ERV and HRV Effectiveness Verification Report
Verify ERV and HRV sensible and latent recovery performance against AHRI 1060 with documented test conditions, airflow checks, and pass/fail closeout.
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Overview
This template is a field verification report for energy recovery ventilators and heat recovery ventilators. It is built to document whether the installed unit is delivering sensible and latent recovery effectiveness that can be compared to the AHRI 1060 rated values for that specific model and operating condition.
Use it when you need a defensible acceptance record after installation, commissioning, maintenance, or troubleshooting. The form captures unit identification, operating mode, test date and time, test instrument readiness, outdoor and return air conditions, supply and exhaust airflow, bypass damper position, visible condition of the core and filters, calculated effectiveness, and any deficiencies or corrective actions. That makes it useful for projects where ventilation performance affects comfort, humidity control, energy recovery, or compliance documentation.
Do not use it as a simple pass/fail checklist if the system is unstable, the instruments are out of calibration, or the airflows are not balanced enough for a valid comparison. It is also not the right template for unrelated HVAC inspections such as duct leakage testing, combustion safety checks, or general preventive maintenance rounds. The value of this report is that it ties field measurements to rated performance and leaves a clear record of what was measured, what was out of tolerance, and whether retest is required.
Standards & compliance context
- This template supports comparison to AHRI 1060 rated recovery effectiveness, which is the primary performance reference for ERV and HRV equipment.
- The inspection record can support HVAC commissioning, maintenance, and energy recovery verification programs that rely on documented field measurements and corrective action tracking.
- If the unit serves a regulated occupancy, the report may be used alongside project specifications, mechanical code requirements, and AHJ review expectations.
- Where indoor air quality or humidity control is critical, the report helps show that the installed system is operating as intended rather than merely energized.
- Manufacturer instructions and site-specific acceptance criteria should be followed in addition to any applicable industry standards or local code requirements.
General regulatory context for orientation only — verify current requirements with counsel or the relevant agency before relying on this template for compliance.
What's inside this template
Inspection Scope and Equipment Identification
This section anchors the report to the exact ERV or HRV being tested and defines the acceptance target before any measurements are taken.
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ERV/HRV unit identification matches the asset being verified
Record unit tag, manufacturer, model, serial number, and serving area. Confirm the equipment under test is the intended ERV or HRV.
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Verification scope defined as sensible and latent recovery effectiveness comparison to AHRI 1060 rated values
Confirm the inspection is intended to compare field-measured sensible and latent recovery effectiveness against the applicable AHRI 1060 rating basis and project acceptance criteria.
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Operating mode at time of test is documented
Record whether the unit was in normal occupied mode, economizer bypass, defrost, standby, or another mode that could affect results.
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Test date and time recorded
Document the date and start time of the field verification.
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Applicable acceptance criteria documented
Record the project-specific pass/fail criteria, including minimum acceptable sensible and latent effectiveness and any required tolerance to AHRI 1060 rated values.
Test Conditions and Instrument Readiness
This section proves the test setup is valid by documenting calibration status and the outdoor and return air conditions used for comparison.
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Test instruments are calibrated and within calibration date
Confirm temperature, humidity, airflow, and pressure instruments used for the verification have current calibration status.
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Outdoor and return air conditions are stable enough for valid comparison
Verify conditions are not rapidly fluctuating and are suitable for a meaningful field effectiveness measurement.
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Measured outdoor air dry-bulb temperature
Record the outdoor air dry-bulb temperature at the test point.
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Measured outdoor air relative humidity
Record the outdoor air relative humidity at the test point.
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Measured return air dry-bulb temperature
Record the return air dry-bulb temperature entering the energy recovery device.
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Measured return air relative humidity
Record the return air relative humidity entering the energy recovery device.
Airflow and System Operating Verification
This section confirms the unit is operating in the intended configuration and that airflow balance will not distort the recovery result.
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Supply airflow measured at the test condition
Record the supply airflow through the ERV/HRV during the verification.
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Exhaust/return airflow measured at the test condition
Record the exhaust or return airflow through the ERV/HRV during the verification.
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Airflow balance is within project tolerance
Confirm supply and exhaust airflow are balanced within the project or manufacturer tolerance used for the test method.
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Bypass dampers and controls are in the intended test position
Verify bypass, face-and-bypass, dampers, and controls are positioned so the recovery core is being tested as intended.
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Filters, core, and heat exchange surfaces are visibly serviceable
Check for excessive fouling, blockage, frost, damage, or other conditions that could invalidate the performance reading.
Effectiveness Measurements and Calculations
This section captures the actual sensible and latent recovery values and compares them to the rated AHRI 1060 performance.
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Measured sensible recovery effectiveness
Enter the field-calculated sensible recovery effectiveness for the unit under test.
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Measured latent recovery effectiveness
Enter the field-calculated latent recovery effectiveness for the unit under test.
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AHRI 1060 rated sensible effectiveness
Record the manufacturer or certified AHRI 1060 rated sensible effectiveness used as the comparison baseline.
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AHRI 1060 rated latent effectiveness
Record the manufacturer or certified AHRI 1060 rated latent effectiveness used as the comparison baseline.
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Measured sensible effectiveness meets acceptance criteria
Confirm the measured sensible effectiveness meets or exceeds the project acceptance threshold relative to the AHRI 1060 rated basis.
