ERV Installed, problems?

[Trent J]

Hi, I'm looking for some good advice...I installed a Mitsu Lossnay ERV and it seems to be working inadequately. Not sure how I can measure this but I'll try to explain. The intake and air exhaust seem to be working, but very lightly. The system is the proper size for our home and it's running on high 24/7. For example, I can take a tissue hold it about 2 inches away and it will stick to the register. Does this sound about right, or should it have more sucking power? Also, the RH the home is hovering around 50% I would like to reduce this even further, any suggestions?

[beenthere]

If its grabing a tissue from 2" away, it drawing enough air.

Are you in an arrea that is using heating or cooling this time of year.

How big is oyue home.
What size if the ERV(CFM).
What humidity increasing fitures do you have in your house. Hot tubes, etc.

[DanW13]

If your running a humidifier I would turn it down a notch to keep the RH under 50%, I idealy you want RH in the neighborhood of 35% - 45%. Do you have condensation on your windows at all with the high ID humidity now ?

[Trent J]

If its grabing a tissue from 2" away, it drawing enough air.

Are you in an arrea that is using heating or cooling this time of year.

How big is oyue home.
What size if the ERV(CFM).
What humidity increasing fitures do you have in your house. Hot tubes, etc.

My home is heating this time of year with radiant heating, similar to PA climate. Home is 1900 sqft and the ERV CFM is 147. Fixtures that could cause increased humitity are: Open shower, no glass enclosure (with seperate extractor fan), washer and dryer (exhasted to the outside), and sinks. Nothing too unusual. We have had extreme condensation problems in the attic above the upstairs bathroom, it has caused severe mold growth. We realize the vapor barrier probably has been installed wrong, but I went up into the attic and sealed any noticible screw holes etc. I have a continuos soffit vent and ridge vents. The worst condensation/moisture areas seems to be near the top plate, then it migrates upward to the roof decking. This is one of the main reasons I installed the ERV. Also, we do not have a humidifier. Thanks for your help.

[beenthere]

Sounds like you live near a creek, or are in a heavely wooded area.

You may need to get a dehumidifier.
There are a few homes in this area, that have to run a dehumidifier in the winter.
They are usually in wooded lots with a stream or creek nearby.
And the fresh air isn't dry enough to lower their indoor humidity by its self.

Plus, an ERV, doesn't remove humidity its self.
An HRV, would have been a better choice to lower your indoor humidity in the winter, but wouldn't help in the summer. Catch 22 with either in your case.