No Electricity · No Filters · No Defrost Interruptions
HAE
HAE
Counter-Flow
Air Exchanger
Furnace Fan Driven · 84% Winter Effectiveness · Lifetime Core Warranty
NRC Canada — Measured Results
Project Report A1-004289, 2014. Head-to-head test vs. conventional HRV in matched research houses. Publicly citable and verifiable.
✓84% winter sensible effectiveness — 18 points above conventional HRV in NRC test
✓Zero defrost interruptions over 14-day NRC winter test — HRV spent 64 hours defrosting
✓No electricity at the exchanger — furnace fan provides all motive force
✓No filters — large 2" aluminum passages do not plug under normal use
✓100-, 200-, and 500-series — residential to commercial
✓Lifetime core warranty · Money-back guarantee with heat recovery
84%
Winter effectiveness (NRC)
0
Defrost interruptions (NRC)
0 kWh
Electricity at exchanger
Is this the right product?
✔ Right product if
You have a forced-air furnace system and need fresh air heat recovery with no electricity draw at the exchanger, no filters to maintain, and no defrost interruptions in cold climates.
✗ Not this product if
Non-ducted heating (radiant, boiler, mini-split) → the HAE requires a furnace fan to operate. A conventional HRV or ERV with its own blower is the correct specification.
Local code specifically requires an HRV/ERV by name → confirm code interpretation with your AHJ before specifying the HAE.
Local code specifically requires an HRV/ERV by name → confirm code interpretation with your AHJ before specifying the HAE.
What It Does
Counter-flow heat recovery using your existing furnace fan. No dedicated blower. No electricity at the exchanger. No filters. No defrost cycle.
The HAE is a counter-flow heat exchanger that uses your existing furnace fan as its only motive force. There is no dedicated blower motor in the HAE unit — no electricity draw, no motor to service, no controls to program. Fresh outdoor air enters through the HAE's aluminum counter-flow core, picks up heat from the outgoing stale exhaust air stream, and arrives at the supply plenum pre-tempered. The furnace fan distributes it. The HAE moves the heat.
The core consists of 12 large 2" diameter, 40" long aluminum passages. Fresh air flows inward through alternate passages. Stale exhaust air flows outward through the intervening passages in the opposite direction. Because the two airstreams flow counter to each other across the full core length, heat transfers across the entire passage length — not just at a single crossing point as in cross-flow designs. This is why the NRC measured 84% winter sensible effectiveness.
The large passage diameter serves a second purpose: passages too large to plug under normal residential use. No filter media, no filter housings, no maintenance schedule.
How the Counter-Flow Core Works
Fresh Air In
Cold outdoor air enters — flows inward through alternate passages
Counter-Flow Aluminum Core
12 × 2" passages, 40" long — heat transfers across full core length in both directions simultaneously
Stale Air Out
Warm exhaust air flows outward — gives up heat to incoming fresh air
Pre-Tempered Air to Supply Plenum
Furnace fan distributes pre-warmed fresh air to all zones
Moisture condensed from exhaust air drains via ½" hose to floor drain — 15 ft. included. No filters required.
Zero Electricity at the Exchanger
The HAE has no motor, no controls, and no power connection of its own. The furnace fan you already have provides all the motive force. NRC measured 0.07 kWh/day for the exhaust fan only — versus 1.96 kWh/day for the HRV blower motors in the same test.
No Filters — Ever
The 2" aluminum passages are too large to plug under normal residential use. No filter media, no cleaning schedule, no replacement cost. Conventional HRVs require filter cleaning every 1–3 months and replacement annually — over the HAE's service life, the maintenance savings are real.
Lifetime Core Warranty
The aluminum counter-flow core carries a lifetime warranty. No moving parts in the core — nothing to wear out. Hoyme also backs the HAE with a money-back guarantee with heat recovery. Contact Hoyme directly for full guarantee terms.
NRC 14-Day Winter Test — Defrost Performance
The HRV Spent 64 Hours Not Delivering Fresh Air. The HAE Had Zero Interruptions.
A conventional HRV defrosts by temporarily reversing or reducing airflow to melt ice accumulation. During defrost, fresh air delivery stops completely. In the NRC test at Canadian winter conditions, the HRV spent up to 6.75 hours per day in defrost mode — zero fresh air delivery to the house for that entire period, every day it was cold enough to cause icing.
