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HRV or ERV: the vänEE V160H75RT and the V160E75RT, one core apart
Same brand, same 21 × 21.5 in. cabinet, same power supply. The V160H75RT is an HRV: its core recovers heat. The V160E75RT is an ERV: its membrane core recovers heat and part of the moisture. Here is what that core changes in the HVI directory and spec sheet figures, winter and summer.
What the fans cost, in dollars per year
Same cabinet, same motors: both use almost the same power. At the closest HVI test point, 64 CFM for the HRV and 66 CFM for the ERV at 0 °C, the directory publishes 28 W and 33 W.
How this amount is calculated
- Power: the HVI directory watts at 0 °C: 28 W at 64 CFM for the V160H75RT (listing 2505306), 33 W at 66 CFM for the V160E75RT (listing 2005455). The test airflows differ by 2 CFM.
- 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. It does not count heating the fresh air, nor the effect of the moisture the ERV keeps or rejects, which the documents do not express in dollars.
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.
Heat only, or heat and moisture
In the core, two airstreams pass on either side of thin walls without mixing. In the HRV, the wall lets heat through. In the ERV, a polymer membrane also lets part of the water vapour through. Pick the season to see which way it travels.
Cold outdoor air holds little water. The ERV sends part of it back into the house, per its spec sheet (ratio of 0.68 at 0 °C and 66 CFM). The HRV renews the air without keeping its moisture.
The less air a house leaks, the more the mechanical ventilation does the work. The HRV or ERV choice is made based on the humidity measured in the house, which the estimator checks on site.
The HVI directory publishes the ERV’s total efficiency in cooling, at 35 °C. The HRV is not tested under these conditions; its summer figures are not published.
At −25 °C, the same test airflow for both
The HVI directory tests both at 66 CFM at −25 °C. Under these identical conditions, the HRV recovers 67% of the sensible heat with 43 W; the ERV, 63% with 72 W. At 0 °C, their test airflows differ by 2 CFM.
V160H75RT defrost
Recirculation (Homeshield), from −5 °C, per spec sheet 1109196G.
V160E75RT defrost
Recirculation (Homeshield), from −5 °C, plus 10 minutes every 5 cycles, per spec sheet 1109194J.
Bars from 0 to 100% sensible recovery. Source: HVI directory, section III, data as of November 4, 2026. The moisture recovery ratio comes from V160E75RT spec sheet 1109194J; it is not presented on this page as an HVI value.
In cooling, only the ERV has published figures
In summer, outdoor air is hot and humid. The HVI directory publishes the total recovery efficiency (TRE) of the V160E75RT at 35 °C: heat and moisture together. The V160H75RT has no cooling test in the directory; we do not assign it any figure.
The membrane core slows the air a little more
With the same cabinet and the same motors, the ERV delivers less air at every static pressure per the HVI directory: 133 CFM at 0.4 in. w.c. versus 150 for the HRV. The ERV spec sheet gives an adjustable range of 35 to 140 CFM; the HRV’s, 35 to 160.
Same cabinet; the drain makes the difference
Both measure 21 × 16.13 × 21.5 in., with 6 in. ports on top. Per the spec sheets, the HRV has a snap-in drain with hose supplied; the ERV needs no drain. The ERV weighs 2 lb more.
Manufacturer photos and front outlines to the same scale (diagram). The two outlines are identical.
| Installation, per the manufacturer | V160H75RT · HRV | V160E75RT · ERV |
|---|---|---|
| Duct portsround | 6 in., on top | 6 in., on top |
| Dimensions W × D × H | 21 × 16.13 × 21.5 in. | 21 × 16.13 × 21.5 in. |
| Unit weight | 35 lb | 37 lb |
| Power supply | 120 V, 60 Hz, 2.4 A, 163 W | 120 V, 60 Hz, 2.4 A, 163 W |
| Drain | Yes, snap-in drain, hose supplied | No drain required, per the spec sheet |
| Core | Polypropylene, cross-flow | Cross-flow polypropylene with polymer membrane and aluminum covers; not washable |
| Adjustable airflow range | 35 to 160 CFM | 35 to 140 CFM, at 0.2 in. w.c. |
| Factory filter | Washable MERV 8MERV 13 and HEPA optional | Washable MERV 8MERV 13 optional |
| Fan motor | PMSM ECM | PMSM ECM |
| Motorized dampers | Yes, no backdraft dampers to add | Yes, no backdraft dampers to add |
What people ask about the HRV and the ERV
What is the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
Both renew the air and recover heat. The ERV (V160E75RT) has a membrane core that also transfers part of the moisture, per its spec sheet. The HRV core (V160H75RT) is built for heat; its spec sheet publishes no moisture transfer.
