Air Exchanger VENMAR AVS® N SERIES A160H65RS Greater Montreal
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
$25.38
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 68 cfm.
Airflow and efficiency: manufacturer's data; airflow at 0.4 in and power draw from the V160H65RS spec sheet. Cost: 26 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 inSide-port version, 19.13 in tall
The A160H65RS shows the same published performance as the A160H65RT, but its 6 in collars exit on the side: the cabinet is 19.13 in tall and 23.5 in wide, versus 21.5 by 21 in for the top-port version.
ThermostatCan be run by a thermostat's ventilation output
The unit accepts any dry contact, such as a thermostat with a ventilation output. With the contact closed it runs in the mode chosen on the screen (minimum, intermittent, auto or maximum); open, it returns to standby.
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 68 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.
26 WMeasured at the airflow it actually runs at
Its 68% at 0 °C is measured at 64 cfm, the continuous airflow of a typical home. At that setting it draws 26 W, or about 228 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)
- 68%
- SRE at −25 °C (68 cfm)
- 60%
- ASE at 0 °C
- 72%
- Power draw
- 26 W
- Efficacy
- 2.5 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 V160H65RS spec sheet, a model with identical published ratings. Annual consumption calculated at 26 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.
Experience Superior Air Quality with AirGreen: The VENMAR AVS® N SERIES™ HRV 160 CFM 65% SRE WITH VIRTUO AIR TECHNOLOGY™ A160H65RS (Side Ports)
AirGreen is a trusted HVAC enterprise based in Montreal, dedicated to delivering HVAC excellence across Greater Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore. Specializing in the provision of HVAC sales and installation services, we strive to create comfortable, healthy living and working environments.
Our website features a comprehensive Air Exchanger section where we offer cutting-edge Venmar Air Exchangers. One standout product among these is the Venmar AVS® N Series™ HRV 160 CFM 65% SRE with Virtuo Air Technology™ A160H65RS (side ports). This product stands as the epitome of advancements in residential fresh air systems, offering a universal platform specifically designed and enhanced for ultimate contractor convenience and profitability, all while ensuring consistently superior air quality.
Virtuo Air Technology™: A Leap Forward in Auto-balancing and Airflow Calibration
At the heart of our A160H65RS model is Virtuo Air Technology™. This cutting-edge technology allows for quick and sustained airflow calibration and auto-balancing:
- Integrated LCD screen: Select the desired CFM (from 35 to 160 CFM) using the very first integrated LCD screen. Once the CFM is selected, the airflow automatically adjusts accordingly.
- Real-time LCD: An integrated electronic airflow measurement device enables immediate and accurate tracking.
- Diagnostic tool: The integrated diagnostic tool ensures easy unit maintenance and troubleshooting.
Optimized Energy Consumption
The A160H65RS model comes equipped with PMSM ECM motors, drastically reducing power consumption while maintaining superior performance levels. Unit electrical characteristics include 120 volts, 60 Hz, 2.4 A, and 163 W.
Versatile Installation Options
For your convenience, the unit provides multiple installation options: it can either be suspended (chains included) or wall-mounted using the included universal brackets (2 or 4 brackets).
Unit Features for Superior Air Quality
Our Venmar AVS® N Series™ HRV A160H65RS brings together a host of premium features that collectively enhance indoor air quality:
- Impressive SRE performance: Achieving a remarkable 68% SRE at 0°C (64 CFM) and 60% at -25°C (68 CFM), ensuring optimum energy conservation.
- Port size: The unit boasts a 6" port size, compatible with standard installations.
- Recirculation defrost: Promotes better utilization of existing heat, thereby reducing energy costs.
- Durable construction: Corrosion-resistant galvanized steel door and cabinet ensure the unit's longevity.
- Air leakage prevention: A one-piece molded insulation shell (expanded polystyrene; UL 94 HF-1 certified) prevents any air leakage.
Virtuo Constant Airflow and Auto-balancing Device
Our advanced unit incorporates a patent-pending Virtuo constant airflow and auto-balancing device. Coupled with motorized dampers, the unit guarantees efficient, balanced ventilation under all circumstances.
Simplified Maintenance
- Integrated drainage system: The "snap-in" drain system is easy to install and requires no additional parts (drain hose included).
- Power cord: The unit comes with a 6-foot power cord for your convenience.
Discreet Operation
Our unit maintains remarkably quiet operation, recording 66.8 dBA at 92 CFM @ 0.4 in. w.g. and 60.1 dBA at 64 CFM @ 0.2 in. w.g., ensuring your living environment remains serene.
High-quality Core
The unit features a robust, impact-resistant polypropylene crossflow core that measures 12" x 12" x 9" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 23 cm), ensuring durability and high-level performance.
Efficient Filtration
- Standard filter: The unit comes with a MERV 8 grade washable standard filter, allowing excellent air filtration.
- Optional filters: For further air quality improvement, a MERV13 grade filter (part no. V24285) and a HEPA media type filter (part no. V25000) are optionally available.
Additional Options
- Register and diffuser options: We offer a full range of registers and diffusers for complete ventilation solutions.
- Compatibility: The unit is compatible with the Tandem transition (part no. 14690), recommended for installations producing up to 110 CFM.
Unique Defrost System
Our Homeshield™ Defrosting System ensures that no negative pressure is created by air exhausted to the outdoors as the air is recirculated into the house, thereby helping to prevent any backdraft.
Fan Curves with Virtuo Air Technology™
Thanks to Virtuo Air Technology™, there's no need to balance the unit manually. Both PMSM motors are controlled by an AI performing 120 readings per minute then processing this information to maintain the requested airflow. For typical installation, Virtuo will ensure balanced ventilation at every selected speed regardless of the weather conditions, the type of connection, the variable-speed furnace/AHU, the stack effect, filter clogging, and so forth. This results in peace of mind for installers and users, knowing that the unit will always remain balanced and that it will maintain its maximum heat/energy recovery efficiency.
Compliance with Requirements and Standards
The Venmar AVS® N Series™ HRV 160 CFM 65% SRE with Virtuo Air Technology™ A160H65RS complies with CSA C22.2 No. 113 (safety), could be installed in compliance with CSA F326, performance tested in accordance with CSA C439 Standard, meets Novoclimat requirements when used in conjunction with the Advanced Touchscreen wall control, and compliant with Prop 65 and ROHS 2015/863 directive.
At AirGreen, we're committed to offering a wide range of HVAC products designed for the comfort and wellbeing of our customers. Choose AirGreen for an unparalleled HVAC experience.