Which of the following is specifically mentioned as a prohibited application for energy recovery ventilation systems?

The reason clothes dryer exhaust systems are specifically mentioned as a prohibited application for energy recovery ventilation systems is due to safety and performance concerns. Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems are designed to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while transferring heat and moisture between the two airstreams. However, the exhaust from clothes dryers contains significant moisture and potentially harmful lint, which can create issues within the ERV system and ultimately affect its efficiency and safety.

Clothes dryer exhaust is high in temperature and contains particles that may damage the air exchange mechanisms or get trapped in the system, leading to reduced performance or even potential fire hazards. Therefore, integrating these two systems could compromise the effectiveness and safety of energy recovery systems, making it essential to prohibit their combined use.

Other options like commercial air conditioning systems, residential exhaust systems, and heating systems are not explicitly prohibited under the energy recovery ventilation guidelines, as they can be designed and implemented with considerations to avoid the issues that are prominent with dryer exhaust.