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LIFEBREATH 155 MAX and vänEE V160H75RT, spec sheet against spec sheet
Two HRVs listed in the HVI directory, tested at the same airflow of 64 CFM at 0 °C. One has a counterflow core and a PSC motor, the other a cross-flow core and ECM motors. Here is what their certified figures say, test point by test point, and what they do not say.
155 MAX
Horizontal HRV · HVI 2505085
Spec sheet 155 MAX 2019*, code 0726
See the product page
V160H75RT
Vertical HRV, top ports · HVI 2505306
Spec sheet 1109196G · also listed as BROAN-NUTONE V160H75RS (side ports)
See the product pageWhat the fans cost, in dollars per year
Both units were tested at the same airflow, 64 CFM at 0 °C. At that point, the HVI directory publishes 72 W for the 155 MAX and 28 W for the V160H75RT. Here is what that difference in watts means on a Hydro-Québec bill when the exchanger runs day and night.
How this amount is calculated
- Power: the HVI directory watts at the same test point, 64 CFM at 0 °C: 72 W for the LIFEBREATH 155 MAX (listing 2505085), 28 W for the vänEE V160H75RT (listing 2505306).
- Energy: watts × hours per day × 365 days ÷ 1,000 = kWh per year.
- Price: Hydro-Québec Rate D in effect April 1, 2026 (7.065¢ up to 40 kWh a day, 11.142¢ above, 9.104¢ on average), multiplied by 1.14975 for GST and QST. The system access charge is not counted.
This calculation counts only the electricity used by the fans at this airflow. A unit set higher uses more, and the HVI directory publishes only one test airflow common to both. Heating the incoming fresh air is not counted.
AirGreen method v1.1, ventilation, November 9, 2026. An estimate is for comparing units under the same conditions. The actual bill depends on the house, the settings and how the unit is used; this amount is not a promise.
Counterflow or cross-flow: what the air passes through
In the 155 MAX, the outgoing and incoming air run along the same plates in opposite directions (counterflow core, per the Lifebreath spec sheet). In the V160H75RT, they cross at right angles (cross-flow, per spec sheet 1109196G). Pick the temperature: the animation shows each unit’s certified efficiency and what it would mean for the fresh air in a house at 21 °C.
At 0 °C, same conditions; at −25 °C, almost
The HVI directory publishes two test temperatures for each. At 0 °C, both were measured at the same airflow, 64 CFM: the comparison is direct. At −25 °C, the test airflows differ by 2 CFM (68 and 66) and power jumps; we say so rather than lining the figures up as if they were identical.
Bars run from 0 to 100% sensible recovery. Source: HVI directory, section III, data as of November 4, 2026. The V160H75RT is also tested at 129 CFM at 0 °C (66%, 100 W); the 155 MAX has no test point at that airflow in the directory.
LIFEBREATH 155 MAX defrost
Recirculating damper (“intelligent recirculating damper defrost”), per spec sheet 0726. The MAX series installation guide (69-MAX-INSTALL 10-19) sets the defrost mode with DIP switches; neither the spec sheet nor the guide gives the trigger temperature.
vänEE V160H75RT defrost
Recirculation (Homeshield), from −5 °C, per spec sheet 1109196G. The fresh-air intake closes and house air circulates through the core to clear the frost.
The more the ducts resist, the further the curves part
External static pressure, in inches of water column (in. w.c.), measures duct resistance. At 0.2 in., both deliver 159 CFM of fresh air. Beyond that, the 155 MAX curve drops faster. The HVI directory publishes the 155 MAX up to 0.5 in. and the V160H75RT up to 1.0 in.
Two ways to build an HRV
What each spec sheet names, side by side. The tags show which spec sheet documents it.
155 MAX : balancing dampers and measuring ports on the door, adjusted by hand. V160H75RT : automatic balancing and constant airflow (Virtuo Air).
155 MAX : one PSC motor shared by both centrifugal blowers, several speeds, high speed set by DIP switches. V160H75RT : PMSM ECM motors.
155 MAX : hexagonal counterflow core, heat conducting, removable for cleaning. V160H75RT : impact-resistant cross-flow polypropylene.
155 MAX : washable MERV 6 in both airstreams, MERV 13 available (65-195-6R). V160H75RT : washable MERV 8, MERV 13 and HEPA optional.
155 MAX : DXPL03 digital control included, to be mounted centrally in the house, 3-conductor wire up to 100 ft. V160H75RT : settings on the unit’s screen; wall controls sold separately per the spec sheet.
155 MAX : recirculating damper. V160H75RT : Homeshield recirculation from −5 °C.
A long, low cabinet and an almost cubic one
The 155 MAX is 33.63 in. long and 18.68 in. high; the V160H75RT, 21 in. by 21.5 in. The first hangs horizontally from four straps and S-hooks supplied; the second weighs half as much.
Left, the manufacturer photo, in perspective. Right, the outline of the front, width × height, drawn to the same scale for both (diagram). Dimensions and weight per the spec sheets.
The four ports of the 155 MAX
6 in. round collars and balancing dampers on the door, per spec sheet 0726. The manufacturer photo shows ports on top and at the ends; their exact assignment is on the installation drawing in guide 69-MAX-INSTALL, which the installer follows.
