Which type of exhaust systems are prohibited from having energy recovery ventilation systems installed?

Energy recovery ventilation systems are designed to capture and reuse energy from exhaust air, which is beneficial for improving energy efficiency in many applications. However, certain types of exhaust systems, especially commercial kitchen exhaust systems, are prohibited from using these systems due to the nature of the contaminants in the exhaust air.

Commercial kitchen exhaust systems handle air that is laden with grease, heat, moisture, and other contaminants. The presence of these substances makes the air unsuitable for energy recovery processes. If energy recovery were to be employed in these systems, it could lead to the accumulation of grease and other residues within the recovery unit, posing significant fire hazards and requiring more frequent maintenance. Additionally, the food particles and grease could compromise the efficiency and longevity of the energy recovery equipment.

In contrast, residential, bathroom, and industrial exhaust systems typically deal with cleaner air and do not have the same degree of contamination as commercial kitchens. Therefore, energy recovery ventilation can be safely implemented in those types of systems to improve overall air quality and energy efficiency without compromising safety.