Community: Mechanicals

I design/build homes in a Cold Climate area in WV with an average yearly temp. of about 45 degrees F.

I have read about a few new Cold Climate Heat Pumps that have come on the market in the last few years. Unlike conventional Heat Pumps these new models claim to perform effeciently below freezing temps. I believe a company called Nypl as well as a company called Hallowell have models available. I have read that the Hallowell Acadia model offers a Coeffecient of Performance of 2.55 at 17 degrees F.

Do these Cold Climate Heat Pumps truly perform as advertised?

We just received a Venmar EKO 1.5 HRV. It is lined with some sort of plastic foam (styrofoam?) that has a chemical smell. Any one else experience this? Will this smell go away?

Why would my HVAC filter show absolutely no dirt or dust? It fits tightly and there is no residual dust in the air handler unit. A couple of years ago I found that the top of one of the return runs was never closed in, leaving it open to the mechanical room in which that return was located. I covered the opening with duct board and sealed it with mesh and mastic. The majority of returns are panned (what a joke!) and are not accessable. Those that are accessable, I have also sealed appropriately. The filter may not display dust, but the house sure does! Climate Zone 5.

I'm in the beginning stages of building a super-insulated house near Ottawa, Canada. The foundation is completed and we're about to start framing. One of the last details / sub-contractsI need to tie up is the HRV system. One of the firms providing a quote insists a 1500-2000w duct heater is required.

I recognize that the fresh air is likely to be somewhat cooler than the temperature of the house. However, this suggestions a little over-the-top given that the house will have R50 walls, R80 attic, tripled-glazed fibreglass windows and will be tight at less than 1.0 ACH50.