How old is my ERV?

What is an energy recovery ventilator?

An ERV exchanges indoor and outdoor air and transfers both heat and some moisture between the air streams. An HRV transfers heat. These are ventilation systems; record the ventilator’s own model and serial rather than using the furnace label to date it.

U.S. Department of Energy: HRV and ERV explanation

ERV serial number and manufacture date

Can I use an HRV serial chart to date an ERV?

Check the manufacturer’s documented scope first. Ventilation products can share a brand without sharing every serial convention. Keep the appliance model and serial together rather than assuming an acronym or cabinet style determines the date code.

Does an ERV filter-change date establish its age?

It records maintenance, not manufacture. Keep the unit’s production date, installation date and service dates separately, with the source of each. Manufacturer confirmation may be needed if the appliance label does not provide a supported code.

ERV age guides and articles

• How to photograph a model and serial number label
• Typical appliance lifespan and replacement planning
• How to check appliance recall notices

A erv typically lasts 15 to 20 years in normal household use. Once one reaches 15 years, it is worth budgeting for a replacement.

Clean or replace the filters every few months; most ERV cores are vacuumed, not washed.

On the side of the cabinet or inside the access door.

• • Filters
• • Energy recovery core
• • Fan motor
• • Wall control

Check your erv on Appliance Age to get parts links for your exact model.

Every check compares the brand, model and serial number with official recall notices.

ERV age by brand

Broan (Broan-NuTone) ervLifebreath ervLuxaire ervMitsubishi Electric ervVenmar erv

RefrigeratorRange or ovenDishwasherMicrowaveFreezerClothes washerClothes dryerWater heater (tank)Tankless water heaterFurnaceBoilerAir conditionerHeat pumpHRVDehumidifier