The HAE does not have a defrost cycle. During every furnace firing, warm exhaust air flows through the core at elevated temperature — that warm airflow melts any ice accumulation as a side effect of normal heating operation. No dedicated defrost sequence, no fresh air interruption. Ventilation code requires fresh air delivery — not intermittent fresh air delivery.
HAE
0
Defrost interruptions over 14-day NRC winter test
HRV
64h
Total defrost time — up to 6.75 hrs/day with zero fresh air delivery
Requires a forced-air furnace system. The HAE has no motor of its own — the furnace fan provides all the motive force that moves air through the core. If there is no forced-air furnace, the HAE cannot operate. For buildings with radiant heat, boilers, or mini-splits without forced-air distribution, a conventional HRV or ERV with its own blower motor is the correct specification.
The Numbers
Measured results from a government-conducted head-to-head comparison — not manufacturer claims.
Source:
NRC Canada Project Report A1-004289 (2014) — Head-to-head comparison in matched research houses. Publicly available and verifiable.
| Metric | HAE Result | Conventional HRV Result |
|---|---|---|
| Winter sensible effectiveness | 84% +18 pts vs. HRV | 66% |
| Summer sensible effectiveness | 72% +11 pts vs. HRV | 61% |
| Defrost interruptions — 14-day winter test | 0 Zero fresh air interruptions | ~64 hours total |
| Maximum defrost time in a single day | 0 | 6.75 hours |
| Fan energy per day | 0.07 kWh Exhaust fan only | 1.96 kWh |
| Winter energy change vs. baseline | +2.6% See disclosure below | Baseline |
| Summer energy change vs. baseline | −11.2% Fan energy eliminated | Baseline |
Honest Disclosure — Winter Energy Figure
The HAE operates with unbalanced airflows — supply volume is approximately three times exhaust volume. The NRC test measured a winter heating energy increase of approximately 2.6% from this imbalance. This is a real and documented characteristic of the HAE design and should be considered in the specification. Summer testing showed 11.2% savings from eliminating HRV blower motor energy. Net annual energy performance is installation-dependent and climate-dependent — in most Canadian climates, summer savings partially or fully offset the small winter increase. Discuss the net energy calculation with the building owner before specification.
Measured Temperature Performance at −30°C Outdoor
Measured values from the NRC study in a typical residential installation — not calculated estimates.
| Operating Condition | Return Plenum Temp | Supply Plenum Temp | Stale Air Leaving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal operation at −30°C outdoor | +14°C | +22°C | 0°C |
| During furnace firing / passive defrost cycle | +34°C | +60°C | +6°C |
Incoming outdoor air at −30°C is pre-warmed to +14°C before it reaches the furnace fan during normal HAE operation. During furnace firing cycles, supply plenum temperature reaches +60°C from the combination of furnace heat and HAE heat recovery — pre-warmed incoming air benefits from both. The furnace is not heating −30°C air from scratch.
Models, Configuration & Kits
Three series cover residential through commercial fresh air requirements. Inline and offset configurations. Kit options available at order.
Select Your Series — Match to Required Fresh Air Flow
Series selection is based on the calculated ventilation requirement for the building. Ventilation code specifies minimum fresh air flow rates by building size and occupancy.
Most Common
100-Series
120
CFM max fresh air
Approx. dimensions: 14" × 13" × 52"
Single-family residential — standard application. Suits the majority of Canadian homes with forced-air furnace systems.
200-Series
220
CFM max fresh air
Approx. dimensions: 14" × 16" × 52"
Larger residential or light commercial — where the calculated ventilation requirement exceeds the 100-series capacity.
500-Series
600
CFM max fresh air
Approx. dimensions: 14" × 23" × 100"
Commercial applications. Multiple 500-series units can be installed in parallel for fresh air requirements above 600 CFM.
Configuration — Inline or Offset
Specify at order — configuration is set at the factory and cannot be changed after shipment.
Inline Configuration
The HAE body is placed directly in line with the supply and return plenum connections. The fresh air supply outlet connects directly downstream of the furnace fan, and the stale air exhaust inlet connects directly upstream. Suits mechanical rooms where the HAE can be positioned in a straight run without offset.
