Direct Air HRV PHRVR 150HE Air Exchanger | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
Is it the right size for your home?
It delivers 150 cfm net, enough to ventilate 1,700 to 2,800 sq ft. Choose your home's living area.
It's the right size.
For a 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home, about 105 cfm of air needs to be renewed continuously. This unit delivers 150 cfm net — enough for the house, with extra capacity to boost ventilation for the bathroom and kitchen.
Calculation: 0.35 air changes per hour over the living volume, with 9 ft ceilings. Our estimator sets the exact airflow room by room, following CSA F326.
What it does, in numbers
$58.56
Electricity per year
Less than a 100 W light bulb
Bulbs left on day and night. Same calculation for every line: wattage × 8,760 h × 11.142 ¢/kWh.
Meets the Québec Construction Code everywhere in the province. The Code requires 54% at −25 °C below 6,000 degree-days (Montréal, Laval, Longueuil and both shores) and 60% above that. This unit is rated at 63% at 72 cfm.
Airflow and efficiency at 0 °C and −25 °C: HVI directory, Section III. Cost: 60 W over 8,760 h at Hydro-Québec's Rate D second tier (11.142 ¢/kWh).
What you should know about this one
Published, verifiable facts, not brochure claims.
MERV 13Optional MERV 13 supply-air filter
On top of the two washable electrostatic filters, a pleated MERV 8 (428526) or MERV 13 (428548) filter can be added on the fresh-air supply. The PHRVR 120HE only offers the MERV 8 option.
−5 °CQuiet defrost that does not depressurize the home
Below −5 °C an internal recirculation sequence defrosts the core without depressurizing the home and adapts to conditions. Fan speed changes gradually for a smooth, quiet transition.
63%What it still recovers at −25 °C
The only efficiency figure that matters for a Québec winter, and the one the Code uses. An efficiency quoted without its temperature means nothing; this one is measured at a test airflow of 72 cfm.
DamperIt defrosts without depressurizing the house
In cold weather, a motorized damper closes the outdoor air intake and recirculates indoor air through the core to thaw it. The house doesn't go into negative pressure during the cycle: no cold air drawn in through leaks, and none of the imbalance manufacturers warn about when there's a fireplace or a combustion appliance.
HRVIt recovers heat, not moisture
Excess moisture leaves the house. In Québec, that's the right choice in most cases: in winter, the problem is almost always too much humidity, not too little.
2505385Its HVI certification number
Listed in Section III of the Home Ventilating Institute's certified products directory. Anyone can check it, and it's the first condition for the Rénoclimat grant.
−17 cfmWhat the ducts cost it
Between a nearly unrestricted test bench (0.2 in) and a real duct system (0.4 in), it drops from 167 to 150 cfm. Most spec sheets show only the first number, precisely because it looks better.
60 WMeasured at the airflow it actually runs at
Its 80% at 0 °C is certified at 72 cfm, the continuous airflow of a typical home. At that setting it draws 60 W, or about 526 kWh a year.
LifetimeThe core warranty
The core does the work and is the most expensive part to replace. Motors: 7 years. Parts: 5 years. We register the warranty in your name at commissioning.
6 inWhat it needs on site
6 in ducts, top connection. It weighs 51 lb, and it needs enough clearance to slide the core out once a year.
Rénoclimat: $500 to install or replace an HRV or ERV
First condition met: HVI Section III certified, No. 2505385. Second: your EnerGuide rating must improve between the two evaluations. Québec warns that an air exchanger installed on its own can increase a home's energy use; that's why we balance it to the calculated airflow rather than running it at full speed.
What it needs on site
In a condo with no floor drain, or with little ceiling clearance, we usually look at a side-port model instead. Our estimator checks the location, the drain and the duct route before ordering.
Complete spec sheetData and cited sources
- Net airflow at 0.2 in. w.g.
- 167 cfm
- Net airflow at 0.4 in. w.g.
- 150 cfm
- SRE at 0 °C (72 cfm)
- 80%
- SRE at −25 °C (72 cfm)
- 63%
- Power draw
- 60 W
- Efficacy
- 1.2 cfm/W
- Type
- HRV
- Connection
- Top ports
- Duct collars
- 6 in
- Defrost cycle
- Recirculation (motorized damper)
- Filters
- 2 washable electrostatic filters (7.87 × 11.91 in); optional MERV 8 (428526) or MERV 13 (428548) pleated supply filter
- Dimensions (L × D × H)
- 27.88 × 13.38 × 24.88 in
- Weight
- 51 lb
- Power supply
- 120 V
- HVI certification (Section III)
- 2505385
- Warranty — core
- Lifetime
- Warranty — motors
- 7 years
- Warranty — parts
- 5 years
Net airflow, efficiency at 0 °C and −25 °C, and power draw: Home Ventilating Institute certified products directory, Section III (HVID 2505385). Annual consumption calculated at 60 W running continuously for 8,760 h, at Hydro-Québec's Rate D second tier (11.142 ¢/kWh), in effect since April 1, 2026.