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Measured latent effectiveness meets acceptance criteria
Confirm the measured latent effectiveness meets or exceeds the project acceptance threshold relative to the AHRI 1060 rated basis.
Deficiencies, Corrective Actions, and Closeout
This section turns findings into action by recording non-conformances, assigning follow-up, and documenting final disposition.
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Any deficiency or non-conformance identified
Document any condition that prevented valid verification or caused the unit to fall below the acceptance criteria.
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Corrective action assigned
Describe the corrective action, responsible party, and target completion date for any deficiency found.
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Retest required
Indicate whether a follow-up verification is required after corrective action is completed.
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Inspector signature
Signature of the person performing the verification.
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Final disposition
Record whether the ERV/HRV passed, passed with deficiencies, or failed the verification.
How to use this template
- 1. Confirm the ERV or HRV asset tag, model, and location match the unit being tested, then record the intended acceptance criteria and the operating mode in effect during the test.
- 2. Verify that all instruments are calibrated and appropriate for the expected temperature, humidity, and airflow ranges before taking any readings.
- 3. Measure and record outdoor air and return air dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity only after conditions are stable enough to support a valid comparison.
- 4. Measure supply and exhaust or return airflow at the test condition, confirm balance is within project tolerance, and note bypass damper and control positions.
- 5. Calculate sensible and latent recovery effectiveness, compare the measured values to the AHRI 1060 rated values and project acceptance criteria, then document any deficiency, corrective action, retest need, and final disposition.
Best practices
- Record the exact operating mode, fan status, and damper position before you start measuring, because a control change mid-test can invalidate the result.
- Use calibrated instruments with known accuracy for the expected range of temperature, humidity, and airflow, and note the calibration due date on the report.
- Take measurements only after the unit has stabilized long enough for outdoor and return air conditions to be meaningful for comparison.
- Photograph the nameplate, core condition, filters, and bypass damper position at the time of inspection so the report supports the field findings.
- Flag any airflow imbalance before calculating effectiveness, because poor balance can make a healthy core look underperforming.
- Treat dirty filters, blocked cores, and stuck dampers as performance-limiting deficiencies, not cosmetic observations.
- If the measured result is close to the acceptance limit, document the uncertainty and consider retest under tighter test conditions rather than forcing a close call.
What this template typically catches
Issues teams running this template most often surface in practice:
Common use cases
Frequently asked questions
What does this ERV and HRV Effectiveness Verification Report cover?
It covers field verification of sensible and latent recovery effectiveness for an energy recovery ventilator or heat recovery ventilator, compared to the unit’s AHRI 1060 rated values. The template walks through equipment identification, test conditions, airflow verification, measured effectiveness, and closeout. It is designed to produce a defensible record of whether the installed unit is performing as expected under the test conditions used.
When should this template be used?
Use it after installation, during commissioning, after major maintenance, or when occupants report comfort, humidity, or ventilation issues that may point to poor recovery performance. It is also useful for periodic verification in facilities that depend on stable indoor air conditions, such as healthcare, labs, schools, and food production areas. If the unit is not operating in a stable mode or the airflows are not balanced, the report should note that the test is not valid rather than forcing a pass/fail result.
Who should complete this verification report?
A qualified commissioning agent, HVAC technician, TAB professional, or facilities engineer should complete it, depending on the project requirements and site policy. The person running the test should understand ERV/HRV operation, airflow measurement, and how to compare field results to rated performance. If the report is used for acceptance, the reviewer should also be able to determine whether the test conditions were suitable for a valid comparison.
How often should ERV and HRV effectiveness be verified?
There is no universal cadence, but common triggers include startup commissioning, seasonal changeover, post-repair retesting, and scheduled preventive maintenance. Facilities with tight humidity control or critical ventilation needs may verify more frequently, especially after filter changes, damper adjustments, or control updates. The right interval is usually tied to risk, occupancy sensitivity, and whether the unit’s performance affects compliance or indoor environmental quality.
What standards or codes does this template relate to?
The template is aligned to AHRI 1060 for rated recovery effectiveness comparison, which is the key reference for ERV and HRV performance claims. Depending on the project, it may also support commissioning and maintenance documentation under HVAC quality programs, energy management requirements, or owner acceptance criteria. It does not replace manufacturer instructions, project specifications, or any local mechanical code requirements enforced by the AHJ.
What are the most common mistakes when using this report?
The biggest mistake is comparing field measurements to rated values without documenting stable test conditions, airflow balance, and operating mode. Another common issue is using instruments that are out of calibration or not appropriate for the measurement range. Teams also miss visible defects such as dirty cores, bypass dampers left in the wrong position, or filters that restrict airflow enough to distort the result.
Can this template be customized for different ERV and HRV systems?
Yes. You can add project-specific acceptance criteria, manufacturer model details, site tolerances, and any additional readings needed for your controls sequence or commissioning plan. It can also be adapted for rooftop units, dedicated outdoor air systems, or packaged ventilation equipment that includes energy recovery components. Keep the core structure intact so the comparison to rated effectiveness remains clear.
How does this report fit with commissioning or maintenance workflows?
It works as a field verification record that can be attached to commissioning reports, maintenance logs, or corrective action tracking. The deficiency and retest fields make it easy to hand off issues to the responsible party and confirm closure later. If your team uses a CMMS or commissioning platform, the report can be used as the inspection form that feeds those records.
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