The Vents Airlite EC Series Commercial Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are engineered for dependable fresh-air ventilation with energy recovery in demanding commercial environments. Available in four models-ERV 5, ERV 8, ERV 13, and ERV 25 (based on CFM) Airlite units deliver balanced supply and exhaust airflow while recovering both heat and humidity through a high-efficiency enthalpy heat exchanger.

Designed for efficiency, durability, and straightforward service access, the Airlite EC Series helps facilities improve indoor air quality, support ventilation requirements, and reduce the energy penalty that comes with bringing in outdoor air.

Ideal for: commercial offices, schools, retail, clinics, multi-unit buildings, light industrial, and other applications requiring continuous outdoor air with energy-efficient recovery.

Built for commercial durability:

Corrosion-resistant steel casing

Each Airlite EC Series ERV features a steel casing protected by a multi-layer aluminum + zinc alloy coating to help prevent corrosion over the life of the unit. The casing supports service access from both the left and right sides, making installation and maintenance easier in tight mechanical rooms.

For safer servicing, the unit includes a service-panel safety switch that turns the ventilator off when the access panel is opened.

Outdoor installation: An optional roof cover is highly reccomended for outdoor mounting to help protect the unit from weather exposure.

High-efficiency enthalpy energy recovery core

Heat + humidity recovery with no drain pan

At the heart of the Airlite EC Series is a unique enthalpy heat exchanger designed for high-efficiency heat and moisture transfer. By recovering sensible and latent energy, the unit helps stabilize indoor comfort while reducing heating and cooling loads.

Because the core is designed for enthalpy exchange, no drain pan is required, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance points.

EC centrifugal fans for efficiency and control
Backward-curved blades + precise speed control

The Vents Airlite EC Series uses supply and exhaust centrifugal fans with backward-curved blades, paired with advanced EC (Electronically Commutated) motor technology.

This combination delivers:

• High energy efficiency
• Precise, controllable airflow
• Stable performance across operating conditions

To support long-term reliability, the fans include built-in thermal overheating protection and an automatic restart function. Motors and impellers are dynamically balanced to minimize noise and vibration, supporting smooth operation in commercial settings.

Automatic cold-weather protection
Fan-stop defrost below 23°F (-5°C)

For cold climates, the Airlite EC Series includes automatic frost protection. A fan-stop defrost system activates when the outdoor temperature falls below 23°F (-5°C) to help reduce the risk of frost buildup and maintain effective operation.

Filtration options for commercial IAQ
Washable MERV 6 standard; MERV 8 / MERV 13 optional

Each unit includes washable MERV 6 filters in both the supply and exhaust air streams. For applications that require enhanced particulate filtration, optional MERV 8 or MERV 13 filter upgrades are available—helping support indoor air quality goals in higher-sensitivity environments.

Integrated controls and automation

The Airlite EC Series includes an integrated automation and control system designed for commercial functionality, including:

• Operation mode switching
• Airflow balancing via independent supply and exhaust fan speed adjustment
• Automatic recovery-core frost protection
• External control device connection for integration into a broader building control strategy

This control flexibility makes it easier to commission balanced airflow and fine-tune ventilation rates to suit the building’s needs.

How to Select the Correct Airlite EC Series ERV (ERV 5 / 8 / ERV 13 / ERV 25)

Model selection should be based on required outdoor air (OA) delivery at the project’s design external static pressure (ESP), with enough operating margin for commissioning, balancing, filtration upgrades, and seasonal control strategies.

1) Start with design airflow (delivered CFM, not just “max CFM”)

Use your ventilation schedule (or OA requirement) to determine the required supply and exhaust airflow. Then select the Airlite model that can deliver that airflow at the anticipated ESP:

• ERV 5: up to 490 CFM
• ERV 8: up to 650 CFM
• ERV 13: up to 800 CFM
• ERV 25: up to 1800 CFM

Engineering note: published “up to” CFM is not the same as delivered CFM once duct losses, fittings, terminal devices, and filtration are accounted for. Always verify performance against the unit’s fan curve and project ESP. (specs can be found in our download section)

2) Confirm external static pressure (ESP) and duct system complexity

ESP drives real delivered airflow. If your layout includes long runs, multiple elbows/transitions, attenuators, dampers, coils, or higher-grade filters, account for those losses up front.

Sizing guidance: For systems with moderate-to-high ESP or future filtration upgrades (e.g., moving from MERV 6 to MERV 13), it’s typically prudent to select the next size up to maintain target CFM without operating at the top end of the fan curve.

3) Select for controllability and balancing (commissioning-friendly)

Airlite EC Series units support independent supply and exhaust EC fan speed adjustment, allowing technicians to:

• Balance supply/exhaust to achieve neutral pressure (or controlled offset where required)
• Maintain consistent OA delivery across operating conditions
• Fine-tune airflow during TAB without external VFD complexity

This is especially useful in retrofit scenarios, multi-zone projects, and spaces sensitive to pressurization.

4) Climate and frost protection considerations

For cold-climate operation, Airlite units include automatic frost protection. A fan-stop defrost cycle initiates when outdoor temperature falls below 23°F (-5°C) to reduce the risk of recovery core frost accumulation and maintain functional operation.

5) Filtration and IAQ spec requirements

Standard configuration includes washable MERV 6 filters on both supply and exhaust streams. Where project requirements call for improved particulate performance, MERV 8 or MERV 13 filter options are available.

Practical note for techs: higher MERV filtration increases pressure drop; factor that into ESP and verify the unit can maintain design CFM at the upgraded filter condition.

6) Installation environment and service access

Airlite EC Series units use a corrosion-resistant, coated steel casing and are designed for service access from either left or right side. A service panel safety switch de-energizes the unit when the access door is opened.

For outdoor installations, we highly recommend the optional roof cover to protect the cabinet and components from weather exposure.

Quick model selection by airflow band (for schedules / takeoffs)

• Up to 490 CFM → Airlite ERV 5
• Up to 650 CFM → Airlite ERV 8
• Up to 800 CFM → Airlite ERV 13
• Up to 1800 CFM → Airlite ERV 25

Recommended practice: select a unit that meets design airflow with margin (rather than operating continuously at maximum output) to improve efficiency, reduce sound, and simplify TAB.

We work with contractors, developers, and builders across North America. 📞 Call us toll-free or email our sales team for more information. We also create custom bespoke Commercial solutions as well.