The next model down and up
Talk to an HVAC technician before you choose
We calculate the airflow room by room, check the location and the drain, and give you an installed price. Balancing is measured at commissioning, not estimated.
DirectAir PHRVR 150HE HRV – Energy Star Residential Air Exchanger 150 CFM with Vertical Connection
At AirGreen, we know that good indoor comfort depends not only on heating or air conditioning. In a well-insulated house, condo, or multi-residential building, indoor air quality can quickly become a major concern: humidity, odors, stale air, particles, CO₂, and lack of fresh air.
The DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is an HRV – heat recovery ventilator – designed to renew indoor air while recovering some of the heat contained in the exhausted air. With a flow rate of 150 CFM at 0.4”, a maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%, a vertical connection, a recirculation defrost cycle, and an Energy Star certification, this model represents a solid solution for residences in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
The PHRVR 150HE is especially appealing to homeowners looking for a high-performance, efficient air exchanger well suited to Quebec’s climate realities.
Effective ventilation for well-insulated houses, condos, and apartments
In Quebec, residential buildings are often designed to retain heat during winter. This insulation is excellent for reducing energy loss, but it can also limit natural air renewal. Without adequate ventilation, indoor air can become heavy, humid, and less comfortable.
The DirectAir PHRVR 150HE HRV helps address this issue by exhausting stale air from the home and bringing in fresh air from outside. Thanks to its heat recovery core, the unit allows you to recover some of the energy from the outgoing air before releasing it outside.
This is exactly what makes an HRV so relevant in our climate: it doesn’t just ventilate, it also helps reduce heat loss related to air renewal.
Why choose the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE?
The DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is designed to offer a good balance between performance, energy efficiency, and residential integration. With its capacity of 150 CFM at 0.4”, it is suitable for various applications: single-family homes, condos, apartments, multi-residential buildings, and projects where reliable and consistent ventilation is desired.
Its vertical connection facilitates installation in various mechanical configurations, especially when ducts need to be directed upward. This setup can be convenient in a mechanical room, basement, technical room, or when replacing an old air exchanger already installed with a vertical outlet.
Choosing the right air exchanger always depends on several factors: area, number of occupants, insulation level, indoor humidity, duct length, static pressure, existing configuration, and comfort goals.
At AirGreen, we evaluate these elements before recommending a specific model.
Main technical features
Here is the important information about the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE:
Model: PHRVR 150HE
Brand: DirectAir
Type of air exchanger: VRC
Energy Star: Yes
Voltage: 115 V
Dimensions: 27.88 × 13.38 × 24.88 in
Manufacturer’s warranty: 5-1-0
Defrost cycle: Recirculation
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency: 81.0%
Airflow: 150.0 PCM / CFM at 0.4”
Connection: Vertical
These features make the PHRVR 150HE a device well suited for homes that require efficient, stable, and effective ventilation without resorting to an unnecessarily oversized system.
A flow rate of 150 CFM for reliable residential ventilation
With its flow rate of 150 PCM / CFM at 0.4”, the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE offers an interesting capacity for several residential applications. This flow rate allows for regular indoor air renewal, provided the device is properly sized and balanced.
An air exchanger that is too weak may not be sufficient to remove moisture, odors, and stale air. Conversely, an overly powerful device can lead to excessive ventilation or a less optimal installation. The PHRVR 150HE falls within a very useful range for many houses and condominiums.
At AirGreen, we place great importance on sizing. Good ventilation depends not only on the chosen model but also on how it is integrated into the building.
A maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%
One of the major advantages of the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is its maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%. This performance indicates that the device can recover a significant portion of the heat present in the exhausted air.
In winter, this heat recovery is particularly important. It allows fresh air to enter while limiting energy losses. The result is a better-ventilated, more comfortable, and more efficient home.
For homeowners in Montreal and Greater Montreal, this efficiency is a key point. The cold climate requires equipment capable of ventilating without unnecessarily wasting the energy already used to heat the house.
Energy Star Certification: a more efficient choice
The PHRVR 150HE is an Energy Star model, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking for a high-performance and more energy-efficient air exchanger.
In a house where the air exchanger runs frequently, efficiency becomes an important criterion. A well-designed model can contribute to comfort while limiting the energy impact of daily ventilation.
The Energy Star certification is therefore an important advantage for a homeowner who wants to improve indoor air quality without neglecting the overall energy performance of their home.
Recirculation defrosting: an advantage for Quebec winters
The recirculation defrost cycle is an important feature in a cold climate like Quebec’s. When the outdoor temperature drops, an HRV can be exposed to frost formation in its recovery core.
Recirculation defrosting helps protect the unit and maintain its proper operation during cold periods. This system manages winter conditions more stably without unnecessarily compromising indoor comfort.
