Lifebreath 99-MD-KIT, 94-EXCHANGER, 94-EXCHANGER-MD User Manual

Installation Tools

• tin snips • large zip ties

• assorted screw drivers • fabric flexible duct

• electric drill - class II rated

• hammer • mastic tape

• wire strippers • alum. foil duct tape

• knife • zip ties

• caulking gun • 1/2” I.D. drain hose

• smoke pencil

Balancing Tools

• Pitot Tube Balancing Kit
[Case, 8 ft. vinyl tubing, Pitot tube,
magnehelic gauge (0 - 0.25”), and
mounting plate]

•

Pitot Tube with instructions
and Digital Manometer (with resolution of
0 - 0.25” - must read to 1/100ths of an inch)

Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) are designed to provide
fresh air while exhausting an equal amount of stale air.

The HRV is equipped with an aluminum core. The device
uses the stale air that is being exhausted to condition the
fresh air as it is being brought in.

These instructions are intended as a general guide and do
not supersede local codes in any way. Consult authorities
who have jurisdiction before installation.

Required Tools................................................................1

Application.......................................................................1

General ...........................................................................1

Table of Contents............................................................1

Engineering Data ............................................................2

Motorized Damper Assembly..........................................3

Clearances & Requirements ...........................................4

Installation....................................................................4-6

Electrical .........................................................................7

Dehumidistat Operation ..................................................8

Air Flow Balancing .....................................................9-10

Maintenance .................................................................11

Application

General

Table of Contents

Required Tools

* LEAVE FOR HOMEOWNER

NOTE: Due to ongoing research and product development, specifications,

ratings and dimensions are subject to change without notice.

TI-FAE-001

1207

MODELS 94-EXCHANGER, 94-EXCHANGER-MD, 99-MD-KIT

See page 3 for 99-MD-KIT installation instructions

ATTENTION

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION FOR FRESH AIR EXCHANGER

2

MODEL 94-EXCHANGER-MD - Includes 24 volt motorized damper

21.25"

(540 mm)

STALE AIR

TO OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR

FROM OUTSIDE

STALE AIR

FROM INSIDE

FRESH AIR

TO INSIDE

15"

(380 mm)

18.75"
(475 mm)

*All Duct Connections 6" (150mm)

FILTER

BALANCING

COLLARS

FILTER

ALUMINUM HEAT

EXCHANGE CORE

*NOTE: Front clearance
of 25 inches (635 mm)
is recommended
for servicing unit.

DRAIN

SPOUT -1/2" O.D.

(DRAIN TUBING - 1/2" I.D.)

TAP E

TO DRAIN

TEE

CONNECTOR

DRAIN

SPOUT - 1/2" O.D.

1204

Engineering Data - HRV

Dimensions HRV

inches (mm)

Dimensions HRV

inches (mm)

WARRANTY:

Lifetime warranty on Aluminum Heat Exchange Core.
Five year warranty on all other parts.

MODEL 94-EXCHANGER - No damper. Optional kit (99-MD-KIT) can be added

Typical airflow is between 0 cfm and 130 cfm.

Typical airflow is between 60 cfm and 130 cfm.

Date: ___________________________________________
Tag: _____________________Qty:___________________
Project: _________________________________________
Engineer: _______________________________________

Contractor: ______________________________________
Supplier: ________________________________________
Quote#: _________________________________________
Submitted by: ____________________________________

FILTER

FRESH AIR

FROM OUTSIDE

ALUMINUM HEAT

EXCHANGE CORE

STALE AIR

TO OUTSIDE

(DRAIN TUBING - 1/2" I.D.)

(540 mm)

24 VOLT MOTORIZED DAMPER

DRAIN

SPOUT -1/2" O.D.

TAP E

21.25"

TO DRAIN

TEE

CONNECTOR

FILTER

STALE AIR

FROM INSIDE

BALANCING

COLLARS

FRESH AIR

TO INSIDE

DRAIN

SPOUT - 1/2" O.D.

*All Duct Connections 6" (150mm)

15"

(380 mm)

18.75"
(475 mm)

*NOTE: Front clearance
of 25 inches (635 mm)
is recommended
for servicing unit.

3

Motorized Damper Assembly

Mount the damper motor by aligning the four (4) holes in
the mounting plate to the four holes on the unit’s top plate.
This will automatically align the damper motor coupling
with the damper shaft.

Align the damper in the fully closed position. Using a 1/8”
Allen key to tighten the set screw.

Dampers should now be in the fully closed position with no
power. Identify desired wiring diagram in this guide.
Activating the damper motor should open flaps to 90˚.

Damper collar

Damper

door

1/8" Allen Key

Damper rod

Set

screw

Damper collar

Damper

door

Set

screw

4

Location Selection

The HRV must be located in a heated space where it will
be possible to conveniently service the unit. Typically the
HRV would be located in the mechanical room or an area
close to the outside wall where the weather hoods will be
mounted. If a basement area is not convenient or does not
exist, a utility or laundry room may be used.

