Venmar AVS® N Series HRV A160H75RS 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
$27.33
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 67% at 66 cfm.
Airflow and efficiency: manufacturer's data; airflow at 0.4 in and power draw from the V160H75RS spec sheet. Cost: 28 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.
19.1 in6 in side ports, 19.13 in tall cabinet
The A160H75RS has the same published performance as the A160H75RT, with the connections on the side: 19.13 in tall and 23.5 in wide, versus 21.5 by 21 in for the top-port version.
TandemOne dual hood possible with the Tandem kit
The guide allows a Tandem transition kit instead of two exterior hoods on units delivering 160 cfm or less at 0.4 in w.g. (150 cfm published for this model). It needs a 9.75 in joist opening and adds static pressure.
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 66 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.
−9 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 159 to 150 cfm. Most spec sheets show only the first number, precisely because it looks better.
28 WMeasured at the airflow it actually runs at
Its 77% at 0 °C is measured at 64 cfm, the continuous airflow of a typical home. At that setting it draws 28 W, or about 245 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.
6 inWhat it needs on site
6 in ducts, side connection and a condensate drain. It weighs 35 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.
- 159 cfm
- Net airflow at 0.4 in. w.g.
- 150 cfm
- SRE at 0 °C (64 cfm)
- 77%
- SRE at −25 °C (66 cfm)
- 67%
- ASE at 0 °C
- 81%
- Power draw
- 28 W
- Efficacy
- 2.3 cfm/W
- Type
- HRV
- Connection
- Side ports
- Duct collars
- 6 in
- Condensate drain
- Required
- Defrost cycle
- Recirculation (motorized damper)
- Filters
- Washable MERV 8 filter and washable exhaust filter included (kit SV66133)
- Dimensions (L × D × H)
- 23.5 × 16.3 × 19.13 in
- Weight
- 35 lb
- Power supply
- 120 V
- Warranty — core
- Lifetime
- Warranty — motors
- 5 years
- Warranty — parts
- 5 years
Manufacturer's published data for this model; airflow at 0.4 in and power draw from the V160H75RS spec sheet, a model with identical published ratings. Annual consumption calculated at 28 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.
Venmar AVS A160H75RS HRV
Residential N Series air exchanger 159 CFM with side 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 Venmar AVS A160H75RS HRV is a heat recovery ventilator designed to ensure effective air renewal while recovering some of the heat contained in the exhausted air. With its flow rate of 159 CFM / PCM at 0.4”, its side connection, its maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 77.0%, and its recirculation defrost cycle, this model represents a reliable solution to improve indoor comfort in Quebec homes.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a compact, efficient air exchanger well suited to the climate realities of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
In a well-insulated home, indoor air can quickly become unhealthy if air renewal is insufficient. Humidity, odors, CO₂, fine particles, cooking vapors, and stale air can remain trapped inside. This phenomenon is especially common in winter when windows stay closed for long periods to retain heat.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS HRV helps address this by expelling stale indoor air and introducing fresh air from outside. At the same time, it recovers some of the heat from the outgoing air to reduce energy losses. This approach allows better ventilation of the home without wasting the energy already used to heat the interior space.
Unlike simple mechanical ventilation, an HRV does not just expel air from the house. It also recovers some of the energy contained in the exhausted air. This is a much smarter solution for homes located in cold climates like Greater Montreal.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS is designed to offer an excellent balance of performance, compact size, efficiency, and ease of integration. With a capacity of 159 CFM, it is suitable for various residential applications where reliable and consistent ventilation is needed.
Its side connection is particularly practical in installations where ducts must be oriented horizontally or when mechanical space does not allow for a vertical connection. This configuration can facilitate the integration of the device in a basement, mechanical room, technical space, or when replacing an old air exchanger already connected on the side.
The right choice of an air exchanger always depends on the house itself. You must consider the area, number of occupants, level of insulation, humidity level, duct configuration, and actual ventilation needs. At AirGreen, we analyze these elements before recommending a model.
Here are the main technical features of the VRC Venmar AVS A160H75RS:
Model: A160H75RS
Type of air exchanger: VRC
Series: Venmar AVS N Series
Energy Star: No
Voltage: 115 V
Dimensions: 16.30 × 23.50 × 19.13 in
Manufacturer’s warranty: 5-1-0
Defrost cycle: Recirculation
Maximum sensible recovery efficiency: 77.0%
Airflow: 159.0 PCM / CFM at 0.4”
Connection: Side
These features make the Venmar AVS A160H75RS a device well suited for homes that require efficient ventilation with a compact, practical, and reliable design.
With its flow rate of 159 PCM / CFM, the Venmar AVS A160H75RS offers an interesting capacity for several types of residences. This level of ventilation allows for effective indoor air renewal when the device is properly sized and correctly installed.
A flow rate that is too low may be insufficient to remove moisture and stale air. Conversely, a device that is too powerful may be unnecessarily oversized for some homes. The A160H75RS therefore represents a balanced choice for many residential installations.
The maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 77.0% is another important advantage of this model. This performance indicates that the device can recover a significant portion of the heat contained in the exhausted air before releasing it outside.
In winter, this heat recovery is particularly useful. It allows fresh air to enter while limiting heat loss. The result is a better-ventilated, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient home.
Good heat recovery is essential to ventilate a Quebec home without unnecessarily losing the energy produced by the heating system. This is exactly the role of a well-chosen and well-installed HRV.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS also benefits from Virtuo technology, designed to facilitate airflow calibration and the device’s self-balancing. Balancing is a very important step during the installation of an air exchanger. If the incoming and outgoing air are not properly adjusted, performance can be reduced.
