Clean Your Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or AIr Exchanger

Your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) can help make keep your house a clean, healthy living environment, while keeping fuel bills down. But your HRV can't do all this without your help in keeping it well maintained.

Step 1: Turn off your HRV 

First, turn off your HRV and unplug it.

Image Copyright CMHC

Step 2: Clean or replace air filters

Dirty or clogged filters can lower ventilation efficiency. Try to clean your filters at least every two months. Filters in most new HRVs can be easily removed, cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, then washed with mild soap and water before being replaced. Older units have replaceable filters. If your HRV is easily accessible, this is a five-minute job. 

Step 3: Check outdoor intake and exhaust hoods

Remove leaves, waste paper or other obstructions that may be blocking the outside vents of your HRV. Without this vital airflow, your HRV won’t function properly. During winter, clear any snow or frost buildup blocking outside vents. 

Step 4: Inspect the condensate drain

Check to see if your HRV has a condensate drain—a pipe or plastic tube coming out of the bottom. If it does, slowly pour about two litres of warm, clean water in each drain pan inside the HRV to make sure it is flowing freely. If there’s a backup, clean the drain. 

Step 5: Clean the heat exchange core (large white plastic filter)

Check your HRV owner’s manual for instructions on cleaning the heat exchange core. Vacuuming the core and washing it with soap and water will reduce dust that can build up inside the core. 

Step 6: Clean grilles and inspect the ductwork.

Once a year, check the ductwork leading to and from your HRV. Remove and inspect the grilles covering the duct ends, then vacuum inside the ducts. If a more thorough cleaning is required, call your service technician. 

Step 7: Service the fans (most can be unplugged and then slide out)

Remove the dirt that has been accumulated on the blades by gently brushing them. Most new HRVs are designed to run continuously without lubrication, but older models require a few drops of proper motor lubricating oil in a designated oil intake. Check your manual for complete instructions.

Image Copyright Carson Dunlop

Additional Resources

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/grho/grho_003.cfm

How to Clean Your HRV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CPJYp6WEWg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HYmRd6WpcU

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