Building Performance Equipment, Inc. welcomes the newest addition to its family of Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)–and it’s a rather special little guy. Like its bigger brothers, the BPE-XE-MIR-200-i is an ultra-energy-efficient unit that sports a counter-flow heat exchanger design with less than 1% mixing of air streams. Ultra-as in 80% to 98% thermal efficiency with an Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of 60 to 160. (Most ERVs in the industry typically come in at 45% to 65% thermal efficiency, rarely surpassing an EER of 10.) The new unit works much like the rest of the multi-patented line as it preconditions incoming air to room temperature. In other words, it efficiently recovers energy from stale air leaving the building and uses it to warm room temperature in colder months and cool it during the warmer months. In fact, BPE ERVs are so efficient that they, depending on the situation, can actually reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental HVAC. That efficiency can also reduce energy bills and our impact on the environment. In fact, it is LEED approved and ideal for Passive House design as well as conventional.

A Unique Model: So, what makes the BPE-XE-MIR-200-i so special? While the rest of BPE’s ERVs utilize separate in-line fans, the 200-i has two built-in fans, as well as plug-in capability via a power cord with a three-pronged plug. The 200-i is the perfect size for providing fresh make-up air to a small office (up to 10 people) or the home of a family of up to six. Plus, it’s simple to install. The unit can connect to new or existing ductwork, is light enough for DIY positioning, and easily plugs into a 120 VAC outlet. For further information on efficiency, review the 200-i’s performance spec sheet.

Pristine Indoor Air Quality: ERVs operating at a superior level displace a building’s air rather than disperse it. What’s the difference? Dispersing fresh air into a space dilutes the older air and smells that might come with it. Displacement, however, will push the older air out of the space and replace it with fresh. Trust the 200-i to have you breathing easier.

How Low Can You Go?: Do you know the radon level in your home? Whatever it may be, the BPE-XE-MIR-200-i (and its brothers) can lower levels of that insipid gas, thereby lowering your risk of lung cancer. Basically, there is no risk-free level of radon exposure and eliminating it completely from our lives is impossible. Still, the EPA recommends that radon-reduction actions be taken when test levels come out at 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter–a unit for measuring radioactive concentrations) or higher. The World Health Organization (WHO) goes lower, recommending action at 2.7 pCi/L. While monitoring is important, you can put a BPE ERV on the case and bring a radon level of 6 pCi/L down to below 1 pCi/L. A BPE ERV can become a life saver-quite literally.

Even though the BPE-XE-MIR-200-i is simple to install, don’t let that stop you from asking questions. You’ll find a call to BPE, Inc. yields a friendly conversation about how your ventilation needs are best served (888.989.8539).