Offset Configuration
The HAE body is positioned to one side of the plenum connection points to accommodate mechanical room layout constraints — columns, beams, equipment clearances, or limited ceiling height. Offset allows the HAE to be located where it fits rather than where the plenum connections dictate. Specify offset at order.
Kit Options — Specify at Order
Kit options can be combined. Specify required components at order. You'll supply 5" and 8" flex ducting as required beyond what is included.
| Kit Option | What It Includes | Specify When |
|---|---|---|
| Double Hood | Two exterior termination hoods — one for fresh air inlet, one for stale air outlet | Exterior termination is required as part of the installation package |
| Plenum Connector | Factory-fabricated connection fitting for direct plenum attachment | Direct plenum connection is preferred over flex duct connection at the plenum |
| Manual Balance Damper (5") | Adjustable balancing damper for fresh air flow calibration | Fresh air flow rate needs to be set and locked at commissioning |
| 4 ft. Silver Flex | Insulated flexible duct section for connection flexibility | Short flexible connection between HAE and rigid duct is needed |
Installation Planning — Key Connection Points
The HAE connects to the furnace plenum system. Two exterior wall penetrations are required — one for fresh air in, one for stale air out.
Fresh Air Supply Connection
Connect the HAE supply outlet immediately downstream of the furnace fan in the supply plenum. This is where pre-tempered fresh air enters the distribution system and gets distributed to all zones. No insulated ducting required between the plenum and the HAE — air at this connection point is already near conditioned temperature.
Stale Air Exhaust Connection
Connect the HAE exhaust inlet immediately upstream of the furnace fan in the return plenum. Negative pressure from the furnace fan draws stale room air through the HAE core for heat recovery. Route the ½" drain hose to a floor drain with a continuous downward slope — no low points where condensate can pool and freeze.
Exterior termination: Two exterior wall penetrations are required. For the fresh air inlet, pair with an OOH All-Weather Hood (passive) or a MOH Motorized Hood if powered close is required. For the exhaust outlet, pair with a BDH Back Draft Hood. Both terminations can be supplied as part of the HAE package — specify the double hood kit option at order.
What's in the Box
Included with every HAE
- HAE counter-flow air exchanger assembly (inline or offset as ordered)
- Metal hanger brackets for ceiling or wall mounting
- 15 ft. of ½" plastic drain hose
- Kit components if kit option(s) ordered
You'll supply
- 5" and 8" flex ducting as required
- Exterior wall penetration hardware
- Floor drain connection
- Motorized inlet damper and controls if powered fresh air control is required
HAE vs. Conventional HRV
A direct comparison across the factors that determine long-term ownership value — based on NRC measured results, not manufacturer claims.
| Factor | HAE | Conventional HRV |
|---|---|---|
| Heating system required | Forced-air furnace | Any — standalone unit |
| Winter sensible effectiveness | 84% (NRC measured) | 66% (NRC measured) |
| Summer sensible effectiveness | 72% (NRC measured) | 61% (NRC measured) |
| Defrost interruptions — 14-day winter test | Zero | ~64 hours total |
| Max defrost time in a single day | Zero | 6.75 hours |
| Electricity at the exchanger | None — zero | 1.96 kWh/day (NRC) |
| Exhaust fan energy | 0.07 kWh/day (NRC) | Included in above |
| Winter heating energy impact | +2.6% (unbalanced airflow — see disclosure in Section 3) | Baseline in NRC comparison |
| Summer energy impact | −11.2% savings | Baseline |
| Filters required | None — ever | Clean every 1–3 months, replace annually |
| Moving parts in exchanger unit | None | Blower motor(s), controls |
| Core warranty | Lifetime | Varies by manufacturer |
| Performance guarantee | Money-back with heat recovery | Standard warranty only |
| Mechanical room footprint | Larger — inline duct assembly | More compact standalone unit |
When Each Is the Right Choice
The HAE is not the right product for every building. The decision comes down to one primary question — does the building have a forced-air furnace?
