Standard for Rating Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Energy Recovery Ventilation Equipment

ANSI/ARI Standard 1060: An Essential Guide to Rating Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers for Energy Recovery Ventilation Equipment

For engineers and designers navigating the complexities of energy-efficient building systems, understanding the performance of critical components is paramount. ANSI/ARI Standard 1060 provides an authoritative framework for evaluating air-to-air heat exchangers, the core of Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) equipment. This standard ensures consistency and reliability in performance ratings, empowering professionals to select and integrate ERV technology with confidence.

What is ANSI/ARI Standard 1060?

ANSI/ARI Standard 1060, developed by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), establishes the definitive methodology for rating the performance of air-to-air heat exchangers intended for use in Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) equipment. Its primary purpose is to provide a standardized approach for manufacturers to present performance data, enabling engineers and specifiers to make informed decisions based on proven metrics.

Scope & Purpose

This comprehensive standard specifically governs the testing and rating of factory-made air-to-air heat exchangers designed for integration into ERV systems. It defines key performance indicators such as airflow, pressure drop, sensible, latent, and total effectiveness, along with exhaust air transfer ratios. Importantly, the standard explicitly excludes heat exchangers that utilize a circulated heat transfer medium, such as those found in run-around loop systems.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Mechanical Designers, Product Managers, Test Technicians, and other professionals involved in the design, specification, and manufacturing of ERV equipment.
• • Industries affected: HVAC Manufacturing, Building Construction, Energy Services, and Commercial/Institutional Facility Management.
• • Compliance nature: Primarily voluntary, driven by the desire to participate in ARI's certification program and to provide credible, standardized performance data.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through the ARI Certification Program, which involves independent laboratory testing and review of published ratings.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard mandates a rigorous approach to performance evaluation. Key provisions include:

• • Standardized Test Conditions: Professionals must ensure testing is conducted under defined ARI Standard Rating Conditions to facilitate comparable results across different manufacturers and models.
• • Defined Performance Metrics: The standard requires the reporting of critical performance parameters, including sensible and latent effectiveness, total effectiveness, and pressure drop at specific airflow rates (e.g., 100% and 75% of rated airflow).
• • Measurement of Air Leakage: Key provisions include the calculation and reporting of Exhaust Air Transfer Ratio (EATR) and Outdoor Air Correction Factor (OACF) to quantify unintended air mixing.
• • Clear Data Presentation: Manufacturers must adhere to minimum data requirements for published ratings, ensuring transparency and aiding in proper application selection.
• • Nameplate Information: Specific marking and nameplate data are required to clearly identify the rated performance of the heat exchanger.

Related Standards & References

ANSI/ARI Standard 1060 often works in conjunction with other industry benchmarks. Complementary standards include ASHRAE Terminology of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration for defining core terms, and ASHRAE Standard 84, which provides foundational principles for energy recovery ventilation systems. These references ensure a cohesive understanding and application of ER