Attic installations are not normally recommended due to:

A) the complexity of work to install
B) freezing conditions in the attic
C) difficulty of access for service and cleaning

The HRV unit must be installed in a horizontal position as
shown in the illustration below. The unit should be sus­pended using the provided hanging straps. If necessary,
the unit may be installed on a platform: however, the cabi­net should be isolated from the platform to prevent
vibration transmission. The unit must be level. Sufficient
clearance at the front of the access door is required for
servicing the air filters and core. A minimum of 25"
(635mm) clearance is recommended so the door can be
opened. Four PVC reinforced polyester hanging straps are
provided for hanging the HRV from the basement floor
joists.

Suspending the Unit

The hanging straps should be attached to the unit at the
top end corners (mounting screws are already located on
the HRV case). Securely fasten the other end of the straps
to the floor joists with wide head nails (not supplied), mak­ing sure the UNIT IS LEVEL. The straps are designed to
reduce the possibility of noise, resonance or harmonics;
therefore using the full length of the strap between the
HRV and the floor joists is recommended.

Weather Hood Location and Installation

Weatherhood kit includes two fixed-cover hoods with a
1/4” (6mm) mesh screen.

Exhaust Weather Hood Requirements

• At least 6' (2 m) from the ventilation air intake*

• At least 18" (457mm) above ground or above the
depth of expected snow accumulation*

Installation

Connecting Appliances to the HRV

The following appliances should not be connected to the
HRV:

• clothes dryer

• range top

• stovetop fan

• central vacuum system

NOTE: Connecting any of these to the HRV will

invalidate your warranty.

Clearances and Requirements

WARNING

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 air flows of
the ventilator, by using the balancing procedure
found in this manual.

CAUTION

It is always important to assess how the operation
of any HRV may interact with vented combustion
equipment (i.e. Gas Furnaces, Oil Furnaces,
Wood Stoves, etc.)

NEVER install a ventilator in a situation where its
normal operation, lack of operation or partial
failure may result in the backdrafting or improper
functioning of vented combustion equipment!!!

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Electric shock hazard. Can cause
injury or death. Before attempting to
perform any service or maintenance,
turn the electrical power to unit OFF
at disconnect switch(es). Unit may
have multiple power supplies.

Lint, dust or grease will collect in the HRV
damaging the unit.

5

• At least 3' (1 m) away from the corner of the building*

• At least 3’ away from gas meter, electric meter or a
walkway where fog or ice could create a hazard*

• Not into a garage, workshop or other unheated space

When installing the weather hood, its outside perimeter
must be sealed with exterior caulking.

* Local code may require greater distances.
Intake Weather Hood Requirements

• Should be located upstream (if there are prevailing
winds) from the exhaust outlet

• At least 6' (2 m) from the exhaust weather hood *

• At least 6' (2 m) away from dryer vents and air handler
exhaust (medium or high efficiency furnaces)*

• A minimum of at least 6' (2 m) from driveways, oil fill
pipes, gas meters, or garbage containers, swimming
pools*

• At least 18" (457mm) above the ground, or above the
depth of expected snow accumulation*

• At least 3' (1 m) from the inside/outside corner of the
building*

• Do not locate in a garage, attic or crawl space

* Local code may require greater distances.

Weather Hood Clearances

Suspending the Unit using the
Provided Hanging Straps

CAUTION

Weatherhood Installation

Unit must be installed level to ensure proper
condensate drainage. Due to the broad range of
installation and operational conditions,
consideration must be given for the possibility
of condensation forming on the unit or
connecting ducting. Objects below the
installation may be exposed to condensate.

OUTSIDE CORNER

36" (1m)

recommended min.

36" (1m)

recommended min.

INSIDE CORNER

SCREEN

(sideview)

12"galvanized

pipesupplied

EXTERIOR

1/4"(6mm)SCREEN

(frontview)

WALL

1. ThermalCollarslidesovergalvanized
sleeveofWeatherhood.

2. FastenThermalCollartoBelt.

3. SlidetheInsulatedFlexibleDuctingover
theWeatherhood'sgalvanizedsleeveand
fastenittotheThermalCollar.

4. Hoodishingedtoallowforeasyaccess

 forcleaningofbirdscreen.

COLLARISSUPPLIEDTO

ENSUREVAPOURBARRIER

IS100%SEALEDTO

WALLPLATE

INTAKE

18" (460mm) min.

6' (2m)

recommended min.

EXHAUST

18" (460mm) min.

CAUTION

Weatherhood arrangement - requires a minimum of 6'
(2m) separation and a minimum of 18" (460mm)
clearance above the higher of the grade or anticipated

6

Stale Air Exhaust System

The stale air exhaust system is accomplished by the posi­tive pressure created in the furnace ducting. The air

handler blower must be running for this system to be
effective.

Drain Connection (HRV Only)

During a defrost cycle, the HRV may produce some con­densation. This water should flow into a nearby drain, or
be taken away by a condensate pump.

The HRV cabinet has prepunched holes for the drain (see
below). Insert the drain spout through the hole in the drain
pan. Do not forget the “O ring” which seals each spout to
the pan. REMEMBER TO HAND TIGHTEN ONLY the
washer and lock nut which hold the drain spout in place.

Construct a P-Trap using the plastic tee connector. Cut
two lengths of hose and connect each piece to an end of
the “T” fitting, then connect the other ends to the two drain
spouts. Position the "T" fitting to point upward, andconnect
the drain line. Tape or fasten base to avoid any kinks. This
creates a “trap” which will hold some condensate and pre­vent odours from being drawn up the hose and into the
fresh air supply of the HRV.

"P" Trap (HRV only)

Note: Secondary drain pan may be required to
protect from condensate leakage.

Air Duct Design and Installation

A well designed and installed ducting system will allow the
HRV to operate at its maximum efficiency.

Always try to keep duct runs as short and straight as pos­sible. See Installation Diagrams for various installation
options.

The inner and outer liners of the flexible insulated duct
must be clamped to the sleeve of the weather hoods (as
close to the outside as possible) and the appropriate port
on the HRV. 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

silicone sealant) will seal the inner flexible duct to both the
HRV port and the weather hood prior to clamping with a
large zip tie.

To minimize air flow restriction, the flexible insulated duct
that connects the two outside weather hoods to the HRV
should be stretched tightly and be as short as possible.

Twisting or folding the duct will severely restrict air flow.
See below for the recommended connection of flexible
insulated ducts to the the outside weather hoods and the
HRV.

WARNING

Include a short length of fabric flex duct or other
non-metallic connector in this hard ducted line
in order to keep the HRV separately grounded
(electrically) from the air handler. This will avoid
a possible shock hazard to service people if a
short to ground develops in one of the devices.

DRAIN HOSE PLUMBING

DRAIN PAN DRAIN PAN

DRAIN

SPOUT

ZIP TIE

HARD PIPE PLUMBING

DRAIN PAN DRAIN PAN

DRAIN

SPOUT

PRE-PUNCHED HOLES (2)

CONNECTOR

TO DRAIN

PRE-PUNCHED HOLES (2)

1/2" HARD PIPE

TEE

JOINT

TEE

DRAIN

SPOUT

1/2 " I.D.

DRAIN HOSE

DRAIN

SPOUT

TO DRAIN

CAUTION

The HRV and all condensate lines must be
installed in a space where the temperature is
maintained above the freezing point.

7

Remote Control Connections

Electrical connections should be made by a qualified ser­vice technician. Low voltage wires from the remote
controls are connected to the damper motor terminals.

Identify the appropriate installation type and connect as
per illustration.

Electrical - Model 94-EXCHANGER-MD ONLY

OPTIONAL

TRANSFORMER

120 VAC

24 VAC

OPTIONAL

TRANSFORMER

120 VAC

OPTIONAL

TRANSFORMER

120 VAC

OPTIONAL RELAY (SPST)

OPTIONAL RELAY (SPST)

WARNING

In order to prevent electric shock when cleaning
or servicing the HRV, 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 to be switched.
To confirm the proper polarity, use a voltmeter
or test lamp to ensure there is no power after
the switch when the door is open. Check
between that point and ground (on the cabinet).
Always make sure that the HRV is properly
grounded.

WARNING

On older thermostats, energizing the R and G
terminals at the forced air system has the effect
of energizing the Y terminal at the thermostat
and thereby activating the cooling system. If you
identify this type of thermostat, you must use
option 3.

8

Installation

REMOTE DEHUMIDISTAT

*requires 2 wires

• anywhere humidity is a concern

• opens dampers to allow ventilation when humidity level exceeds
selected setting

Part No. 99-130

Dehumidistat Operation

Low Voltage - 24 VAC

PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS

Air is too dry • Increase humidity

• Switch ventilation mode from continuous
to intermittent

• Install a humidifier

Air is too humid • Reduce the humidity

• Verify if dryer is venting in basement

• Verify if heating wood is stored in basement

• Wait for outside temperature to change
Ex. Summer can be extremely humid

• Verify balancing of the HRV

• Run furnace blower continuously to increase
ventilation rate

tat

is

id

m

hu

e

D

e to

elativ

R

g

ettin

S

ns

itio

d

on

C

ide

ts

u

O

WINTER:

Set dehumidistat

between 30% to 40%.

If home is too dry,

adjust to higher setting.

If home is too humid,

adjust to lower setting.

SUMMER:

Set dehumidistat

to OFF.

Outdoors

NOTES:

1. Furnace blower is required to operate when ventilation is required.

2. Weatherhood arrangement is for drawing purposes only. Six feet (2 m) minimum separation required.
Eighteen inches (460 mm) above grade minimum.

3. Due to pressure differences in the equipment, airflows must be adjusted and confirmed on site.

4. Maintenance should be performed twice a year or more if required. Remove and wash filters and core and replace.
Outside hoods should be visually checked for blockage regularly.

5. Drain is required as shown above.

6. Built in balancing damper may require seasonal adjustments.

Insulated
Duct

DRAIN
SPOUT

TAPE

CONNECTOR

TO DRAIN

Built-in balancing damper*
in both air streams.

DRAIN

SPOUT

TEE

Return Air

3’

min.

recommended

Cool Air

*Unit is normally balanced with
furnace running at highest
operational speed

Return

Forced

Air

Furnace