Tradewinds RNC15, RNC25 Installation Instructions Manual

Package 1 of 1 contains:

1 - Assembled ventilator
1 - Bag assembly containing:

2 - Drain spout assemblies (HRV units only)
4 - Hanging straps
1 - Installation 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)

Optional Accessories

•

20 Minute Fan Timer

• Wall Mounted Dehumidistat

•

Weather hood Kit

• Round Diffuser
4” (100mm)
5” (125mm)
6” (150mm)
8” (200mm)

• Kitchen Grille

- may be required by code for kitchen applications

- contains removable grease filter

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.

Shipping and Packaging List .................................................1

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

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

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

Engineering Data................................................................2-3

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

Installation ..........................................................................4-7

Installation Diagrams .............................................................8

Electrical ...............................................................................9

Optional Controls.................................................................10

Operation.............................................................................11

Wiring Diagrams ..................................................................12

Interlocking HRV to Furnace ...............................................13

Air Flow Balancing..........................................................15-16

Troubleshooting...................................................................17

Maintenance .......................................................................18

Shipping and Packing List

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.

TW-25

1206

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

MODELS RNC15/RNC25

TM

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION FOR HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR (HRV)

2

THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE, PATENTED ALUMINUM CORE

The cross-flow heat recovery core transfers heat between the two air streams.
It is easily removed for cleaning or service.

MOTORS AND BLOWERS

Each air stream has one centrifugal blower driven by a common PSC motor.

FILTERS

Washable air filters in exhaust and supply air streams.

MOUNTING THE HRV

Four threaded inserts at corners of case designed to accept four PVC reinforced
polyester straps that are supplied with the unit.

DEFROST

Damper defrost system; defrosts automatically as the outdoor temperature falls.

CASE

Twenty gauge prepainted galvanized steel (G60) for superior corrosion resistance. Insulated to
prevent exterior condensation. Drain connections two - 1/2" (12mm) OD.

WEIGHT

87 lbs. (39.5 kg)

SHIPPING WEIGHT

89 lbs. (40.5 kg)

CONTROLS
HRV System Control

HRV defaults to LOW SPEED when plugged in. HIGH SPEED option is accessible by connecting
remote controls to designated terminals inside electrical box of HRV.

Standard LOW SPEED SETTING can be increased by manipulating switches in electrical box.
OFF(Standby)/LOW or OFF/HIGH speed operation also available by manipulating switches.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

99-132 20 Minute Fan Timer - (3 wire) 20 gauge wire (min.) 100’ length (max.)

99-186 Weather Hoods,2-6"(150mm) c/w 1/4" (6mm) screen

99-116 Dehumidistat Ventilation Control - Dehumidistat with ON/OFF

99-130 Dehumidistat Control - Dehumidistat

All units conform to CSA and UL standards.

23.5"
(597)

22.5"
(572)

26.5"

(673)

*All Duct Connections 6" (150mm)

CONDENSATE DRAINS

DAMPER

BLOWERS

DEFROST

PORT

FRONT VIEW TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW

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

STALE AIR

TO OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR

FROM OUTSIDE

STALE AIR

FROM INSIDE

FRESH AIR

TO INSIDE

TW-03

0204

Warranty

Two year parts.

Fifteen year aluminum core.

Performance

Net supply air flow in cfm (L/s) against external static pressure

E.S.P RNC15

(external static pressure) [cfm (L/s)]

@ 0.1" (25 Pa) 177 (83)
@ 0.2" (50 Pa) 164 (77)
@ 0.3" (75 Pa) 156 (73)
@ 0.4" (100 Pa) 143 (67)
@ 0.5" (125 Pa) 123 (58)

Max.Sensible Effectiveness 78%

-13°F (-25°C) outdoor air
72°F (22°C) 40% RH indoor air

Test Parameters 67cfm (32L/s)

Sensible Effectiveness 32°F (0°C) 76%

*Sensible Efficiency 32°F (0°C) 66%

*Sensible Efficiency -13°F (-25°C) 60%

**Latent Efficiency 95°F (35°C) 0%

Total Efficiency 95°F (35°C) 20%

VAC @ 60HZ 120

WATTS / High@.3” W.C. 173

WATTS / Low @.3” W.C. 63

Engineering Data - HRV RNC15

Dimensions RNC15

inches (mm)

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

*Sensible Efficiency - thermal **Latent Efficiency - moisture

Note: Effectiveness - based on temp. differential between the 2 airstreams
Efficiency - includes parasitic losses from fan and defrosting

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

TM

3

0204

THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE, PATENTED ALUMINUM CORE

The cross-flow heat recovery core transfers heat between the two air streams.
It is easily removed for cleaning or service.

MOTORS AND BLOWERS

Each air stream has one centrifugal blower driven by a common PSC motor.

FILTERS

Washable air filters in exhaust and supply air streams.

MOUNTING THE HRV

Four threaded inserts at corners of case designed to accept four PVC reinforced polyester straps
that are supplied with the unit.

DEFROST

Damper defrost system; defrosts automatically as the outdoor temperature falls.

CASE

Twenty gauge prepainted galvanized steel (G60) for superior corrosion resistance. Insulated to
prevent exterior condensation. Drain connections two - 1/2" (12mm) OD.

WEIGHT

63 lbs. (28.7 kg)

SHIPPING WEIGHT

67 lbs. (30.4 kg)

CONTROLS
HRV System Control

HRV defaults to LOW SPEED when plugged in. HIGH SPEED option is accessible by connecting
remote controls to designated terminals inside electrical box of HRV.