✔ Specify the HAE when…
✓Forced-air furnace system is present
✓Defrost-free operation in Canadian winters is a priority
✓No electricity draw at the exchanger is required or desired
✓Freedom from filter maintenance is valued by the building owner
✓Higher winter effectiveness (84% vs. 66%) is a specification priority
✓Mechanical room has space for an inline duct assembly
→ Specify a conventional HRV when…
→No forced-air furnace — radiant, boiler, or mini-split heating system
→Local code specifically requires an HRV/ERV by name — confirm with AHJ before ruling out the HAE
→Compact standalone unit is required due to mechanical room constraints
→Balanced airflow (equal supply and exhaust) is a hard specification requirement
Common Questions
Answers to what comes up most when specifying the HAE.
How does the HAE compare to a conventional HRV in measured testing?
NRC Canada (Project Report A1-004289, 2014) conducted a head-to-head comparison in matched research houses. The HAE measured 84% sensible effectiveness in winter versus 66% for the HRV — 18 percentage points higher. Summer: 72% versus 61%. The HRV spent approximately 64 hours in defrost mode over a two-week winter test, with zero fresh air delivery during defrost periods. The HAE had zero defrost interruptions. Fan energy: 0.07 kWh/day for the HAE exhaust fan versus 1.96 kWh/day for the HRV blower motors. The NRC report is publicly available and verifiable.
Is there a winter energy penalty?
Yes — a small one, and it should be disclosed. The HAE operates with unbalanced airflows: supply volume is approximately three times exhaust volume. The NRC test measured a winter heating energy increase of approximately 2.6% from this imbalance. Summer testing showed 11.2% energy savings from eliminating HRV blower motor energy. The net annual energy performance depends on the local climate, heating season length, and electricity versus gas costs. In most Canadian climates, summer savings partially or fully offset the small winter increase. This is an installation-specific calculation and should be discussed with the building owner before specification.
Does the HAE work without a forced-air furnace?
No. The HAE has no motor of its own — the furnace fan provides all the motive force that moves air through the HAE core. If there is no forced-air furnace system, the HAE cannot operate. For buildings with radiant heat, boilers, or mini-split systems without forced-air distribution, a conventional HRV or ERV with its own blower motor is the correct specification.
Why does the HAE never need defrosting?
During every furnace firing cycle, warm exhaust air flows through the HAE core at elevated temperature. That warm airflow melts any ice accumulation automatically — defrost is a side effect of normal heating operation, not a dedicated interrupt cycle. The conventional HRV has a dedicated defrost mode that reverses or reduces airflow to melt ice, which stops fresh air delivery for the duration. Because the HAE defrosts passively during every furnace firing, there is no dedicated defrost cycle and no fresh air interruption. Zero defrost interruptions were recorded over the entire NRC 14-day winter test at Canadian temperatures.
Does the HAE require filters?
No. The large 2" diameter aluminum passages in the HAE core do not plug under normal residential use. There are no filter media, no filter housings, and no maintenance schedule for filter replacement or cleaning. Over the service life of the HAE, the absence of filter maintenance is a real cost and time saving for the building owner — conventional HRVs and ERVs require filter cleaning every 1–3 months and replacement annually.
What exterior terminations do I need?
Two exterior wall penetrations are required — one for the fresh air inlet and one for the stale air exhaust outlet. For the fresh air inlet, pair with an OOH All-Weather Hood (passive) or a MOH Motorized Hood if powered close is required when the HAE is not operating. For the exhaust outlet, pair with a BDH Back Draft Hood. If you want both terminations supplied as part of the HAE package, specify the double hood kit option at order.
What is the money-back guarantee?
Hoyme offers a money-back guarantee with heat recovery on the HAE. This is a manufacturer-backed performance guarantee — not a standard product return policy — and the terms are specific to heat recovery performance in a correctly installed system. Contact Hoyme directly at 1-800-661-7382 for full terms and conditions of the guarantee.
Can multiple HAE units be installed in parallel for larger applications?
Yes. The 500-series commercial units can be installed in parallel for fresh air requirements above 600 CFM. Each unit operates independently, connected to the same supply and return plenums. Sizing and parallel configuration details for commercial applications are available from Hoyme directly.
Ready to Order
HAE — Furnace Fan Counter-Flow Air Exchanger
Select your series (100/200/500), configuration (inline/offset), and kit options — then add to cart. Money-back guarantee with heat recovery. NRC Report A1-004289 available on request.
Configure & Order ↑
Series · Configuration · Kit Options
Need help specifying the HAE?
Contact Hoyme directly for sizing, configuration, and money-back guarantee terms.