DIY Energy Recovery Ventilator Installation (For Homes WITHOUT Ducts!)

This video features a step-by-step DIY installation of an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This installation method is intended specifically for homes WITHOUT ducted HVAC systems. This method works in apartments too! It doesn't require you to make any alterations to your home because it uses something we all already have: a window.

Most importantly, it's much easier, faster, and cheaper than other options.

In this video, I also use data to measure the efficacy of my system. I measure CO2 concentrations across a myriad of conditions, and run cross-contamination tests. My tests show the importance of ventilation, air circulation, and opening interior doors.

Why use an ERV? Well, thanks to indoor air quality research, we’re learning just how important it is to dilute the stale air in your home with fresh air - the amount of VOCs indoors can be up to 100 times higher than outdoors. Further emerging research indicates that many of these compounds can be harmful. Ventilation is the most effective way to lower their concentrations, and ERVs are the safest way to ventilate.

Intro: 0:00
The rationale behind my installation design: 1:30
Installation designs for various scenarios: 4:55
STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION DESIGN BUILD: 6:42
How my completed setup works: 19:42
How to configure the ERV itself: 21:41
How to set up AIR CIRCULATION FANS: 24:41
Ventilation efficacy TEST (background): 26:08
Ventilation efficacy TEST (results): 28:33
Cross-contamination TEST: 32:21
LIMITATIONS of my design (and tips): 34:55
An ERV is NOT a dehumidifier: 36:33
Final message: 37:06

Materials ($1300 total, including the ERV):

-Broan AI Series 130: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Broan-B13...
-Broan MERV-13 filter (HIGHLY recommended): https://www.supplyhouse.com/Broan-V24...
-Dreo air circulating fan (the narrowest air stream I've found, super quiet too): https://amzn.to/3x7kqR9
-4mm corrugated plastic sheet: https://amzn.to/4aAGmC5
-5” insulated flex duct: https://amzn.to/3yzaRei
-24” panduit strap (zip ties): https://amzn.to/3KiJqIh
-Foil tape: https://amzn.to/4dYNgUm
-5” round soffit vent (you’ll need 2): https://www.hvacquick.com/products/re...
-6” aluminum flex duct: https://amzn.to/4bWzikq
-6” duct elbow: https://amzn.to/4aKLiVa

Tools:

-Tape measure: https://amzn.to/44ZkvD6
-Utility knife: https://amzn.to/3UOsaPO
-Hot glue gun: https://amzn.to/44UkyQH
-Hot glue: https://amzn.to/3UUIfUb
-Snips (for cutting flex duct wire): https://amzn.to/3KifnAp
-HVAC gloves: https://amzn.to/4bw0Qgs
-Duct knife: https://amzn.to/3ywgSZ4

Above are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This helps support the channel at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Please go ahead and like this video and subscribe, because it causes the YouTube algorithm to shine its wandering eye upon my channel.

Donate to my channel here:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/healthyh...