HERO Fresh air appliances

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

Helps Lower HERS Scores in Tight Homes

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.

Compliant with IECC Design Pathways

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.

Satisfies ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes Ventilation Requirements

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. 

Meets Strict Requirements of DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH)

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.

Meets Energy Savings Requirements for LEED for Homes

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.

Supports IEQ Sections Required by National Green Building Standard (NGBS)

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.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

HERO® appliances supply fresh, tempered air into indoor spaces while removing excess moisture, ensuring a healthy, comfortable living environment.

Easy Installation & Maintenance

HERO® appliances include rubberized duct seals and easy-connect ports for simple set-up. Unobstructed front access allows for quick cleaning and easy maintenance. 

ENERGY STAR® Certified

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® ERV Comparison

HERO 100EHERO 120E-ECHERO 140EHERO 160E-EC
Airflow range (low-high) (cfm @ 0.4" wg.)40-10240-11220-14260-159
Duct connection (inch)5566
Voltage/Phase (V/-)120/1120/1120/1120/1
Connection typeRoundRoundRoundRound
Consumed power (low/high speed) (W)42/9121/8755/18026/120
Fan Efficacy @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F1.22.00.92.0
Adjusted Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F88888685
Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F82857981
Sensible Recovery Efficiency @-25 ̊C/-13 ̊F60626064
Max current1.01.21.63.0
Defrost cycleRecirculationRecirculationRecirculationRecirculation

HERO® HRV Comparison

HERO 120HHERO 150HHERO 200HHERO 150H-ECHERO 250H-EC
Airflow range (low-high) (cfm @ 0.4" wg.)40-11250-15060-20350-17280-252
Duct connection (inch)56666
Voltage/Phase (V/-)120/1120/1120/1120/1120/1
Connection typeRoundRoundRoundRoundRound
Consumed power (low/high speed) (W)69/16559/18098/21023/11034/260
Fan Efficacy @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F1.01.20.93.02.5
Adjusted Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F8586888685
Sensible Recovery Efficiency @ 0 ̊C/32 ̊F8080808482
Sensible Recovery Efficiency @-25 ̊C/-13 ̊F6465676863
Max current1.21.42.03.06.4
Defrost cycleRecirculationRecirculationRecirculationRecirculationRecirculation

The World's Largest Single-Family, Passive House Home

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.

Read the full case study.