The selection of an appropriate recuperator should be based on, among others, the building area, the quality and efficiency of the equipment, as well as operating costs. We attempted to create a ranking that includes heat recovery units that are economical and at the same time modern. We hope that in this way we will make it easier for customers to make good purchasing decisions.
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TOP 10 best recuperators
Zehnder ComfoAir Q350 PL R VV Basic TR ventilation unit
The device owes its high position in the ranking primarily to its favorable price-quality ratio. The ZEHNDER Q350 PL R VV Basic TR recuperator has gained enormous popularity among users thanks to:
Low noise emissions;
Energy efficiency;
Performance;
Low operating costs;
Failure-free;
Attractive price.
The efficiency of the unit is as much as 350 m³/h. The entire tasks of the recuperator are controlled by sensors for regulating air flow, temperature comfort and humidity. Control (option) is via the ComfoSwitch C panel and the ComfoConnect LAN C module. Additionally, the equipment includes a modulated bypass, pre-heater and a cross-counter-current exchanger.
Vasco DX4 E recuperator
Heat recovery remains constant at 89% with a capacity of 400 m³/h. In addition, the air handling unit has:
Automatic air flow control for constant balance maintenance (Constant Flow);
Cross-counterflow exchanger;
Summer modulated bypass;
ISO ePM1 55% air filter for supply.
The installation does not require any modifications, but what is noteworthy is the ability to control the device via an Internet connection (Vasco Wi-Fi gateway - 11FH30008) and the VASCO CLIMATE CONTROL application dedicated to Android and iOS. Additionally, the selection of ventilation intensity and the periodic ventilation function are supervised by a wireless RF switch (3-speed switch).
The manufacturer has provided the possibility of pairing additional sensors (optional) that measure the level of carbon dioxide and humidity. The price of the presented model is one of the lowest on the market.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q450 PL R VV Basic ST ventilation unit
Another representative of the ComfoAir Q series in our list. What caught our attention was the larger surface area of the exchanger than in the case of recuperators from other manufacturers. Capacity 450 m³/h. It is possible to convert the device to the left-hand version.
The remaining parameters are similar to those of the leader of our list, Zehnder ComfoAir Q350.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q600 PL R VV ST ventilation unit
A higher degree of heat recovery is possible thanks to the Paul heat exchanger being enlarged by 25%. The diamond-like shape of the exchanger, unique from other manufacturers, allowed the heat load to be reduced by 38%, and lower air resistance generates savings in energy costs.
Other parameters:
The unit operates with a capacity of up to 600 m³/h at 200 Pa;
Automatic anti-freeze regulation and chimney protection;
Integrated electric pre-heater and automatic bypass;
Fixed (ST) connection ports;
Built-in air flow, temperature and humidity sensors;
Possibility of retrofitting the recuperator;
Functional and intuitive control panel on the housing.
An intelligent system that regulates the temperature of air drawn from outside the recuperator ensures optimal energy efficiency.
Vasco D275 IIIE recuperator
The recuperator with a maximum capacity of 275 m³/h was designed for small and medium-sized buildings whose area does not exceed 160 m². In order to save space, ceiling installation is planned, although it is possible to install the recuperator conventionally, directly on the wall.
The device's body is made of foamed polypropylene (EPP). Heat recovery is maintained at 90%. The recuperator has automatic air flow control to constantly maintain the balance (Constant Flow).
Good value for money.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q450 PL R VV ST ventilation unit
The manufacturer managed to combine the advantages of the right- and left-hand versions in one device, making the installation of the recuperator relatively simple and therefore cheaper. The system startup wizard and intuitive display make the device startup much easier. The entire process takes place in just 3 stages.
Other parameters:
Capacity up to 450 m³/h at 200 Pa;
Larger heat exchanger surface;
The shape of the exchanger, resembling the geometry of a diamond, increases heat recovery, reducing electricity consumption;
Modulating pre-heater;
Control via ComfoSwitch C, ComfoSense C panel, ComfoConnect LAN C, KNX and Option Box (GWC, 0-10V) modules.
Original Zehnder filters that meet the requirements of the ISO 16890 standard ensure dust-free air and maximum hygiene in rooms.
Zehnder ComfoAir Q350 PL R VV TR ventilation unit
ComfoAir Q series products have already accustomed users and installers to the highest quality and assembly improvements. One of them is to combine the advantages of the right- and left-hand versions in one device, or to use a functional system startup wizard.
The air handling unit with a capacity of up to 350 m³/h at 200 Pa ensures maximum heat recovery in the winter months via a modern air volume balancing system. This is facilitated by a modulated pre-heater that responds intuitively to the air temperature coming from outside.
Vasco DX6 E recuperator
An exceptionally efficient unit, guaranteeing an air flow of 570 m³/h (pressure 100 Pa). The individual functions of the heat recovery unit are supervised via the Internet thanks to the use of a Wi-Fi gateway. For this purpose, the manufacturer provides a dedicated application for Android and iOS.
Technical parameters:
Automatic air flow control for constant balance maintenance (Constant Flow);
Cross-counterflow exchanger;
Modulated summer bypass:
ISO ePM1 55% air filter for supply.
Good value for money.
Vasco X350E recuperator
Heat recovery 91% at a capacity of 350 m³/h (pressure 150 Pa). Like other models in this series, the recuperator is equipped with a powder-coated steel casing and an internal structure made of EPP. Control via an application compatible with IOS and Android systems.
It is recommended to use a dedicated PTC pre-heater (11VE44130).
Vasco DX5 E recuperator
Last on the list, but by no means should it be considered inferior. Another copy of the Vasco device surprises with its high efficiency (480 m³/h - static pressure 100 Pa. Heat recovery 89%) with relatively small dimensions.
And, as in other models presented, control is possible from a tablet or smartphone. VASCO CLIMATE CONTROL application allows you to view the current temperatures in the recuperator and the operating status of the bypass, pre-heater and anti-freeze protection. It is also possible to modify the recuperator settings.
We have presented 10 recuperators that differ in efficiency, price and some parameters. Despite the use of a certain gradation, all devices meet the highest technical and quality standards. Therefore, it is difficult to clearly assess which recuperator is the best. We leave this issue for you to consider, hoping that you will make the right choice.