Ty installed a CERV2 (second generation CERV) in Equinox House over the holidays. The “old” first generation CERV, installed in Equinox House in 2010, works just fine, but we’d like to demonstrate many of the CERV2’s amazing features. And, we’re curious to see what a 10 year old CERV looks like inside. It looks great (see photos below)! The “old” heat pump (unit number 002…..CERV unit 001 went to a beautiful certified Passive House in Denver) is not done yet. It is going to a very nice home for many more years of operation.
Future articles will discuss CERV2 operation and our ever expanding, advanced features. Zone dampers (Equinox House now has 10 dampers with 5 supply and 5 return zones), CERV2 control of two ductless minisplits (using our CERV-RC, CERV-Remote Control), and an array of distributed wireless sensors and actuators that automate the management of health and comfort while removing your stress and relieving your worry over your home’s environment. And, with our industry first OTA (Over-the-Air) upgrading, your CERV2 never goes out of date!
If you are a first gen CERV owner who would like to update to a CERV2, contact us to find out about our special CERV2 offer. And to all of our readers, we appreciate your continuing support of our mission to create a healthy, comfortable, and sustainable home environment for all!
Equinox House gen 1 CERV heat pump unit installed in 2010. Not bad for 10 years of operation!
Equinox House’s 1st gen CERV heat pump was originally installed in a prototype housing in 2009, and installed in Equinox House in 2010. The “sealed system” heat pump was removed from the prototype housing and re-installed in a “UL” listed housing in 2013 when Build Equinox first entered the fresh air ventilation market. CERV unit 001 went into a wonderful, high performance certified Passive House in Denver.
Bright metal surfaces on the 1st gen CERV’s heat exchangers indicate good air filtration and air flow, and long life for you and your CERV! A common cause of heat pump and air conditioning system failure in modern homes is “formicary corrosion”, a build up of formic acid in condensate in air conditioning and dehumidification systems due to high formaldehyde concentration in homes with insufficient fresh air and poor selection of formaldehyde infused building materials and furnishings. CERV and CERV2 units protect your air conditioners and your lungs!
New CERV2 installed in Equinox House. Note air distribution plenum above the CERV2 with 5 supply zone dampers. Uninsulated ducts and small plastic tubing is due to Ty conducting a series of measurements for a future article on air flow, pressure drop, and zone control. In addition to installation of the CERV2, distribution ducts have been increased to larger diameters for increased air flow with lower pressure drop. Read our Ductology reports to learn more about economically optimized duct design and duct system performance; your health and comfort depend on an efficient air distribution system!
Cold temperatures on January 27, 2021 don’t affect Equinox House’s ability to keep air fresh with comfortable temperature and humidity. Unlike conventional HRV and ERV technologies, CERV2 units do not need “frost” protection with inefficient electric pre-heaters or reduced fresh air flow. In fact, CERV2 units turn frost into heat for your home! You don’t have to take our word about the CERV2’s performance. See live data and control screen information on the Build Equinox homepage (see “Take Control”). Note: Ty’s Covid vaccination sticker; his old age made him eligible for his shot on January 27.
It’s cold outside in central Illinois, with temperatures dipping into the teens over the past week, but Equinox House stays steady at 68 to 70F all day long in all weather with its two 1 ton Mitsubishi hyper heat ductless minisplit heat pumps. Remember, two 1 ton minisplit heat pumps operating at half capacity are more efficient than a single unit operating at full capacity! Read our articles and reports to find out why.
Fresh air should never be sacrificed because outdoor temperatures are too cold or too hot and humid! Your health is much more important than energy, but the good news is that you can have your cake and eat it, too. Health and comfort impact your well-being and productivity, and CERV2 smart ventilation technologies automatically maintain both in energy efficient manners. Read our reports on Smart Ventilation and Smart Air Distribution to find out why.
A frequent problem in northern climates is excessively dry indoor air that inflames skin, causes nosebleeds, irritates breathing passageways, and creates a thriving environment for respiratory viruses. Smart ventilation, in properly designed homes like Equinox House, naturally maintain healthy humidity levels during cold weather with indoor relative humidity at 40 to 50% in late January with no humidification! Learn more about moisture management in all climates by reading our 4 part moisture management reports, and follow the stories of three contractors; Contractor Loose, Contractor Tight, and Contractor Smart.