For homes in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this feature is particularly relevant. An air exchanger must be able to operate effectively in real conditions, not just ideal ones.
Counterflow core for efficient heat recovery
The DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is designed with a Counterflow type heat recovery core. This design promotes efficient heat transfer between outgoing and incoming air while keeping the two air streams separate.
This allows fresh outdoor air to be tempered before entering the home, thanks to the heat recovered from the exhausted indoor air. The result is more comfortable ventilation, especially in winter.
The Counterflow core is one of the elements that contribute to the model’s good performance, notably its maximum sensible heat recovery efficiency of 81,0 %.
Vertical connection and round metal collars
The vertical connection of the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is an advantage for many residential installations. When ducts need to run directly up to the ceiling, joists, or an upper technical space, this setup can make the installation cleaner and more logical.
The model is also designed with round metal collars, which facilitates integration with suitable ventilation ducts. A good duct connection is essential to reduce air leaks, maintain proper airflow, and ensure balanced ventilation.
A well-planned installation also facilitates future maintenance and avoids problems related to poorly positioned or connected ducts.
A size suited for residential mechanical spaces
With its dimensions of 27.88 × 13.38 × 24.88 in, the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE offers a practical size for many residential mechanical spaces. It can be installed in various environments depending on the building layout and available access.
However, sufficient clearance around the unit must be planned to allow maintenance, filter access, core inspection, and necessary adjustments. An air exchanger should not only be installed: it must remain accessible to ensure lasting performance.
At AirGreen, we always check the available space before recommending a model. Accessibility is essential for a clean and durable installation.
Filtration and regular maintenance
Like any air exchanger, the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE requires regular maintenance to maintain good performance. Filters play an important role in protecting internal components and preserving good airflow.
Dirty filters can reduce airflow, increase motor strain, and decrease overall system efficiency. That’s why we recommend checking the filters periodically, especially in homes where the unit runs frequently or in dustier environments.
Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the air exchanger and ensures better indoor air quality daily.
Advantages of the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE
The VRC DirectAir PHRVR 150HE offers several important advantages:
150 CFM flow at 0.4”, suitable for various residential applications
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%, to limit heat loss
Energy Star Certification, a benefit for energy efficiency
Recirculation defrost cycle, useful for Quebec winters
Vertical connection, convenient for many mechanical configurations
Counterflow core, designed for efficient heat recovery
Round metal collars, for clean integration with ducts
115 V voltage, standard for many residential installations
Efficient residential format, with dimensions of 27.88 × 13.38 × 24.88 in
Solution suitable for houses, condos, and multi-residential buildings
These features make the PHRVR 150HE a serious choice for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with an efficient, well-designed device adapted to the local climate.
Professional installation by AirGreen
Choosing a good air exchanger is important, but installation is just as essential. Even a high-performance device can lose much of its efficiency if it is poorly installed, poorly balanced, or connected to inadequate ducts.
At AirGreen, we install ventilation, air conditioning, heating, and HVAC systems throughout Greater Montreal. Our team understands the realities of Quebec homes: finished basements, limited mechanical spaces, existing ducts, old air exchangers to replace, excessive humidity, condos, plexes, and multi-residential buildings.
We serve notably Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, Brossard, Terrebonne, Repentigny, Saint-Eustache, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Our goal is simple: recommend the right device, install it correctly, and provide a durable solution to improve indoor air quality.
Why trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we do not recommend an air exchanger based solely on a technical sheet. We assess the entire house to offer a truly suitable solution.
We take into account the area, number of occupants, duct configuration, humidity level, available space, insulation level, and customer expectations. This approach allows us to choose an appropriate model and avoid sizing errors.
With AirGreen, you benefit from local expertise, a professional team, and structured service before, during, and after installation.
A smart choice to improve indoor air quality
The DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is an excellent option for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with an efficient, Energy Star certified device well suited to the Quebec climate.
Thanks to its 150 CFM airflow, its maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%, its recirculation defrost, and its vertical connection, this model meets the needs of many homes well.
In a modern or well-insulated home, an air exchanger is not a luxury. It is an essential element to maintain fresher, healthier, and more comfortable indoor air.
In conclusion
The VRC DirectAir PHRVR 150HE is a high-performance, efficient, and well-designed residential air exchanger. With its capacity of 150 PCM / CFM at 0.4”, its maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 81.0%, its Energy Star certification, its Counterflow core, its recirculation defrost, and its vertical connection, it represents a reliable solution to improve indoor air quality.
For homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this model can be an excellent choice when properly sized and installed by professionals.
At AirGreen, we pride ourselves on offering ventilation solutions tailored to the real needs of each client. Whether replacing an old air exchanger or installing a new system, our team can support you with precision, seriousness, and professionalism.
Contact AirGreen today to learn more about installing the DirectAir PHRVR 150HE and discover the best ventilation solution for your home.