ERV/HRV for balanced ventilation in single- and multi-family homes
The HERO residential systems with heat or energy recovery improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and help lower the project's HERS score.
Heat & Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRVs/ERVs)
Airflows* up to 252 cfm at 0.4" w.g.
5" duct connection (HERO 100E, 120H, and 120E-EC)
6" duct connection (all other models)
Rubberized duct gaskets on metal collars
Optional MERV 8 (all models) and MERV 13 (except for HERO 100E, 120H, and 120E-EC) filters
Integrated balancing taps for commissioning
Energy-efficient counterflow core with SRE* up to 85% (0C/32F)
Front access for fast and easy maintenance
Improves the home's HERS score towards a NetZero status and lowers energy costs
Certifications: CSA, HVI, ENERGY STAR
Limited warranty
*For airflow and SRE details on specific models, see the Diagram and Performance sections on this page
HERO reduces ventilation loads (both heating and cooling), resulting in a gain of approximately 3-5 HERS points, depending on the climate zone (greater benefit in extreme climates), home size, air tightness, and fan efficacy. It lowers the annual modeled energy use for ventilation and supports compliance with ENERGY STAR® and ZERH thresholds.
In the ERI Path, HERO can help meet the required index target. In the Performance Path (Section R405), it reduces the home's total annual energy cost by lowering heating and cooling loads and through efficient fan operation. The unit improves the margin toward IECC compliance, especially in airtight homes.
HERO provides the balanced ventilation required by ENERGY STAR and contributes energy savings through heat recovery and low fan power. These savings are reflected in the home's total modeled energy use. It can also help reduce heating and cooling system sizing. The ERV supports the overall performance metrics for ENERGY STAR qualification, without adding a penalty for required ventilation.
For ZERH that are built ENERGY STAR, HERO helps meet its strict requirements. It improves the modeled energy performance toward a near-zero energy goal and supports achieving the HERS Index threshold (typically ≤ 50). The unit enables ZERH eligibility by providing the required ventilation while reducing modeled energy loads.
HERO contributes to the Energy & Atmosphere (EA) credit for Annual Energy Use. Heat recovery reduces the modeled energy demand, and potential reductions in HVAC system sizing can lead to further energy savings. It may also support Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credits related to ventilation and IAQ. While indirect, these benefits can contribute to a higher LEED score.
HERO helps earn points in Chapter 7 (Energy Efficiency) by reducing ventilation energy use. It also supports Indoor Environmental Quality sections and contributes toward meeting overall energy performance thresholds, while complying with IAQ requirements.
HERO® appliances supply fresh, tempered air into indoor spaces while removing excess moisture, ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment.
HERO® appliances include rubberized duct seals and easy-connect ports for simple set-up. Unobstructed front access allows for quick cleaning and easy maintenance.
These appliances have been designed to meet the latest and most stringent ENERGY STAR® requirements, making them even more dependable, efficient, and simple to install.
In the Box
This appliance comes with a wall mount, an external electrical box with easy-connect ports, integrated in-door manometer ports, and duct ports with plastic collar shrouds with integrated backdraft for simple, fast installation.
| HERO 100E | HERO 120E-EC | HERO 140E | HERO 160E-EC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow range (low-high) (cfm @ 0.4" wg.) | 40-102 | 40-112 | 20-142 | 60-159 |
| Duct connection (inch) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Voltage/Phase (V/-) | 120/1 | 120/1 | 120/1 | 120/1 |
| Connection type | Round | Round | Round | Round |
| Consumed power (low/high speed) (W) | 42/91 | 21/87 | 55/180 | 26/120 |
| Fan Efficacy @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 1.2 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 2.0 |
| Adjusted Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 88 | 88 | 86 | 85 |
| Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 82 | 85 | 79 | 81 |
| Sensible Recovery Efficiency @-25 ̊C/-13 ̊F | 60 | 62 | 60 | 64 |
| Max current | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 3.0 |
| Defrost cycle | Recirculation | Recirculation | Recirculation | Recirculation |
| HERO 120H | HERO 150H | HERO 200H | HERO 150H-EC | HERO 250H-EC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow range (low-high) (cfm @ 0.4" wg.) | 40-112 | 50-150 | 60-203 | 50-172 | 80-252 |
| Duct connection (inch) | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Voltage/Phase (V/-) | 120/1 | 120/1 | 120/1 | 120/1 | 120/1 |
| Connection type | Round | Round | Round | Round | Round |
| Consumed power (low/high speed) (W) | 69/165 | 59/180 | 98/210 | 23/110 | 34/260 |
| Fan Efficacy @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| Adjusted Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 85 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 85 |
| Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F | 80 | 80 | 80 | 84 | 82 |
| Sensible Recovery Efficiency @-25 ̊C/-13 ̊F | 64 | 65 | 67 | 68 | 63 |
| Max current | 1.2 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 6.4 |
| Defrost cycle | Recirculation | Recirculation | Recirculation | Recirculation | Recirculation |
The HERO 250H-EC was specified for this project to provide dependable, energy-efficient ventilation. Its performance and seamless integration supported the project’s operational and design requirements. Learn more in the full case study.
Lakeside, NS, Canada
This project provided 25 affordable, energy-efficient homes for the Adsum House community creating a welcoming, safe place people can be proud to call home. HERO® appliances ensured balanced ventilation and low energy consumption.
Burlingame, CA, USA
Geode ADU is a small (640 square feet) completed accessory dwelling unit that supplements and contrasts an existing modern. Outfitted with a HERO®, the ADU ensures balanced ventilation and supports the client’s vision of a ‘place apart’ that is both inspiring and comfortable.
Sunapee, NH, USA
Perched above Lake Sunapee, Soo Nipi House was designed for siblings to share with their families, offering two primary suites and shared spaces in a compact layout that connects with the landscape. A HERO® promotes balanced ventilation for healthy indoor air environments.