vänEE
The vänEE story begins in 1980 with Rick Olmstead founding Conservation Energy Systems Inc. However, the origins of the vänEE product really begin with the energy crisis of the early 1970’s that created concerns about energy security in North America.
Those concerns led to research and development of the first super insulated homes, and an appreciation for the indoor air quality issues that were created when air leakage was reduced dramatically. Traditionally homes were very dry during winter due to excessive air leakage, so humidification was required for comfort and health. Once air-sealed, homes retained moisture and chemical contaminants that were unhealthy for the occupants and the building. The need for controlled ventilation for the health of the occupants and the security of the building was soon identified.
The University of Saskatchewan developed plans for an air-to-air heat exchanger built of plywood and plastic sheeting based on the heat exchanger built for the Regina Conservation House. It soon became the standard product for high performance builders who would build one for each home.
However finding suitable fans, ductwork and controls led to inconsistent performance. It was while building super insulated homes in Saskatoon in the late 1970’s that Rick and others recognized the need for a smaller, more effective ventilation system with excellent heat recovery.
Dirk vänEE who had extensive experience from his work with the University of Saskatchewan Engineering Department joined with Rick to develop a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) that would be small enough to be easily transported, light enough to be moved into basements and with excellent ventilation and heat recovery performance.
The vänEE R200 was introduced in the summer of 1981 and featured double cross flow heat exchange modules with externally mounted fans and controls. Although basic in design the R200 provided excellent ventilation and heat recovery, the best in the industry. Units were shipped across Canada and into several US states until being replaced by the vänEE R2000 in 1985.
The R2000 revolutionized HRV product design in North America with heat recovery modules, fans, motors, controls and defrost inside a single insulated case. This design format became the standard for all future vänEE products and led the North American ventilation industry to adopt similar designs.
The unique defrost system, FrostBuster, provided for the first time, allowed reliable defrost even in the coldest weather while using a minimum amount of energy. For the first time, installers and homeowners had reliable ventilation performance in all weather conditions. Mounting the fans and motors inside the cabinet allowed the heat energy of the motors to be captured by the air streams improving efficiency. Internal air filters cleaned the outside air before entering the home and kept the heat recovery module clean. A hinged, removable door allowed all the components to be easily accessed for maintenance and service. The vänEE R1000 followed soon after with larger units for indoor swimming pools, portable classrooms, small commercial and institutional spaces being developed as markets were identified and proven.
The vänEE team recognized that it was not enough to have the best products. Standard methods of performance testing and installation guidelines were required before the building industry would fully embrace the value of heat recovery ventilation. The vänEE team joined with its competitors to develop CSA standards that have become the basis for all performance certification provided by HVI – the Home Ventilating Institute in North America.
Fortunately this hard work attracted visionary, hard work people throughout North America who saw the opportunity that was developing and took on the task of market development. Through their efforts the vänEE brand became the leader in North America. The history of the vänEE brand is one of amazing people who shared a vision of creating quality products that provide innovative solutions to indoor air quality problems.
Deco-Touch Wall Control
Product number: 40300
Specially designed to meet the ventilation needs of consumers, this digital and modern wall control is compatible with most vänEE air exchangers and offers exceptional value for money. It is easy to use with only 3 buttons and allows the user to select both manual and automatic (dehumidistat) mode for his convenience and for a peace of mind.
RECIRC Mode
In this mode, the air is recirculated inside the house at high speed.
20MIN/H Mode
The ventilation unit exchanges air intermittently on a one-hour cycle as follows: OFF for 40 min. (or recirculation2 on high speed or low speed for 40 min.) and then exchanges air during 20 min. on low speed. Repeats cycle after the 20 min. of air exchange for guaranteed energy efficiency and comfort.
MIN Mode
Air is exchanged with the outside at low speed.
MAX Mode
Air is exchanged with the outside at high speed.
Hygrometer
In the operating modes listed above, select a dehumidistat override so that if the relative humidity (RH) in the house exceeds the RH setting previously stored, the ventilation unit will exchange at high speed until the target indoor RH setting is reached ensuring ultimate comfort to the homeowner.
20-minute Lighted Push Button Wall Control
Product number: 1806110
This timer allows the unit to provide 20 minutes of high speed ventilation at the push of a button, to expel rapidly indoor stale air. Lighted when activated, up to five of them can be installed (e.g.: in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, etc.) to optimize the comfort in your home.
