I’m building a house and wondering if any of you know the rules/laws to this air exchanger thing. Personally I would rather have fans in my bathrooms and think air exchangers are a joke.. I’ve been told that you need to have one but Heating and Air work isn’t inspected. My guy isn’t exactly sure if I HAVE to put one in or not.
Do any of you know this for sure or where I can find my answer? If it’s a grey area I don’t want to be calling around asking the wrong people. It’s in Minnesota. Thanks! 
We were told it’s code in Wright County. However, my builder turned out to be quite questionable….Ah heck, he was a smuck who went out of business shortly after the sale of the home. 
I can’t remember for sure about the code, but I believe they are now required in Minnesota. I’ve been out of that game for a while. However, what I want to tell you is that I worked for Pella Windows for 5 1/2 years. Two of those years were spent as a Sales Rep selling replacement windows. I went into many houses in the Metro area that were 10 – 15 years old where the windows all needed to be replaced due to moisture issues in the winter. The way houses are constructed now, they are made for energy efficiency and sealed up tight. However, this doesn’t allow them to “breathe”. I would definitely go with an air exchanger from what I saw while working that job.
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I can’t remember for sure about the code, but I believe they are now required in Minnesota. I’ve been out of that game for a while. However, what I want to tell you is that I worked for Pella Windows for 5 1/2 years. Two of those years were spent as a Sales Rep selling replacement windows. I went into many houses in the Metro area that were 10 – 15 years old where the windows all needed to be replaced due to moisture issues in the winter. The way houses are constructed now, they are made for energy efficiency and sealed up tight. However, this doesn’t allow them to “breathe”. I would definitely go with an air exchanger from what I saw while working that job.
Good point, I’m sure I just don’t know enough about them. This house is a 5-7 year plan for me with resale after that. One of the many reasons I’m doing what I’m doing I guess.
An air to air is NOT required anywhere in MN. It says “mechanical ventilation”, which can be exhaust only systems. The fans do have to be rated for continuous operation. Most HVAC companies put them in, but they are not required.
ps I’m a plumbing/mechanical inspector for a TC suburb.
New home here in Blaine and I had pansonic fans in 3 bathrooms that run on low till then sense motion and kick on for 20 min then go back to low. With this system you have to have fresh air intake come in down by your mach room. Or spend $2500 on a air exchanger.
how much energy do you want to waste and still maintain comfort in your new home? if your provider does not know the answer to your question, then you need another provider.
HRV systems will do a great job providing fresh air as needed, recovery of energy from exhausted heating, moisture control is just a side benefit.
Sounds to me like you need to hire a Contractor and get a good heating/cooling company.
With houses so tight, I wouldn’t go without one. Your house is a system and you need to sit down with someone and have them explain it to you.
I to have a big problem with moisture in the house in the winter. I have had / in the process of replacing my window this year. i have got several quotes on HRV systems. This was the fix that everyone gave to me. we are getting a system put in for about $1400. I would check in to that.
For you guys with moisture problems, run your bath fans! Leave them run for a few hours each day next winter and see what a difference it makes. Make sure your combustion air intake is open to allow fresh air to come in the house.
Get a air to air exchanger and go with a bath fan for each bathroom.
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