Direct Air HRV PHRVR 200HE Air Exchanger | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
Is it the right size for your home?
It delivers 203 cfm net, enough to ventilate 2,400 to 3,800 sq ft. Choose your home's living area.
It's the right size.
For a 2,500 to 3,200 sq ft home, about 150 cfm of air needs to be renewed continuously. This unit delivers 203 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
$95.65
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 67% at 87 cfm.
Airflow and efficiency at 0 °C and −25 °C: HVI directory, Section III. Cost: 98 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.
280 cfmBalancing range of 120 to 280 cfm
The largest of the HE series balances from 120 to 280 cfm, versus 90 to 210 cfm for the PHRVR 150HE and 40 to 140 cfm for the 120HE. Balancing is done with the STS2.0 touch-screen control.
195 cfmStill 74% efficient at 195 cfm (HVI, 0 °C)
HVI tested it at three airflows at 0 °C: 80% at 85 cfm, 77% at 140 cfm and 74% at 195 cfm. Even pushed close to its maximum airflow, it still recovers about three quarters of the sensible heat.
67%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 87 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.
2505152Its 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 220 to 203 cfm. Most spec sheets show only the first number, precisely because it looks better.
98 WMeasured at the airflow it actually runs at
Its 80% at 0 °C is certified at 85 cfm, the continuous airflow of a typical home. At that setting it draws 98 W, or about 858 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 57 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. 2505152. 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.
- 220 cfm
- Net airflow at 0.4 in. w.g.
- 203 cfm
- SRE at 0 °C (85 cfm)
- 80%
- SRE at −25 °C (87 cfm)
- 67%
- ASE at 0 °C
- 90%
- Power draw
- 98 W
- Efficacy
- 0.8 cfm/W
- Type
- HRV
- Connection
- Top ports
- Duct collars
- 6 in
- Defrost cycle
- Recirculation (motorized damper)
- Filters
- 2 washable electrostatic filters (7.87 × 13.77 in); optional MERV 8 (428527) or MERV 13 (428549) pleated supply filter
- Dimensions (L × D × H)
- 27.88 × 15.38 × 24.88 in
- Weight
- 57 lb
- Power supply
- 120 V
- HVI certification (Section III)
- 2505152
- 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 2505152). Annual consumption calculated at 98 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 200HE HRV – Energy Star Residential Air Exchanger 203 CFM with Vertical Connection
At AirGreen, we know that a comfortable home depends not only on heating or air conditioning. Good indoor air quality is essential to reduce excessive humidity, eliminate odors, and improve daily comfort in homes, condos, and residential buildings in Quebec.
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE is an HRV — heat recovery ventilator — designed to ensure effective air renewal while limiting heat loss during the cold season. With its flow rate of 203 CFM / CFM at 0.4”, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%, Energy Star certification, and vertical connection, this model represents a high-performance solution for homeowners seeking a reliable, powerful air exchanger well suited to Quebec’s climate realities.
This model is part of the DirectAir range designed for residential applications, condos, high-rise apartments, single-family homes, and multifamily properties. Thanks to its high-efficiency design and efficient recovery core, the PHRVR 200HE helps bring fresh air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air.
In well-insulated modern homes, air can quickly become stagnant. Humidity, CO₂, cooking odors, particles, and stale air can remain trapped inside if ventilation is insufficient. The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE HRV precisely meets this need: it renews the air in a controlled way while recovering a significant portion of the heat contained in the exhausted air.
A powerful ventilation solution for Quebec homes
In Quebec, winter imposes specific conditions on ventilation systems. Bringing in fresh air is important, but it is also necessary to avoid wasting the energy already used to heat the home. This is where a HRV becomes particularly interesting.
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE exhausts indoor air loaded with moisture and contaminants, then introduces fresh air from outside. During this process, the recovery core transfers some of the heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air. The result: the home is better ventilated, the air is renewed more efficiently, and heat loss is reduced.
With a maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80,0 %This model offers an excellent level of performance for residential use. This efficiency is especially important during the cold months, when the temperature difference between inside and outside is high.
