vänEE® Bronze Series™ HRV 44252 Air Exchanger | Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
Is it the right size for your home?
It delivers 71 cfm net, enough to ventilate 800 to 1,300 sq ft. Choose your home's living area.
It's the right size.
For a 900 to 1,500 sq ft home, about 63 cfm of air needs to be renewed continuously. This unit delivers 71 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
$38.07
Electricity per year
Less than a 60 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 60% at 48 cfm.
Airflow and efficiency: manufacturer's published data. Cost: 39 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.
−5 °CDefrost only below −5 °C, in graduated cycles
The 40H+ does not defrost above −5 °C. Colder, cycles tighten: 5 min of defrost per 30 min of operation from −5 to −15 °C, 5 per 20 down to −27 °C, then 7 per 15 below −27 °C.
WallChain suspension or wall bracket no. 19255
The 40H+ hangs on chains and springs, or mounts on a wall with the exclusive wall bracket no. 19255, sold as an option. The maker also offers an electric duct heater and a line of registers and diffusers.
60%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 48 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.
−8 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 79 to 71 cfm. Most spec sheets show only the first number, precisely because it looks better.
39 WMeasured at the airflow it actually runs at
Its 66% at 0 °C is measured at 47 cfm, the continuous airflow of a typical home. At that setting it draws 39 W, or about 342 kWh a year.
LifetimeThe core warranty
The core does the work and is the most expensive part to replace. Motors and parts: 5 years. We register the warranty in your name at commissioning.
4 inWhat it needs on site
4 in ducts, top connection and a condensate drain. It weighs 30 lb, and it needs enough clearance to slide the core out once a year.
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.
- 79 cfm
- Net airflow at 0.4 in. w.g.
- 71 cfm
- SRE at 0 °C (47 cfm)
- 66%
- SRE at −25 °C (48 cfm)
- 60%
- ASE at 0 °C
- 76%
- Power draw
- 39 W
- Efficacy
- 1.2 cfm/W
- Type
- HRV
- Connection
- Top ports
- Duct collars
- 4 in
- Condensate drain
- Required
- Defrost cycle
- Recirculation (motorized damper)
- Filters
- 2 washable 30 ppi foam filters
- Dimensions (L × D × H)
- 15.62 × 15.44 × 18.62 in
- Weight
- 30 lb
- Power supply
- 120 V
- Warranty — core
- Lifetime
- Warranty — motors
- 5 years
- Warranty — parts
- 5 years
Airflow and efficiency: manufacturer's published data. Annual consumption calculated at 39 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.
VRC vänEE 44252
Bronze Series residential air exchanger 79 CFM with vertical connection
At AirGreen, we know that a comfortable home depends not only on heating or air conditioning. Indoor air quality plays a vital role in daily well-being, especially in modern, well-insulated homes where air can quickly become stagnant, humid, or particle-laden.
The VRC vänEE 44252 is a heat recovery ventilator designed to ensure effective air renewal while recovering some of the heat contained in the exhausted air. With a flow rate of 79 CFM / CFM at 0.4”, a vertical connection, a maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 66.0%, and a recirculation defrost cycle, this model represents a compact and reliable solution to improve indoor air quality in various types of residences.
The vänEE 44252 is part of the Bronze series, a range designed to offer simple, practical residential ventilation well suited to homes with limited mechanical space. It is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a compact, efficient air exchanger that is easy to integrate into a residential installation.
In a well-insulated house, indoor air can quickly become less healthy if air renewal is insufficient. Humidity, odors, CO₂, fine particles, cooking vapors, and stale air can remain trapped inside. This phenomenon is particularly common in winter, when windows stay closed for long periods to retain heat.
The VRC vänEE 44252 helps correct this situation by evacuating stale indoor air and bringing in fresh air from outside. At the same time, it recovers some of the heat from the outgoing air to reduce energy loss. This heat recovery is especially useful in a climate like Quebec's, where heating represents a significant part of indoor comfort.
Unlike simple mechanical ventilation, a VRC does not just expel air from the house. It also recovers part of the energy already used to heat the indoor space. This approach allows for smarter ventilation of the home while helping to maintain better comfort during the cold months.
The vänEE 44252 stands out for its compact size and airflow of 79 CFM, making it particularly suitable for certain residential applications where controlled ventilation is needed without installing a high-capacity unit. It can be suitable for smaller homes, some condos, apartments, renovated spaces, or projects where ventilation needs are moderate.
A properly matched airflow is essential for effective ventilation. A unit that is too weak may not be sufficient to remove moisture and stale air. Conversely, a unit that is too powerful may be unnecessarily oversized for some residences. The vänEE 44252 therefore represents an interesting solution when the home requires a compact unit with a more moderate airflow.
At AirGreen, we always assess the actual needs of the property before recommending an air exchanger. The area, number of occupants, insulation level, indoor humidity, duct configuration, and available space are all important factors to consider.
Here are the main technical features of the VRC vänEE 44252:
Model: 44252
Type of air exchanger: VRC
Series: Bronze Series
Energy Star: No
Voltage: 115 V
Dimensions: 15.44 × 15.63 × 18.63 in
Manufacturer’s warranty: 5-1-0
Defrost cycle: Recirculation
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency: 66.0%
Airflow: 79.0 PCM / CFM at 0.4”
Connection: Vertical
These features make the vänEE 44252 a device well suited for residential installations that require compact, simple, and reliable ventilation.
With an airflow of 79 PCM / CFM, the VRC vänEE 44252 offers an interesting capacity for spaces where ventilation needs are lower. This level of ventilation allows for controlled indoor air renewal when the unit is properly sized and correctly installed.
This model can be particularly useful in homes or apartments where the goal is to improve air quality without installing an overly large system. It can also be suitable for certain replacement situations when the old unit had a similar capacity and the duct configuration allows for a clean integration.
The maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 66.0% allows the vänEE 44252 to recover some of the heat contained in the exhausted air before releasing it outside. In winter, this recovery helps limit heat loss when fresh air is introduced into the home.
Although this model is compact, it offers a much more efficient approach than simple air extraction. It renews indoor air while reducing energy losses associated with ventilation. This is a significant advantage for Quebec homes, where winter comfort largely depends on the ability to retain heat.
The recirculation defrost cycle is an important feature in a cold climate like Quebec’s. When the outside temperature drops very low, an air exchanger can be exposed to frost formation in the recovery core. Recirculation defrost helps protect the unit and maintain its proper function during cold periods.
This mode allows for more stable management of winter conditions. It helps preserve the operation of the air exchanger when temperatures are low, which is especially relevant for homes located in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
The vertical connection of the vänEE 44252 facilitates its integration into various residential setups. The ducts are oriented upwards, which can be practical in a mechanical room, basement, technical space, or an installation where existing ducts are already configured this way.
This vertical configuration can also be advantageous when replacing an old air exchanger with connections located on the top. It helps simplify certain connections and achieve a cleaner installation when space allows.
With its dimensions of 15.44 × 15.63 × 18.63 in, the VRC vänEE 44252 offers a very compact size. This feature is especially interesting in tight mechanical spaces, small basements, technical storage areas, or installations where available space is limited.
A compact size can make a big difference during a replacement or new installation. It often facilitates integrating the device while maintaining good accessibility for maintenance. However, sufficient clearance around the air exchanger must be planned to allow access to the filters, recovery core, and internal components.
A well-planned installation helps maintain good performance over time. An air exchanger must be easy to inspect, clean, and maintain. Dirty filters, difficult access, or poorly connected ducts can reduce airflow and decrease the overall system efficiency.
The VRC vänEE 44252 is especially useful for improving indoor comfort in homes where the air quickly becomes stagnant. Insufficient ventilation can cause persistent odors, a heavy air feeling, excessive humidity, and particle buildup. A well-chosen air exchanger helps correct these issues by ensuring more consistent air renewal.
In modern homes, insulation is often very effective. This is an advantage for retaining heat, but it also reduces natural air exchanges with the outside. Without an adequate ventilation system, indoor air quality can decline. The vänEE 44252 allows fresh air to be brought in a controlled way while expelling stale air.
This model is also appealing to homeowners who want to replace an old compact air exchanger. Over time, some devices become less efficient, noisier, or harder to maintain. Replacing it with a suitable model like the vänEE 44252 can improve the comfort and reliability of the ventilation system.
At AirGreen, we pay special attention to sizing each ventilation system. An air exchanger must be chosen based on the actual needs of the home. The number of occupants, the area, the humidity level, the type of building, and the duct configuration all influence the choice of the right device.
Professional installation is also essential. Even a reliable unit can lose some efficiency if it is poorly installed, connected, or balanced. Proper duct positioning, airtight connections, maintenance access, and adherence to airflow rates are all important elements to ensure a lasting result.
The main advantages of the VRC vänEE 44252 are numerous:
79 CFM airflow, suited for moderate ventilation needs.
Compact size, practical for limited mechanical spaces.
Vertical connection, useful for various residential configurations.
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 66.0%, to recover part of the exhausted heat.
Defrosting by recirculation, adapted to Quebec’s winter conditions.
Standard 115 V voltage, convenient for residential installations.
VRC type, ideal for air renewal with heat recovery.
5-1-0 manufacturer warranty, for greater peace of mind.
Simple and reliable design, suited for compact residential applications.
These advantages make the vänEE 44252 an attractive option for homeowners looking for a compact, practical air exchanger well suited to residential ventilation needs.
Choosing the right air exchanger is important, but the installation is just as crucial. A high-performance unit can lose much of its efficiency if it is poorly installed or connected. At AirGreen, we ensure that every installation is carefully planned to deliver a clean, durable result tailored to the real needs of the home.
Our team understands the realities of Quebec homes: finished basements, limited mechanical spaces, existing ducts, old air exchangers to replace, indoor humidity, access constraints, and specific needs depending on each property. This expertise allows us to recommend a solution that truly fits the client's situation.
We serve notably Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, Boucherville, Brossard, Saint-Bruno, Repentigny, Terrebonne, Saint-Eustache, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our goal is simple: to provide a professional, clean installation tailored to the needs of each residence.
At AirGreen, we don’t just install a device. We analyze the entire home to propose a coherent ventilation solution. We check accessibility, existing ducts, available space, humidity levels, and the homeowner’s expectations.
This approach helps avoid unpleasant surprises and ensures that the chosen air exchanger truly matches the property's needs. Good ventilation always starts with a proper assessment.
The VRC vänEE 44252 is an excellent option for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with a compact, reliable, and well-designed device. Thanks to its 79 CFM airflow, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 66.0%, vertical connection, and recirculation defrost, it meets the needs of residences seeking moderate and efficient ventilation.
In a well-insulated home, an air exchanger is often essential to maintain good indoor air quality. It helps remove stale air, reduce excess humidity, bring in fresh air in a controlled way, and limit heat loss through energy recovery.
In conclusion, the VRC vänEE 44252 is a compact, practical, and reliable residential air exchanger. With its 79 CFM airflow, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 66.0%, vertical connection, and recirculation defrost cycle, it represents an interesting solution to improve indoor air quality in various types of residences.
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 are proud to offer ventilation solutions tailored to the real needs of our clients.
Whether replacing an old air exchanger or installing a new system, our team is ready to assist you with precision, seriousness, and professionalism.
Contact AirGreen today to learn more about installing the VRC vänEE 44252 and discover the best ventilation solution for your home.