ComfoAir 70 Profiled by the Journal of Light Construction

Shortly after Zehnder America announced the release of its new ComfoAir 70 energy recovery ventilation unit in the North American market, the Journal of Light Construction profiled the installation of the first two units in the United States. The article, entitled “Effective, Retrofit ERV,” examines how the ComfoAir 70 can be installed without ductwork, creating a simple ventilation solution for existing apartments and homes. Writer Ted Cushman explains how the ComfoAir 70 energy recovery ventilator transfers both humidity and heat between the exhaust and intake air streams, saving energy and adjusting humidity levels in the home. He visited the job site where Jim Bradley was completing a deep energy retrofit of a Vermont home and installing two ComfoAir 70 energy recovery ventilators.

Norbert Wesely, North American product development manager for Zehnder America, was on-site to help with the installation of these new ventilation systems. Cushman very accurately explained what makes the new ComfoAir 70 so appealing for retrofit projects. “Tight buildings need fresh air. But fresh air comes at a cost that can put a strain on budgets—especially in remodels, where you might have to demo[lish] existing ceilings in order to install the supply and return ductwork for a high-performance energy recovery ventilator (ERV). That’s the problem German firm Zehnder is trying to solve with their latest U.S. product introduction, the ComfoAir 70.”

Cushman then explains how other whole-house models require extensive ductwork. “But the ComfoAir 70 is a one-piece unit that mounts through a side wall in the living space and needs no ducts; it draws in room air and supplies fresh air through small openings on the sides of the appliance,” he explains.

Articles such as these are instrumental in providing information to builders, architects, and designers about the balanced ventilation options available for retrofit projects. Cushman explores some of the more technical aspects of the installation, enabling building professionals to determine whether the ComfoAir 70 is a good ventilation solution for a given project and how to prepare for the installation.

For example, the ComfoAir 70 is designed to ventilate up to 600 square feet, and additional units can be added to ventilate larger spaces. He explains that one unit can be installed to both draws stale air from the kitchen or bathroom and supply fresh, filtered air to the living spaces.

Cushman also discusses the enthalpy exchanger core that transfers heat and moisture between the intake and exhaust air. The intake air on the energy recovery ventilator is also filtered, helping to remove many airborne pollutants for higher indoor air quality.

As the demand for energy-saving retrofits increases, Zehnder America is responding with innovative ventilation solutions that are easy to install. Building professionals are seeking simple ventilation solutions that boost indoor air quality, exhaust stale air and pollutants, and promote energy efficiency.