Why choose the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE?
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE is an interesting model for projects where higher airflow is needed. With its 203 CFM at 0.4”, it is well suited for homes requiring more sustained ventilation, larger properties, or installations where multiple zones need to be well ventilated.
Its vertical connection facilitates integration into various mechanical configurations, especially when ducts need to be directed upward or when available space favors a vertical installation. This setup can be practical in a mechanical room, basement, technical room, or when replacing an older air exchanger already connected vertically.
However, the right choice of an air exchanger never depends solely on the announced airflow. At AirGreen, we always assess the area, duct configuration, number of occupants, humidity level, insulation, available space, and actual ventilation needs before recommending a device.
Main technical features
Here is the important information about the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE model:
Model / Internal serial number: PHRVR 200HE
Type of air exchanger: VRC
Energy Star: Yes
Voltage: 115 V
Dimensions: 27.88 × 15.38 × 24.88 in
Manufacturer’s warranty: 5-1-0
Defrost cycle: Recirculation
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency: 80.0%
Airflow: 203.0 PCM / CFM at 0.4”
Connection: Vertical
These features make the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE a high-performance device, well suited to the needs of homes requiring more powerful and consistent residential ventilation.
An airflow of 203 CFM for effective residential ventilation
The airflow of 203 PCM / CFM is one of the major advantages of the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE. This capacity allows the device to renew a significant volume of air, which can be essential in larger homes or properties where humidity and stale air need to be removed more consistently.
An air exchanger that is too small may not be sufficient to maintain good air quality. Conversely, an overly powerful and poorly adjusted unit can be unnecessarily oversized. The PHRVR 200HE must therefore be properly sized according to the home, duct configuration, and the actual needs of the occupants.
At AirGreen, we pay special attention to sizing. A good installation is not just about placing the unit: it involves choosing the right model, connecting it properly, checking the flow rates, and ensuring that ventilation works correctly throughout the home.
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE offers a maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%. This performance indicates that the unit can recover a significant portion of the heat from the exhausted air before releasing it outside.
In winter, this recovery is especially useful. It allows fresh air to enter the home without causing excessive heat loss. For homeowners, this means a better balance between comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency.
In a climate like Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this recovery capacity represents a significant advantage. It helps maintain a more comfortable indoor environment while reducing the energy impact of ventilation.
Energy Star Certification: an important advantage
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE is Energy Star certified, making it an attractive option for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with an energy-efficient device.
The Energy Star certification is particularly important when choosing an air exchanger, as this type of device can operate regularly for much of the year. An efficient model helps reduce energy losses while ensuring adequate air renewal.
For a well-insulated Quebec home, this type of performance is essential. The goal is not just to bring in fresh air, but to do so intelligently, without compromising the home's thermal comfort.
Recirculation defrost for Quebec winters
The recirculation defrost cycle is an important feature of the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE. When outdoor temperatures drop, the moisture in the air can cause frost to form in the recovery core. Recirculation defrost helps protect the unit and maintain its proper operation during cold periods.
This system allows the air exchanger to handle winter conditions more steadily. For homes located in Greater Montreal, where winters can be long and cold, this feature is an essential advantage.
A good defrost system contributes to the unit’s reliability, the durability of internal components, and consistent ventilation throughout the cold season.
Vertical connection: a practical and clean configuration
The vertical connection of the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE facilitates installation in various types of mechanical spaces. In some homes, existing ducts run upward or the available location favors a vertical outlet. This model can then allow for a more logical, cleaner, and better-adapted installation to the building’s configuration.
This type of connection can be particularly useful when replacing an existing air exchanger, where the ducts already in place are oriented vertically. It can also simplify duct organization in a basement, mechanical room, or technical space.
At AirGreen, we always check the available space, duct orientation, accessibility for maintenance, and installation feasibility before confirming the final model choice.
A size suited for residential installations
With its dimensions of 27.88 × 15.38 × 24.88 in, the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE offers a size well suited for residential installations requiring higher capacity. It remains compact enough for many mechanical spaces while providing a significant airflow.