Standard LOW SPEED SETTING can be increased by manipulating switches in electrical box.
OFF(Standby)/LOW or OFF/HIGH speed operation also available by manipulating switches.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

99-132 20 Minute Fan Timer - (3 wire) 20 gauge wire (min.) 100’ length (max.)

99-186 Weather Hoods,2-6"(150mm) c/w 1/4" (6mm) screen

99-116 Dehumidistat Ventilation Control - Dehumidistat with ON/OFF

99-130 Dehumidistat Control - Dehumidistat

All units conform to CSA and UL standards.

23.5"
(597)

22.5"
(572)

26.5"

(673)

*All Duct Connections 6" (150mm)

CONDENSATE DRAINS

DAMPER

BLOWERS

DEFROST

PORT

FRONT VIEW TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW

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

STALE AIR

TO OUTSIDE

FRESH AIR

FROM OUTSIDE

STALE AIR

FROM INSIDE

FRESH AIR

TO INSIDE

Warranty

Two year parts.

Fifteen year aluminum core.

*Sensible Efficiency - thermal **Latent Efficiency - moisture

Note: Effectiveness - based on temp. differential between the 2 airstreams
Efficiency - includes parasitic losses from fan and defrosting

Performance

Net supply air flow in cfm (L/s) against external static pressure

E.S.P RNC25

(external static pressure) [cfm (L/s)]

@ 0.1" (25 Pa) 214 (101)
@ 0.2" (50 Pa) 206 (97)
@ 0.3" (75 Pa) 193 (91)
@ 0.4" (100 Pa) 184 (87)
@ 0.5" (125 Pa) 170 (80)

Max.Sensible Effectiveness 69%

-13°F (-25°C) outdoor air
72°F (22°C) 40% RH indoor air

Test Parameters 127cfm (60L/s)

Sensible Effectiveness 32°F (0°C) 67%

*Sensible Efficiency 32°F (0°C) 60%

*Sensible Efficiency -13°F (-25°C) 59%

**Latent Efficiency 95°F (35°C) 0%

Total Efficiency 95°F (35°C) 20%

VAC @ 60HZ 120

WATTS / High@.3” W.C. 182

WATTS / Low @.3” W.C. 70

Engineering Data - HRV RNC25

Dimensions RNC25

inches (mm)

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

TM

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.

Weatherhood Location and Installation

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

Exhaust Weatherhood 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.

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.

1/4"(6mm)SCREEN

(frontview)

EXTERIOR

WALL

SCREEN

(sideview)

COLLARISSUPPLIEDTO

ENSUREVAPOURBARRIER

IS100%SEALEDTO

WALLPLATE

12"galvanized

pipesupplied

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 weatherhood, its outside perimeter
must be sealed with exterior caulking.

* Local code may require greater distances.

Intake Weatherhood Requirements

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

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

• 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.

Weatherhood Clearances

Weatherhood Installation

CAUTION

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.

INTAKE

18" (460mm) min.

recommended min.

6' (2m)

recommended min.

36" (1m)

EXHAUST

18" (460mm) min.

INSIDE CORNER

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
snow level.

6

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.

Installing the Ducting Between
the HRV & Living Areas in the House

To maximize airflow in the duct system, all ducts should
be kept short and have as few bends or elbows as possi­ble. Forty-five degree elbows are preferred to 90° elbows.
Use “Y” tees instead of 90° elbows whenever possible.

All duct joints must be fastened with screws, rivets or duct
sealant and wrapped with mastic or a quality duct tape to
prevent leakage. Mastic is preferred but if duct tape is
used, we recommend aluminum foil duct tape.

Galvanized ducting from the HRV to the living areas in the
house is recommended whenever possible, although flexi­ble duct can be used in moderation if necessary.

To avoid possible noise transfer through the duct system,
a short length (approximately 12 inches or 300mm) of non­metallic flexible insulated duct should be connected
between the HRV and the supply/exhaust duct system.

The main supply and return lines to/from the HRV must be
6 inches (150mm) minimum. Branch lines to the individual
rooms may be as small as 4 inches (100mm), but 5 inch
(125mm) lines are preferred .

All ducts running through attics and unheated spaces must
be sealed and insulated to code.

Fresh Air Ducting

In applications that do not include an air handler, fresh air
should be supplied to all bedrooms and living areas,
excluding bathrooms, kitchen and utility areas. Grilles
should be located high on a wall or in ceiling locations.

Grilles that diffuse the air comfortably such as the Round
Diffuser are recommended.

If the floor is the only option available, then special care
should be taken in locating grilles. Areas such as under
baseboard heaters will help to temper the air. Also option­al inline duct heaters are available for mounting in the
supply duct work to add heat if required.

Direct Connection to Air Handler Duct System

Should you wish to hard duct the fresh air from the HRV
directly into the cold air return of the air handler, remem­ber to check the air flow balance of the HRV with the air
handler fan both "ON" and "OFF" to determine that it does
not imbalance the unit more than 10%.

Indirect Connection to Air Handler Duct System

If permitted by local codes, an indirect connection may be
made between the HRV fresh air duct and the air handler
return plenum. The fresh air from the unit may be directed
at a grille installed in the cold air return duct of the air han­dler. The fresh air outlet from the HRV should be no closer
than 4 inches (100mm) and no more than 12 inches
(300mm) from the grille.

WARNING

Include a short length of fabric, flex duct or
other non-metallic connector in the “Fresh Air to
Building” 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.

FRESH AIR
FROM HRV

HRV

4" MINIMUM

12" MAXIMUM

RETURN AIR
DUCT FOR
AIR HANDLER