. Check with your municipal,

state/provincial, or federal rebate programs.

24. Can your Clean Air Furnace (CAF) or Air Handler (AH) be used with my hot water tank?

A – Our hydronic furnaces require a hot water appliance approved for space heating and sized for proper

heat. For proper heating capacity, consult with your contractor or other professional for your homes’

heatloss calculation.

25. Can I use cold water in your hydronic furnace to cool my home?

A – No, if you are planning on using a chilled water application for cooling you would need to use an

additional hydronic coil in your plenum to allow for proper airflow, drain and cooling capacity