However, it is essential to allow sufficient clearance around the unit. Access to filters, the heat recovery core, ducts, and internal components must remain practical for future maintenance. A cramped installation can complicate inspections, cleaning, and service interventions.
A proper installation must therefore consider not only the dimensions of the unit but also the space needed to handle, maintain, and properly connect it.
Balanced ventilation for better indoor comfort
A well-installed HRV helps maintain more balanced ventilation in the home. Stale air is expelled, fresh air is introduced, and the system recovers some of the heat before the indoor air is released outside.
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE can help reduce many common problems in poorly ventilated homes: excessive humidity, window condensation, persistent odors, stale air, discomfort in certain rooms, and accumulation of stale air.
Good ventilation is especially important in homes with a tight envelope, recent windows, improved insulation, or little natural air infiltration. The tighter a home is, the more it needs controlled air renewal.
Advantages of the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE
The VRC DirectAir PHRVR 200HE offers several important advantages:
High airflow of 203 CFM, ideal for homes requiring more powerful ventilation
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%, to limit heat loss
Energy Star certification, an advantage for energy efficiency
Recirculation defrost cycle, well adapted to Quebec winters
Vertical connection, convenient for various mechanical configurations
Standard 115 V voltage, common in residential installations
ERV design, ideal for recovering heat from exhausted air
High-performance residential format, suitable for houses, condos, and multifamily properties
5-1-0 Manufacturer’s warranty, according to the manufacturer’s conditions
Reliable solution to improve indoor air quality
These features make the PHRVR 200HE a serious choice for homeowners looking for a robust, efficient air exchanger suited to Quebec’s climate.
Professional installation by AirGreen
Choosing a good air exchanger is an important step, but installation is just as essential. Even a high-performance device can lose efficiency if it is poorly connected, unbalanced, or installed in an unsuitable location.
At AirGreen, we install ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and HVAC systems throughout Greater Montreal. Our team understands the realities of Quebec homes: finished basements, limited mechanical spaces, existing ducts, humidity issues, replacement of old air exchangers, and specific needs depending on each property.
We serve, among others:
Montreal
Laval
Longueuil
Boucherville
Brossard
Saint Bruno
Repentigny
Terrebonne
Saint-Eustache
North Shore
South Shore
Our goal is simple: to provide a clean, sustainable installation tailored to the real needs of each home.
Why trust AirGreen?
At AirGreen, we do not recommend a device at random. We analyze the home, the layout, humidity levels, required flow, existing ducts, accessibility, and the client’s expectations.
This approach allows us to offer a solution that truly fits the property. An air exchanger must be properly sized, well positioned, and correctly connected to deliver the expected results.
With AirGreen, you benefit from professional service, local expertise, and full support before, during, and after installation. We take the time to clearly explain the available options and propose a tailored solution, not a copy-paste installation.
A smart choice to improve indoor air quality
The DirectAir PHRVR 200HE is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with a powerful, efficient, and well-designed device. Its 203 CFM flow rate, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%, recirculation defrost, and vertical connection make it a very attractive solution for demanding residential needs.
In a well-insulated home, an air exchanger is not a luxury. It is an important element of indoor comfort. It helps renew the air, remove moisture, reduce stagnant air, and improve the feeling of freshness in the home.
In conclusion
The VRC DirectAir PHRVR 200HE is a high-performance residential air exchanger, Energy Star certified, designed to provide effective ventilation with heat recovery. With a flow rate of 203 CFM at 0.4”, a maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 80.0%, vertical connection, 115 V voltage, and recirculation defrost, it meets the needs of many Quebec homes very well.
For homeowners in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore, this model can represent a reliable and efficient solution when properly sized and installed by professionals.
At AirGreen, we pride ourselves on offering ventilation solutions tailored to the real needs of our customers. Whether replacing an old air exchanger or installing a new system, our team can support you with seriousness, precision, and professionalism.
Contact AirGreen today to learn more about installing the DirectAir PHRVR 200HE and discover the best ventilation solution for your home.