Which one recovers more heat in extreme cold?
At −25 °C and 66 CFM, same conditions for both, the HVI directory publishes 67% for the HRV and 63% for the ERV. The ERV draws 72 W at that point, the HRV 43 W.
Is the ERV better suited to a house where the air is dry in winter?
The ERV returns part of the outgoing air’s moisture to the fresh air, per its spec sheet (ratio of 0.68 at 0 °C). Whether that helps in your house depends on its actual humidity, its airtightness and the number of occupants; the estimator measures these conditions on site.
Why does the ERV not need a drain?
Its spec sheet states that no drain is required. The HRV’s calls for a snap-in drain with hose supplied. The technical reason is not explained in the spec sheets.
Can both cores be washed the same way?
The ERV spec sheet specifies that its core is not washable. Follow the maintenance guide for the model installed; it comes with the unit.
What about noise and warranty?
The spec sheets consulted publish no sound level, and this page does not compare warranties. The warranty documents for the unit chosen come with the quote.
Every HVI directory test point
HVI directory, section III, data as of November 4, 2026, except the moisture ratios, taken from spec sheet 1109194J.
| Measurement | V160H75RT · HRV | V160E75RT · ERV |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery at −25 °C, same test airflow | ||
| Test airflownet fresh air | 66 CFM (31 L/s) | 66 CFM (31 L/s) |
| Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) | 67% | 63% |
| Adjusted sensible recovery efficiency (ASRE) | 69% | 66% |
| Power draw | 43 W | 72 W |
| Recovery at 0 °C, close airflows | ||
| Low test airflownet fresh air | 64 CFM, 28 W | 66 CFM, 33 Walso 36 CFM, 18 W |
| Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) | 77%adjusted 80% | 78%adjusted 81%; 81% at 36 CFM |
| High test airflownet fresh air | 129 CFM, 100 W | 125 CFM, 108 W |
| Sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) at high airflow | 66%adjusted 71% | 72%adjusted 78% |
| Cooling, 35 °C | ||
| Total recovery efficiency (TRE) at 66 CFM | No cooling test in the HVI directory | 64%adjusted 66%, 36 W |
| Net airflow delivered, same static pressure | ||
| Airflow at 0.1 in. w.c. (25 Pa) | 163 CFM | 144 CFM |
| Airflow at 0.4 in. w.c. (100 Pa) | 150 CFM | 133 CFM |
| Airflow at 1.0 in. w.c. (250 Pa) | 114 CFM | 104 CFM |
| Moisture, per the manufacturer spec sheet | ||
| Moisture transfer, heating 0 °C | Not published by the manufacturer | 0.74 at 36 · 0.68 at 66 · 0.59 at 125 CFM |
| Moisture transfer, cooling 35 °C | Not published by the manufacturer | 0.77 at 36 · 0.69 at 66 · 0.60 at 125 CFM |
| Certification | ||
| HVI directory, section III | Yes, listing 2505306 | Yes, listing 2005455 |
| ENERGY STAR | Spec sheet: yes, Canada onlybroan-nutone.com page: no | 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 0 °C are not marked: the test airflows differ.
Both are on the AirGreen website.
HRV or ERV is decided by the actual humidity in your house. Talk to our team.
Where every figure comes from
Data verified on November 9, 2026. Recovery, power and airflow: HVI directory. Moisture transfer, dimensions, weight and construction: per the manufacturer. When a spec sheet contradicts the HVI directory, the directory prevails.
Trademarks. vänEE, Virtuo and Homeshield are trademarks of their respective owners. Logos are used only to identify the products compared. AirGreen is a dealer for the brand; this page is not produced, sponsored or endorsed by the manufacturer. Data colours: vänEE green for the HRV, AirGreen navy for the ERV.
Photos: AirGreen and manufacturers, for identification.
Does a figure look wrong? Write to us at sales@airgreen.ca: every reported figure is checked again.