How to Install a Heat Recovery Ventilator

Decide on a good, central location for your heat recovery ventilator. A basement is a good location or near your forced air furnace if you are utilizing your existing ductwork. Place it near a 120-volt grounded electrical outlet.

Install a support for the heat recovery ventilator unless it will be placed on a cement pad or other strong surface. These units can weigh up to 80 pounds, so plan a sturdy support.

Use a large hole saw to cut holes through the outside wall for the intake and exhaust ducts, normally 4 to 6-inch round ductwork.

Get through-the-wall kits with rainproof vent hoods and dust/insect barriers and install them in the two openings made in Step 3. Attach flexible ductwork to the intake and exhaust hoods and run to the heat recovery ventilator.

Run flexible ductwork to a central location for the fresh air to be exhausted into your home, or attach it to the intake on your central heating/air conditioning appliance.

Place a short piece of flexible ductwork from the heat recovery ventilator to pick up stale air from your home, preferably from the basement or a bathroom.

Attach flexible condensate drain tubing to the ventilator housing and run it to a floor drain nearby.

Connect your heat recovery ventilator to the nearby 120-volt grounded outlet. You may have to have an electrician install an outlet if there is none near your installation location.