Thanks to this technology, the device can maintain a more stable and better-controlled airflow throughout its lifespan. For homeowners, this means more consistent ventilation. For installers, it allows for more precise and efficient startup.
The model is also designed to simplify installation, adjustment, and maintenance. Its integrated LCD screen allows selection of the desired airflow and provides useful information about the device’s operation. This feature is especially convenient during commissioning and inspections.
The integrated diagnostics is also a significant advantage. It allows easier identification of certain anomalies or adjustment needs, simplifying inspections and helping maintain good long-term performance.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS is equipped with PMSM ECM motors, designed to provide efficient ventilation with reduced electrical consumption. These motors maintain a reliable airflow while using less energy than a traditional motor.
In a home where the air exchanger operates regularly, the quality of the motors is an important factor. Efficient motors contribute to comfort, system durability, and better operational stability.
The recirculation defrost cycle is an essential feature in a cold climate like Quebec's. When outdoor temperatures are very low, an air exchanger can be exposed to frost formation in the recovery core. Recirculation defrost helps protect the system and maintain its proper operation.
This mode allows for more stable management of cold periods by temporarily recirculating indoor air to reduce frost buildup. This is an important advantage to ensure reliable ventilation during the winters in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
The side connection of the Venmar AVS A160H75RS allows for convenient installation in many homes. In some mechanical spaces, ducts need to be directed to the sides rather than upwards. A model with a side connection can then simplify duct routing and make the installation cleaner.
This configuration is especially useful in basements, mechanical rooms, technical spaces, or replacements of older air exchangers where the existing layout favors a side outlet. At AirGreen, we always check the site configuration before recommending a unit.
With its dimensions of 16.30 × 23.50 × 19.13 in, the Venmar AVS A160H75RS offers a compact size that makes it easy to integrate into various residential environments. It can suit installations where available space is limited while providing an interesting ventilation capacity.
However, it is important to allow sufficient clearance around the unit to provide access to the filters, recovery core, ducts, and internal components. A well-planned installation facilitates future maintenance and helps extend the lifespan of the air exchanger.
As with any air exchanger, regular maintenance is essential. Dirty filters or a poorly maintained core can reduce airflow, increase motor strain, and decrease the overall efficiency of the system. At AirGreen, we always recommend checking and cleaning the filters according to the actual use of the device and the manufacturer's recommendations.
The VRC Venmar AVS A160H75RS is particularly useful for homes where indoor humidity needs better control. Excessive humidity can cause condensation on windows, persistent odors, a heavy air feeling, and in some cases, contribute to mold problems.
By evacuating humid and stale air while introducing fresh air, the A160H75RS helps maintain a healthier and more pleasant indoor environment. It does not replace good insulation or an adequate heating system, but it becomes an important part of a comprehensive residential comfort strategy.
This model is also a good choice for homeowners looking to replace an old air exchanger. Over time, some devices become less efficient, noisier, or harder to maintain. Replacing it with a more efficient model like the Venmar AVS A160H75RS can improve air quality, comfort, and system reliability.
The main advantages of the Venmar AVS A160H75RS HRV are numerous:
159 CFM Airflow, suitable for many residential homes.
Maximum Sensible Recovery Efficiency of 77.0%, to limit heat loss.
Side Connection, practical for various configurations.
Recirculation Defrost, suited for Quebec winters.
Virtuo Technology, for smarter balancing.
Built-in LCD Screen, convenient for settings and information display.
Integrated Diagnostics, useful for maintenance and inspections.
PMSM ECM Motors, efficient and reliable.
Compact Size, ideal for many residential mechanical spaces.
Standard 115 V Voltage, convenient for common residential installations.
5-1-0 Manufacturer Warranty, for greater peace of mind.
These advantages make the A160H75RS a solid option for homeowners looking for a reliable, compact, and efficient air exchanger.
Choosing the right air exchanger is important, but the installation is just as crucial. A high-performance device can lose much of its efficiency if it is poorly installed, unbalanced, or improperly connected. Balancing airflow, duct sealing, grille positioning, and accessibility for maintenance are all important factors.
At AirGreen, we install ventilation, air conditioning, heating, and HVAC systems throughout Greater Montreal. Our team understands the realities of Quebec homes: limited mechanical spaces, finished basements, existing ducts, old air exchangers to replace, humidity issues, and specific needs depending on each property.
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 clean, durable installation tailored to the real needs of each home.
At AirGreen, we don’t just install a device. We analyze the entire home to propose a solution that truly matches the client’s needs. We assess the layout, accessibility, existing ducts, humidity level, area, number of occupants, and the homeowner’s expectations.
This approach allows us to recommend a suitable air exchanger and carry out a professional installation. With AirGreen, you benefit from local expertise, professional service, and comprehensive support before, during, and after installation.
The Venmar AVS A160H75RS is an excellent option for homeowners who want to improve their home's ventilation with a compact, reliable, and well-designed device. With its flow rate of 159 CFM, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 77.0%, recirculation defrost, and side connection, it meets the needs of many Quebec residences.
In a well-insulated home, an air exchanger is often essential to maintain good indoor air quality. It helps to remove stale air, reduce excess humidity, and bring in fresh air in a controlled manner.
In conclusion, the VRC Venmar AVS A160H75RS is a compact, efficient, and well-designed residential air exchanger. With its flow rate of 159 PCM / CFM, maximum sensible recovery efficiency of 77.0%, side connection, recirculation defrost, and Virtuo technology, it represents a serious 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 are proud to offer ventilation solutions tailored to the real needs of our clients.
Whether you are 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 Venmar AVS A160H75RS and discover the best ventilation solution for your home.