ᐅ Enthalpy Heat Exchanger for Central Controlled Residential Ventilation

Created on: 14 Nov 2022 11:01
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Prager91
Hello everyone,

We have a central mechanical ventilation system from Tecalor (THZ 180/280) with, according to our heating technician, an enthalpy heat exchanger installed.

In winter, we now notice that the indoor humidity in the living area averages around 40%, which is relatively low—but not uncommon during winter.

Nevertheless, we specifically had an enthalpy heat exchanger installed to prevent this. My question is: How can I tell if the enthalpy heat exchanger is actually installed?

In my operating manual, there is a guide for replacing the “heat exchanger.” Is this usually an enthalpy heat exchanger, or can it also be a “standard” heat exchanger? How can I distinguish between the two?

I just want to be sure whether it has actually been installed (I have a few slight doubts due to past experiences with my heating technician 😀).

And now the question: Is this level of indoor humidity in winter normal despite having a mechanical ventilation system with an enthalpy heat exchanger, or should the humidity be significantly higher under these conditions?
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Prager91
15 Nov 2022 07:39
For me, the image somehow appears sharper…

Data:

HRV366-V395-G-005022
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guckuck2
15 Nov 2022 08:27
Google says "HRV" is the standard counterflow heat exchanger. The enthalpy exchanger is called "CRV".
Available from the manufacturer "Core Life".
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Prager91
15 Nov 2022 08:33
guckuck2 schrieb:

Google says "HRV" is a standard counterflow heat exchanger. The enthalpy version is called "CRV".
You can find it from the manufacturer "Core Life".

I just spoke with the company Tecalor – they confirmed this to me as well.

I am extremely upset, especially since it was part of our contract and was confirmed to me several times... 🙁

The price difference is not just a few euros either...
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guckuck2
15 Nov 2022 08:37
Prager91 schrieb:

I just spoke with Tecalor – they confirmed this to me as well.

I’m extremely frustrated, especially since this was part of our contract and was confirmed to me multiple times... 🙁

The price difference is not just a few euros either...

Then immediately file a complaint with the supplier and hope that 40% is not the final limit after all 🙂
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Prager91
15 Nov 2022 08:39
guckuck2 schrieb:

Then immediately claim it with the supplier and look forward to the possibility that 40% might not be the final limit after all 🙂

The final invoice from our general contractor is still pending as well. We will withhold payment until this is resolved.

I am currently drafting an email to the heating installer and general contractor.
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halmi
15 Nov 2022 09:28
In general, an enthalpy heat exchanger does not create humidity; it simply reduces the amount of air being exhausted or returns it to the supply air.

A family of four or five that does a lot of laundry, showering, bathing, cooking, etc., will have different values compared to a couple household with two full-time working adults.