Fresh Air System

In our PASSIVE HOUSE we have a continuous ventilation system (with HRV by Zehnder) which delivers fresh air to the living room and bedrooms around the clock. It was time to change the filters (MERV-13) at the Comfoair unit and the return registers. It is always amazing how much durst and dirt the system filters out of the clean Los Angeles air. See for yourself ….

Every HRV unit from this manufacturer has the following options for the air intake and exhaust filter:

Black Filter: We are using this basic level of MERV-7/8 filtration in the return airflow before the air reaches the heat exchanger core.

Red Filter: This MERV-13 is typically used at the air intake

Please see below additional filter options offered for the Zehnder HRV systems.

Activated Carbon Smoke Filter: Currently, this is especially of interest in California with many wild fires burning. This filter only removed smell and does not remove particles.

Fine Particle Filter: MERV-15 filter is the highest level available for this system . Pollen, dust mites and most bacteria in living areas, allergy breathing problems.

Small Planet Supply is one of the West Coast Distributers for this HRV system. They offer detailed video instructions how to perform routine maintenance tasks for your Zehnder recovery ventilator. Learn how to change filters, clean register covers and more all on your own. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE COURSE

On the right is how our air-intake filter looks after 4x weeks of operation in August 2020 in Los Angeles / Culver City, CA. On the left to compare a brand new MERV-13. The West LA area had only a moderate exposure of air pollution due to the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.