How to Install an Air Exchanger in Vents

Select a location for the air exchanger unit, usually closer to an outside wall with enough clearance for future service repair. Allow enough exposure for the unit's bottom cover.

Attach the air exchanger securely using mounting screws and the two, prepackaged metal brackets. Use a carpenter's level to maintain the mount's evenness with the 1/2-inch drain spout located near the furnace, which will assist water drainage. Acquire rigid duct-work, instead of galvanized PVC to assist with air flow.

Cut an 8-inch opening on the return plenum on the flat side of the drop plenum and passed the inner corner with pipe cutters. Attach the double plenum connector with mounting screws and Phillips screwdriver.

Select a location on the hot supply plenum near to the furnace. Cut a 5-inch opening for the adjustable damper with pipe cutters. Attach the back-draft damper to the adjustable damper with mounting screws and Phillips screwdriver if other exhaust fans flow through the air exchanger.

Connect the double-plenum connector to the supply plum with supplied 5-inch-diameter silver duct-work. Cut an 8-inch opening in the outside wall. Insert a double hood from the outside. Fasten the assembly into place with the appropriate number of mounting screws.

Secure the 5-inch flex duct-work to the 5-inch double hood sleeve. Fasten the 5-inch double hood sleeve with a stainless steel screw. Stretch the 5-inch flex duct-work to reach the air exchanger and cut to the appropriate length. Feed 8-inch flex duct-work over the noninsulated duct-work, then secure the assembly to the 8-inch double-hood sleeve. Pull the 8-inch duct-work to reach the air exchanger, then cut to the appropriate length.

Secure the 5-inch flex duct-work to the air exchanger extension sleeve, then insert the extension sleeve into the air exchanger end. Fasten the end assembly with a stainless steel screw. Pull and connect the loose end of the 8-inch insulated duct-work to the air exchanger. Repeat the same procedure when securing a connection between the air exchanger and double-plenum connector.

Connect all duct-work carefully to avoid puncturing, overheating and wear and tear. Secure tape to the flex duct-work ends to prevent water accumulation while defrosting. Fasten the 1/2-inch drain hose to the bottom of the air exchanger unit to provide sufficient water drainage.