hrv question

indep

Hi guys,
we just purchased a new home that is going to be finished for march 09, they will start digging hte foundation in september and i had a question regarding hrv... the builder asked me if i wanted one installed, it's 2100 for a non dedicated and 3500 for a dedicated one... to be honest i am not very familiar with these other than they take away stale air and bring in fresh air... i was also reading that for newer homes, it's good since houses are airtight nowadays... so my question to you guys, is this good to have or not, and if so, would the non dedicated be good enough( i dont know the difference between both) because 3500 is a bit over our budget but if hrv is good then we'd be able to get the 2100 one... or should we just wait and get a contractor to install it? anyway, any help would be great on this!! thanks a lot

my second question is concerning the house, just a quick question regarding the weather, since we're in canada it will snow in winter, and if they haven't put hte roof down and there's snow inside the house, will that affect the lumber and the insides ?

THANKS!!!

8 Ball

Im only an honorary Canuck...eh!...and ...nobody in my section of the world has built a new house in two years, but I would consider that no heat exchanger is 100% efficient, which would increase your utility usage.

Most new furnaces are required by code to be supplied with combustion air, as are fireplaces. If you would like one to improve your environment and comfort level, nows the time to do it. Later will definitly cost more.

What brand are we talking about. Is there a code requirement in your area, that requires the furnace fan to come on and provide ventilation when your kitchen exhaust vent is turned on?

And no...8-12 feet of snow wont hurt anything.

indep

hehe thanks for the reply...
i'm not sure about the brand they will be offering, he said there's the bypass one for 2100 and teh full system one for 3500, and he referred to them as non dedicated and dedicated respectively.
We are getting a high efficiency furnace with the vent going outside so would that be sufficient?

anyway thanks for the reply

8 Ball

Your new furnace will bring in and exhaust, or vent its own air. An HRV draws in outdoor air, and exhausts indoor air, transfering heat from one to the other, and distributes the air to your living spaces, through your HVAC system. Some even pick up heat or cooling from the earth by running ductwork underground.

I must admit I dont know, clearly, what they mean by dedicated and non dedicated. I will ASSUME that dedicated refers to being included into the HVAC system serving the entire home, and nondedicated meaning that it would be ducted to a specific area, kitchen or bathroom.

If in your area, or by code, you are required to ventilate, or draw in outdoor air, an HRV is an excellent idea. If I am correct, go with the non dedicated.

Wish I could be more help.