The core is key.  It transfers heat by conduction and transfers humidity through vapor pressure differential.

RenewAire's heat exchange core is manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Developed in 1971 specifically for energy recovery ventilation, this technology has gained worldwide acceptance with literally millions of successful installations. Decades of use have demonstrated that the core operates without loss of operating efficiency, retaining its strong resistance to transfer of pollutants and to biological contamination.

Years of use have demonstrated that this core operates without loss of operating efficiency over the long term, and retains its strong resistance to transfer of pollutants and to biological contamination. This durable, frost-resistant technology has provided reliable, trouble-free service in thousands of North American RenewAire installations for over a decade.

In the RenewAire energy exchange core, the exhausted stale air and the fresh ventilation air pass through multiple air passages separated by an engineered composite resin partition plate. Sensible heat transfers from the warm to the cool air stream. Also, latent energy (water vapor) transfers from the wet to the dry air stream. The fresh incoming air is automatically pre-heated or pre-cooled depending on the season. This dramatically reduces the energy costs of ventilation. This unique moisture transfer feature of the RenewAire energy exchange core also eliminates condensate and frosting in most applications. No mechanical or electrical defrost systems are needed, which means higher heat recovery efficiencies, simpler installation and more reliable operation.

During the Heating Season

Outdoor air is warmed close to room temperature with heat that would otherwise be lost with the exhaust air. The water vapor transfer moderates extremes in humidity levels which helps prevent moisture damage or over-drying of the home. The heat and humidity transfer (sensible and latent energy) gives RenewAire a big advantage over other air-to-air exchangers typically recovering 30% more energy in winter.

During the Air Conditioning Season

When you need to cool for comfort do you hate the stuffy, musty air quality in your home? RenewAire ERVs provide necessary fresh air while pre-cooling and pre-dehumidifying this air with energy that would otherwise be lost with the exhaust air. With summertime humidity control (latent energy) being the largest portion of air conditioning cost, RenewAire’s humidity transfer is critical. In fact RenewAire is typically three times more energy efficient than products that transfer only heat.