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Frequently Asked Questions - Installation
Review our FAQ's. If you don’t
find what you’re looking for, send your questions to us.
Do I need to ‘balance’
the RecoupAerator® after it is installed?
No need for balancing:
The new RecoupAerator Model 200DX is equipped with two variable
speed fan motors programmed to deliver equal amounts of air into
and out of the home, eliminating the need for balancing the unit.
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Can I install the RecoupAerator®
in an attic or crawlspace?
All RecoupAerator® models are fully insulated and may be installed
in uninsulated spaces. It is advisable, however, to install the
unit in a space that makes it convenient to clean and periodically
maintain the unit.
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What is the difference
between baseboard electric and electric forced air heat? Can the
unit be installed into existing electric forced air ductwork?
Electric baseboard heaters are individual room heaters. They are
available in varying lengths and are fastened to the wall near the
floor. Each room has its own thermostat that can be wall mounted
or unit mounted. The unit operates on a 240-volt current and is
hard-wired (i.e., not plugged into and an outlet). Because there
is no ductwork in electric baseboard systems, you can install a
simplified duct system to provide the benefits of RecoupAerator
ventilation to individual rooms or to areas such as family or living
rooms that may require greater ventilation.
An electric forced air furnace uses a blower unit,
called an air handler. It blowas air over a series of electrically
heated coils, then distributes the air throughout the home using
a ducted system. Electric forced air systems can be coupled with
air-to-air heat pumps or central air conditioners to provide year-round
comfort. You can install a RecoupAerator 200DX into the existing
ductwork of heat pump and electric resistance air handlers.
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Can
a high-capacity HEPA filter be linked to the RecoupAerator®?
Would supplemental air pressure be needed?
Yes, you can attach a HEPA filter to the RecoupAerator® - in
fact, we offer a HEPA model. You may or may not need
to provide supplemental pressure - the fan curves on our model can
support an additional .2 to .3 in. w.g. Pressure drops greater thatn
that require additional blowers.
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What
type of installation equipment comes standard?
The RecoupAerator is shipped with four starter collars for six-inch
ductwork. Two of these get ducted to the outside, and the other
two are ducted to the inside (either to the existing HVAC duct system,
or independently).
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What
size ductwork do you recommend?
If the supply (or return) ductwork system remains under thirty feet
(an example would be fifteen feet of ductwork on either side of
the RecoupAerator), six-inch ductwork should be adequate. When the
ductwork will exceed thirty feet, it is recommended that size increases
(6" to 7" for example) be installed directly on to the
starter collar of the lines that will exceed this recommendation.
Keep in mind, these are only general recommendations.
Duct systems should be designed by a licensed
professional, using ACCA manuals D and J (Residential Duct Systems
and Residential Load Calculations), for the optimum supply and return
air delivery system for your specific application. The supply, as
well as the return, should be sized to have a maximum of 0.6 in.
w.g. external static pressure load (when using manual D). Depending
on the climate, the ducts that are either bringing in air or taking
it our should be insulated between R3 and R7 values. The RecoupAerator
can be ducted separately or in tandem with the heating and central
air.
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What
type of ductwork do you recommend?
There are two types of ductwork commonly used to install ventilation.
Hard, galvanized metal ductwork, and insulated flexible ductwork.
Both of these have advantages and disadvantages. Both are acceptable
for installing the RecoupAerator.
Hard metal ductwork is typically more difficult to install, but
an overall better choice. When installing this type of duct, all
joints should be sealed and taped to ensure a tight system. To insulate
this system, the common practice is to buy a “duct wrap”
and tightly wrap all ductwork (R4.2 or greater). Secure all loose
seams with the appropriate tape for the duct wrap used. Sealing
of both the duct and the duct wrap (creating a vapor barrier) is
very important to ensure no duct losses, such as air leakage and
condensation.
Insulated flexible ducting (flex-duct) is typically less difficult
to install. Flex-duct, however, has twice the airflow restriction
(external static pressure) than does the hard metal duct, and is
easy to install incorrectly. Flex-duct should only be used on straight
runs, and must be stretched out tight. Hard duct elbows are recommended
for corners. Although the run of flex-duct is sealed and insulated
very well, extreme care must be taken at joints and ends to ensure
that the vapor barrier and insulating value is maintained. Different
flex-duct manufacturers recommend different tapes and adhesives
for their product. Be sure to adhere to their guidelines for both
installation and use.
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Do
I need to insulate the ductwork?
Yes, the RecoupAerator exchanges air inside the residence for fresh
air from outside
the residence. Ambient air from outside could be very different
from conditioned air in the home (large temperature and humidity
differences). Ductwork that carries air different from its surrounding
environment must be insulated to prevent things such as condensation,
frost, and heat loss. Hence, it is necessary that both the duct
lines from the RecoupAerator to the outside (fresh air in, and stale
air out) be insulated. An industry standard R4.2 or greater is recommended.
Given your particular installation, the duct lines from the RecoupAerator
to the inside may or may not need to be insulated.
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Should
I use the RecoupAerator to ventilate my bathroom or kitchen?
The RecoupAerator is a balanced forced air mechanical ventilation
system. It is programmed from the factory to bring in the same amount
of air that it takes out. Appliances such as bathroom exhaust fans,
kitchen exhaust fans, and dryers only remove air from the home,
having little to no effect on the airflow or performance of the
RecoupAerator. In some instances, mechanical ventilators have been
used to replace kitchen and/or bathroom fans. The drawback to this
is that restricting the ducting design, which is necessary to remove
stale air from bathrooms and kitchens specifically, will decrease
the overall ventilation performance. The RecoupAerator’s main
purpose is continuous ventilation for the benefit of the occupants
and to maintain indoor conditions that increase the life of the
home structure. By designing around the bathroom and kitchen, the
overall movement of air throughout the home could be compromised.
Replacing kitchen and bath fans with the RecoupAerator is not recommended,
but has been done.
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Do
you sell termination kits?
The RecoupAerator is a balanced forced air mechanical ventilation
system. It is programmed from the factory to bring in the same amount
of air that it takes out. Appliances such as bathroom exhaust fans,
kitchen exhaust fans, and dryers only remove air from the home,
having little to no effect on the airflow or performance of the
RecoupAerator. In some instances, mechanical ventilators have been
used to replace kitchen and/or bathroom fans. The drawback to this
is that restricting the ducting design, which is necessary to remove
stale air from bathrooms and kitchens specifically, will decrease
the overall ventilation performance. The RecoupAerator’s main
purpose is continuous ventilation for the benefit of the occupants
and to maintain indoor conditions that increase the life of the
home structure. By designing around the bathroom and kitchen, the
overall movement of air throughout the home could be compromised.
Replacing kitchen and bath fans with the RecoupAerator is not recommended,
but has been done.
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Should
the RecoupAerator be ducted separately from my HVAC or can I use
existing ductwork?
The RecoupAerator can be ducted into your existing HVAC system (called
shared ductwork) or it can be ducted separately (called dedicated
ductwork). There are a number of options for both types of installation,
and it’s important to note that you should always contact
a professional when installing your new ventilation system. Dedicated
ductwork is the most complete installation option and is ideal for
new construction. It should be used when the customer has a specific
problem associated with indoor air quality.
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Can
the RecoupAerator be used in a house with radiant floor heating?
Yes, the RecoupAerator can be used in a house with radiant floor
heating. If you are installing the RecoupAerator in a house that
does not have existing ductwork for the HVAC system, you should
use dedicated ductwork.
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