As many home builders, HVAC contractors, and real estate developers already know, states on the West Coast, especially California and Washington, typically have stricter building code requirements when it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ). These regulations often go beyond the national IAQ standards by requiring things like high-efficiency air filters, use of low-emission materials and enhanced ventilation systems to improve the health of indoor environments for homeowners and businesses alike.

Rather than thinking of these requirements as an obstacle, many forward-thinking builders are instead seizing the opportunity to create healthier, more comfortable homes with better ventilation — turning regulatory challenges into client value.

How? By using Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) like Panasonic Intelli-Balance^® Elite and Elite Plus+ Series ERVs, which work by continuously exchanging stale indoor air with fresh, filtered air, recovering energy from the outgoing air to maximize energy efficiency.

How Panasonic's Intelli-Balance Elite works

In today's market, modern homes and buildings are tightly sealed and can trap indoor pollutants, allergens and odors. Panasonic's newly designed Intelli-Balance^® Elite and Elite Plus+ Series ERVs provide continuous fresh air changes to dilute these contaminants and create a cleaner breathing environment.

The heart of an ERV is its "energy recovery core," a sophisticated air exchanger. Stale indoor air passes through one set of channels while fresh outdoor air passes through a separate set. The core's membrane design allows for the transfer of both sensible heat (temperature) and latent heat (humidity) between the two airstreams without mixing them. This is like a microscopic sponge that absorbs heat and moisture from the warmer, more humid air and releases it into the cooler, drier air. The result? In summer, hot humid outdoor air is cooled and dehumidified, while in winter, cold, dry outdoor air is warmed and its moisture content balanced.

By preconditioning incoming air, ERVs reduce the load on your HVAC system. This process leads not just to more consistent comfort, but also to tangible energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Setting your business apart with solutions that go above and beyond

For home builders and HVAC contractors wanting to stand out, exceeding code requirements with advanced solutions like ERVs will communicate to real estate professionals and home buyers that you're building with the future in mind, creating homes that surpass expectations due to their enhanced comfort, efficiency and wellness.

Panasonic always keeps compliance in mind, ensuring that each unit meets the latest building standards including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.2, while helping to create healthier indoor environments and supporting long-term energy savings.

These ERV solutions feature:

• Maximum efficiency: Zero percent sensible recovery efficiency (SRE) rating and reduced cubic feet per minute (CFM) loss at static pressure.
• Code-ready compliance: Meets advanced industry code standards for ventilation and moisture management.
• Integrated or optional wall-mount monitors: Provide homeowners with important system-maintenance notifications.
• Flexible performance options: Multiple models suit different project sizes and needs.
• Exceptional static pressure management: Experience minimal CFM loss under static pressure. This means better airflow and energy efficiency, leading to satisfied clients and fewer callbacks.
• Remarkable water vapor rejection: In hot, humid climates, Panasonic's patented Cross-Flow membrane core can reduce inbound moisture loads by as much as 40% depending on airflow.
• Versatile installation options: Simplify workflows with one SKU for both regular and mirror installations. Save time and reduce inventory complexity with flexible solutions.
• Advanced connectivity: Offer the modern convenience of remote operation with optional Wi-Fi controller to enhance the user experience.
• Energy-smart homes: Boost building value with high SRE ratings and deliver long-term energy savings.

"The Intelli-Balance Elite series expands our portfolio with advanced, adaptable solutions that promote optimal air circulation and filtration," said Ken Nelson, Ventilation Group sales manager at Panasonic Eco Systems. "This new product series reflects our continued commitment to delivering energy-efficient, reliable ventilation that helps create cleaner, more comfortable dwelling spaces."

Today's ERVs provide solutions to modern homes by creating superior indoor air quality and energy savings, making healthy, efficient living accessible for homeowners.

For more information about building healthier homes, visit IAQ.na.panasonic.com/intelli-balance.