The four ports of the V160H75RT
6 in. round ports on top (the V160H75RS has them on the side), per spec sheet 1109196G. Built-in motorized dampers: the spec sheet states no backdraft dampers need to be added.
| Installation, per the manufacturer | LIFEBREATH 155 MAX | vänEE V160H75RT |
|---|---|---|
| Duct portsround | 6 in., round collars | 6 in., on top |
| Dimensions W × D × H | 33.63 × 14.75 × 18.68 in. | 21 × 16.13 × 21.5 in. |
| Unit weight | 71 lb | 35 lb |
| Power supply | 120 V, 60 Hz, 2.2 A15 A max. protection | 120 V, 60 Hz, 2.4 A, 163 W |
| Drain | Yes, 1/2 in. (12 mm) drain fittings | Yes, snap-in drain, hose supplied |
| Factory filter | Washable MERV 6MERV 13 available | Washable MERV 8MERV 13 and HEPA optional |
| Core | Counterflow, hexagonal, removable | Polypropylene, cross-flow |
| Fan motor | PSC, one motor for both blowers | PMSM ECM |
| Cabinet | Pre-painted galvanized steel, 22 gauge, insulated | Galvanized steel |
What people ask about these two air exchangers
Which one recovers more heat?
It depends on the test temperature. At 0 °C and 64 CFM, same conditions for both, the HVI directory publishes 77% for the V160H75RT and 75% for the 155 MAX. At −25 °C, it publishes 70% for the 155 MAX at 68 CFM and 67% for the V160H75RT at 66 CFM. The test airflows are not identical at that temperature.
Why is the 155 MAX’s adjusted SRE higher than the V160H75RT’s at 0 °C, when its SRE is lower?
SRE and adjusted SRE are two ways of calculating recovery, defined by CSA C439. The HVI directory publishes 75% and 82% for the 155 MAX, 77% and 80% for the V160H75RT. We show them as published; neither one sums up the unit on its own.
72 W versus 28 W: is that a big difference on the bill?
At 64 CFM, around the clock, at the average Rate D price with taxes, the estimate comes to about $66 a year for the 155 MAX and $26 for the V160H75RT. The calculation is detailed in the cost section; it counts only the fans.
What does “2019*” mean in the 155 MAX name?
According to the Lifebreath spec sheet, the asterisk and “2019” refer to the year of ENERGY STAR certification, not the year of manufacture. The spec sheet states the unit is ENERGY STAR certified for use in Canada only.
Which one takes less space?
It depends on the shape of the space. The 155 MAX is long and low (33.63 in. × 18.68 in. front); it hangs horizontally. The V160H75RT is narrower (21 in.) but taller (21.5 in.), with its ports on top. The 155 MAX weighs 71 lb, the V160H75RT 35 lb.
What about noise and warranty?
The spec sheets consulted publish no sound level for these two models, and this page does not compare warranties. The warranty documents for the unit chosen come with the quote.
Every HVI certified value, side by side
Both columns come from the HVI directory, section III, data as of November 4, 2026. Dimensions and weight come from the spec sheets.
| Measurement | LIFEBREATH 155 MAX | vänEE V160H75RT |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery at 0 °C, same test airflow | ||
| Test airflownet fresh air | 64 CFM (30 L/s) | 64 CFM (30 L/s) |
| Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) | 75% | 77% |
| Adjusted sensible recovery efficiency (ASRE) | 82% | 80% |
| Power draw | 72 W | 28 W |
| Recovery at −25 °C, different test airflows | ||
| Test airflownet fresh air | 68 CFM (32 L/s) | 66 CFM (31 L/s) |
| Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) | 70% | 67% |
| Adjusted sensible recovery efficiency (ASRE) | 73% | 69% |
| Power draw | 92 W | 43 W |
| Net airflow delivered, same static pressure | ||
| Airflow at 0.1 in. w.c. (25 Pa) | 170 CFM | 163 CFM |
| Airflow at 0.2 in. w.c. (50 Pa) | 159 CFM | 159 CFM |
| Airflow at 0.3 in. w.c. (75 Pa) | 148 CFM | 155 CFM |
| Airflow at 0.4 in. w.c. (100 Pa) | 138 CFM | 150 CFM |
| Airflow at 0.5 in. w.c. (125 Pa) | 123 CFM | 144 CFM |
| Airflow from 0.6 to 1.0 in. w.c. | Last published point: 123 CFM at 0.5 in. | 140, 133, 127, 121 and 114 CFM |
| Certification | ||
| HVI directory, section III | Yes, listing 2505085 | Yes, listing 2505306 |
| ENERGY STAR | Spec sheet: yes, Canada only | Spec sheet: yes, Canada onlybroan-nutone.com page: no |
“Higher” marks the higher value of the same measurement, under the same conditions. It is not a recommendation. Rows at −25 °C are not marked: the test airflows differ.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
To choose for your house, talk to our team: the space available, the duct lengths and the number of rooms matter as much as the figures.
Where every figure comes from
Data verified on November 9, 2026. Heat recovery, power and airflow: HVI directory. Dimensions, weight, construction and features: per the manufacturer. When a spec sheet contradicts the HVI directory, the directory prevails.
Trademarks. LIFEBREATH, vänEE, Virtuo and Homeshield are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a dealer for both brands; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturers.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us at sales@airgreen.ca: every reported figure is checked again.