How old is my HRV?

What is an HRV, and how does it differ from an ERV?

A heat recovery ventilator exchanges indoor and outdoor air while transferring heat between the exhaust and supply streams. An energy recovery ventilator also transfers some moisture. Identify the model on the cabinet to confirm which system you have before looking up its age or maintenance instructions.

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

HRV serial number and manufacture date

Does the HRV wall control tell me the unit’s age?

Start with the ventilator cabinet’s appliance label. A wall control or fan motor may have a different identification number or replacement date. Keep that component information separate from the HRV manufacture date.

What if my HRV has no readable manufacture date?

Photograph the whole label and preserve all code fields. Use a supported format when available; otherwise contact the manufacturer with the model and serial. Do not convert a certification-standard year into an equipment date.

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

Wash the filters every few months and clean the core yearly.

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

• • Filters
• • Heat recovery core
• • Fan motor
• • Defrost damper motor
• • Wall control

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

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

HRV age by brand

Broan (Broan-NuTone) hrvLifebreath hrvVenmar hrv

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