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PuriFresh Ventilation Products

On the outside cover of the PuriFresh ERV, two of the four openings have stale air leaving the unit and the other two have fresh air entering. Since the openings are closely spaced, why doesn’t the stale air leaving get sucked back in and contaminate the fresh air entering? The Bernoulli effect keeps stale air from leaving the stream close to the unit and contaminating the fresh air entering. When a jet of air leaves a port, close to the port, the Bernoulli effect causes air around the jet to enter the jet. It is only further out that the jet breaks up causing the air in the jet to disperse and enter the surrounding air.  Check out our Gallery tab above to view a movie showing how the stale air flows away from the unit.

How does the PuriFresh ERV mount in a window?  The PuriFresh ERV is a Window Mounted Energy Recovery Ventilator. The PuriFresh Window Mounted ERV mounts in a double hung window much like a window mounted air-conditioner, however, it is much lighter and smaller than the typical window mounted air-conditioner. Unlike the typical window mounted air-conditioner, the PuriFresh Window Mounted ERV does not have expandable side panels to fit any width window. Instead, two corrugated plastic sheets are provided which are cut to the appropriate width to fit the specific widow. This provides better insulation in winter as well as a better air seal.

How are the Energy Transfer Sections cleaned?  The Energy Transfer Sections are cleaned by immersion in warm water, containing any mild dishwashing liquid. After soaking, they are rinsed by immersion in clean warm water. After drip-drying on a drain board, they can be returned to the unit where complete drying will occur while the unit runs.

Why do I need ventilation?  Air pollution from volatile compounds is much higher indoors. These volatile compounds include radon gas, formaldehyde, solvents from cleaning supplies and beauty supplies, organic compounds emitted by carpets, furniture, paint, insulation, linoleum, vinyl, electronic equipment, etc. Ventilation is also needed to prevent excess humidity in winter, which can lead to dry rot and mold damage.

How do I know my ventilation is inadequate?  Some signs that you need ventilation in your home are the following: If your home smells, or if you use air fresheners or air purifiers to reduce or mask odors. If there is moisture condensation on windows on a cold winter day.   Now, there are accurate and relatively inexpensive CO2 meters on the market.  If  CO2 levels run consistently above 1000 ppm, ventilation is indicated.

I live where there are air pollution alerts. Should I still ventilate?  Yes, but turn off ventilation when there is a high pollution alert and they recommend that you stay indoors. If pollution peaks at certain hours of the day, put the unit on a timer so that it is off for those hours. That will actually reduce levels of outside pollutants in your home compared to no ventilation. Fight for clean air! Remember, all inside air ultimately comes from outdoors.

Is the PuriFresh Energy Recovery Ventilator available with defrost?  No, not at this time.  Frost typically only begins to form (on the outside of the Energy Transfer Sections) when the temperature drops to around  -5° F, depending on indoor humidity.  

Will the PuriFresh Energy Recovery Ventilator be damaged by frost?  The unit will not be damaged, since the moving parts are all on the warm and dry side of the Energy Transfer Sections.

Can I run the PuriFresh Energy Recovery Ventilator continuously?  Yes, it can be run day and night, all year long.  If you are looking to remove chemicals that are out-gassing from newly refinished walls or floors or newly installed furniture, we recommend that your run the unit continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions